Alcohol addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans, including many people in the greater Chicago area. Thankfully, there are resources available for those who are looking for help and support on their journey to recovery. One of the best resources for individuals and families struggling with alcohol addiction is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA meetings offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their stories, find strength in community, and learn how to move forward in sobriety. This guide provides an overview of the different types of chicago aa meetings, as well as tips on how to get started.
Types of Meetings
The first step to attending an AA meeting is understanding the different types of meetings that are offered. Most AA meetings follow the same format -– members gather together to discuss various topics related to addiction and sobriety –- but there are also specialized meetings that cater to specific needs or interests. In Chicago, some of the most common types of meetings include Open Discussion, Closed Discussion, 12 Step Study Groups, Speaker Meetings, Women’s Only Meetings, LGBT+ Meetings, Book Study Groups, Big Book Study Groups and Young People’s Meetings. There are also online meetings available for those who cannot attend an in-person meeting due to health reasons or other personal circumstances.
Finding a Meeting
Once you have decided which type of meeting you would like to attend, it’s time to find one near you. The best way to do this is by using the official Alcoholics Anonymous website or downloading their mobile app onto your device. Both platforms make it easy to search for local AA meetings by city or ZIP code so you can easily find one near you. Additionally, many churches offer AA meetings in their basements or fellowship halls if you would prefer a more faith-based approach to recovery.
Getting Started
Attending your first AA meeting can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips on how best prepare yourself before attending your first meeting:
1) Research ahead of time – Take some time before the meeting begins to research what will happen at an AA meeting so you know what topics may come up during discussion and what kind of language will be used by attendees (e.g., “higher power” instead of “God”).
2) Dress comfortably – Wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable; everyone at an AA meeting should be accepting no matter what you wear!
3) Don’t be afraid – It’s completely normal if your nerves get the better of you at first; just remember that everyone at an AA meeting has been where you are now so they understand how scary it can be starting out!
4) Respect others – Everyone has their own story so always listen attentively without judgement; try not interrupting others when they are speaking or offering unsolicited advice unless asked for it directly.
Conclusion:
For anyone dealing with alcohol addiction in Chicago—or anywhere else—AA can provide invaluable support on their path towards recovery. With its wide variety of specialized offerings tailored towards different needs and interests plus its ease of access online or through apps like Meeting Finder Plus!, anyone looking for help can quickly find a convenient place nearby where they can take part in meaningful conversations with peers facing similar issues while learning about ways they can stay sober going forward. Together we can all work towards finding our own success stories when it comes recovering from alcohol addiction!