Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Rhode Island, USA
What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, providing a fellowship where members share their personal experiences to promote recovery. It is a free program available across many cities in the United States including several locations throughout Rhode Island where they are holding meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous in Rhode Island.
AA holds regular group meetings in Rhode Island, where members gather to discuss their journey toward sobriety and support one another through structured programs and shared commitment.
Riverside Congregational Church
Address: 15 Oak Ave, Riverside, Rhode Island
Meeting Time: Mondays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Details: This is an open discussion meeting where any individual interested in understanding or supporting recovery from alcohol addiction can participate. The meeting offers an interactive format for sharing personal stories and challenges in sobriety.
Saint Johns Church
Address: 63 Church St, Slatersville, Rhode Island
Meeting Time: Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Details: The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple) meeting is designed as an open discussion, focusing on simplifying recovery concepts for newcomers and regular members alike. Participants share relevant experiences in a welcoming and relaxed setting.
Saint Robert Bellarmine Church
Address: 1804 Atwood Ave, Johnston, Rhode Island
Meeting Time: Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Details: The Sober Life meeting is open to all and encourages sharing stories to inspire hope among attendees. It emphasizes peer support and motivation throughout the recovery process.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.This initial acceptance encourages members to recognize their problem and the need for help, laying the foundation for recovery.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.This step invites an open mind toward spiritual or external support for healing and guidance.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Members commit to entrusting their recovery journey to a higher power, cultivating surrender and trust.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.This introspective step involves honestly evaluating personal behavior and patterns that contribute to addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Confession fosters self-awareness and relief from shame by sharing one’s struggles in a safe environment.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Preparing for change emotionally and mentally helps members embrace personal growth and transformation.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.This step emphasizes humility and a sincere request for help in overcoming character defects.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.Recognizing damage caused to others prepares the way for making reparations and healing relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.This practical action restores trust and peace for both the member and others affected.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Ongoing self-reflection maintains progress in recovery and helps avoid relapse.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out.This step nurtures spiritual growth and alignment with a higher purpose.
- 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.Members extend their experience and support to others, perpetuating the cycle of recovery within communities across Rhode Island and beyond.
Getting Started with AA in Rhode Island, USA
For those seeking to begin or continue their recovery with Alcoholics Anonymous in Rhode Island, the best option is to search for meetings on wfmh.org. This official resource offers a comprehensive and up-to-date directory of local meetings tailored to various preferences.
AA meetings across Rhode Island are available both in-person and online/virtual formats, accommodating members’ comfort levels and accessibility needs.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first meeting in Rhode Island, it is important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings. Open meetings are accessible to anyone interested in recovery or learning about AA, while closed meetings are reserved strictly for those who identify as alcoholics or have a desire to stop drinking.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | These meetings welcome members, their families, and guests. They provide an opportunity to learn about AA and hear personal stories from members. |
| Closed Meetings | Exclusive to individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. These meetings focus on sharing experiences among peers working directly on their recovery. |
It is recommended to arrive early, introduce yourself as a new local member, and participate in sharing your experiences only if you feel comfortable. First-time attendees are often given welcome keychain tags to mark their recovery milestones, providing encouragement and recognition.
- 30 days: Acknowledge the first month of continuous sobriety, symbolizing initial commitment.
- 60 days: Celebrate sustained focus and growing resilience in the recovery journey.
- 1 year: Marked milestone honoring a full year of sobriety, a significant achievement in AA.
- Longer milestones such as 18 months, 2 years, and beyond are also recognized with corresponding tags.