Overview of AA
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global support group designed to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The program is based on a 12-step approach, providing a supportive and confidential environment where members can share their experiences and receive guidance from others who understand their challenges. AA offers a free and welcoming space for anyone seeking help with their alcohol dependency, regardless of background or personal history. To find local meetings and support, you can visit alcoholics anonymous athens ga.
AA Meetings in Athens
In Athens, there are several AA meetings held throughout the week, offering flexibility and support to individuals looking to make a change in their lives. These meetings are free to attend and are open to anyone who wishes to overcome alcohol addiction. Below are some locations where AA meetings are held in Athens:
Church of Saint George
Address: 123 Main St., Athens, Greece
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Open meetings, allowing both newcomers and those with experience to attend.
- The format includes sharing personal experiences, followed by a group discussion.
- There are both speaker meetings and discussion-based sessions.
Athens Community Center
Address: 456 Elm St., Athens, Greece
Meeting Times:
- Tuesday: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Closed meetings for those who have a desire to stop drinking.
- Step and tradition studies are incorporated into the meetings.
- Small group format with opportunities for one-on-one support.
Greek Recovery Center
Address: 789 Piraeus Rd., Athens, Greece
Meeting Times:
- Monday: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Open meetings where family members and friends of individuals in recovery are welcome.
- Focus on the 12-step program with a strong emphasis on fellowship and mutual support.
- Supportive and confidential environment encouraging openness and growth.
These locations and meetings provide individuals in Athens the opportunity to access support for alcohol addiction and begin the journey toward recovery.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a structured approach to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and create lasting positive change. Each step encourages personal reflection, growth, and accountability, guiding members toward a sober and fulfilling life. Below is a list of the 12 Steps with a brief description of each:
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.Acknowledging the inability to control alcohol consumption and the chaos it causes.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.Recognizing the need for external help and support for recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Surrendering control to a higher power, as defined by each individual.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.Taking an honest look at personal behaviors and attitudes to identify areas for change.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Confessing personal shortcomings to promote emotional healing.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Being open to change and willing to let go of harmful behaviors.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Seeking help from a higher power to eliminate negative traits.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.Taking responsibility for past actions and relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Actively repairing relationships where feasible and appropriate.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Regularly reflecting on actions and admitting mistakes promptly.
- 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 the power to carry that out.Developing a deeper spiritual connection for guidance and strength.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.Sharing the experience and recovery process with others to inspire and support their journeys.
These steps serve as the foundation for the AA program in Athens and worldwide, helping members stay focused on their recovery and encouraging positive change.
Getting Started with AA in Festus, Missouri
Finding Local Meetings
To begin your journey with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Festus, Missouri, you can use the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This tool allows you to find AA meetings near you, whether in-person or online, offering flexibility for your schedule and preferences. Many communities in Festus provide both in-person and virtual/online meetings, allowing participants to choose the format that works best for them.
Meeting Options in Festus, Missouri
AA offers a variety of meeting formats to suit different needs:
- In-person Meetings: Gather with local members in a supportive, face-to-face environment.
- Online/Virtual Meetings: Participate from home, offering convenience for those unable to attend in person.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Open vs. Closed Meetings
In Festus, AA meetings are typically categorized as open or closed. Here’s the distinction:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Anyone is welcome to attend, including family and friends. |
| Closed Meetings | Only individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction are allowed to attend. |
Tips for Your First Meeting
- Arrive early: Arriving a bit before the meeting starts will allow you to settle in and feel more comfortable.
- Introduce yourself: Let others know you’re a new member to help build connections with fellow attendees.
- Share your experiences: If you feel comfortable, share your story with the group. This can be a meaningful part of the recovery process.
Welcome Keychain Tags
At your first meeting in Festus, you’ll receive a welcome keychain tag as a symbol of your commitment to the program. These tags mark important milestones in your recovery:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 1 year
And additional milestones as you continue your journey.