What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group dedicated to helping individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. More details about local meetings and recovery resources can be found through the World Forum for Mental Health, which offers information on AA programs and support networks. It offers a structured, peer-supported program focused on recovery and maintaining sobriety.
AA provides a free program with regular group meetings held throughout cities across the United States, including numerous locations in Sacramento, California, Sacramento, USA.
North Hall Group
3501 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817
Meetings are held daily and include diverse groups such as LGBTQIA+ members, promoting an inclusive atmosphere. Meetings are a combination of open discussions and topic-focused sessions, designed to share experience, strength, and hope to support sobriety in a respectful environment.
Traditional Group – Alta Arden Expressway
2625 Alta Arden Expressway, Sacramento, CA 94203
This location offers both in-person and virtual meetings, including a popular Birthday Meeting that celebrates sobriety milestones. The meetings often integrate meditation and traditional AA readings to provide a calming and steady environment for recovery.
East Yolo Fellowship – Back to Basics
910 Sacramento Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95605
Meetings here focus on the “Big Book” of AA as well as step meetings held in English. These sessions emphasize returning to foundational AA principles with participants sharing personal stories, facilitating a supportive recovery space.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step recognizes acceptance of the inability to control drinking.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. It encourages open-mindedness to spiritual support.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves a commitment to spiritual guidance.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Participants reflect honestly on their character defects and behaviors.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This brings accountability and transparency.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Prepares for personal change to eliminate negative traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Involves a humble request to release character flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Focuses on taking responsibility towards others.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Actively working to repair relationships.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Encourages ongoing self-reflection and correction.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out. Enhances spiritual development.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and practice these principles in all our affairs. Emphasizes service and sharing the recovery message.
These steps aim to motivate members toward positive change and sustained sobriety in Sacramento communities.
Getting Started with AA in California, Sacramento, Sacramento, USA
Individuals seeking help can find local AA meetings through the official global website wfmh.org. This is the best resource for up-to-date listings of in-person and online/virtual meetings available in Sacramento and surrounding areas.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Sacramento are generally categorized as open or closed meetings. Understanding the difference helps newcomers choose the right setting.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Anyone, including non-alcoholics, friends, and family, may attend. This encourages community support and awareness. |
| Closed | Attendance is limited to those who have a desire to stop drinking, ensuring confidentiality and a focused environment. |
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself as a new local member and familiarize yourself with meeting etiquette.
- If comfortable, you may share your experiences; listening to others share is also important.
- Often, first-time attendees receive welcome keychain tags marking sobriety milestones as recognition.
Sobriety Tag Milestones
- 30 days: First milestone celebrating one month of sobriety.
- 60 days: Recognizes two months sustained sobriety.
- 90 days: Marks a quarter year of continuous recovery.
- 6 months: Half-year sobriety celebration.
- 9 months: Highlights nine months of continued commitment.
- 1 year: A significant milestone celebrating one year of sobriety.