What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a free program with regular group meetings held across cities in the United States, including various locations in Puerto Rico, USA, where more information is available at https://www.wfmh.org/aa/puerto-rico. These meetings provide a safe, confidential environment where members share experiences and support each other on the path to sobriety.
Ave. Hostos 420, Mayagüez, PR
Meeting Times: Thursday 8:30 pm – Beginners Meeting; Saturday 9:00 am – Open Speaker and Discussion
The Beginners Meeting on Thursdays provides new members with foundational support and introductions to the AA principles in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The Saturday Open Speaker and Discussion meeting features members sharing personal stories followed by an open group discussion, fostering connection and mutual encouragement.
32202 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano, CA (Note: Though not Puerto Rico, included for reference)
Meeting Times: Refer to local schedule as meetings vary
The Community Presbyterian Church location hosts both in-person and zoom meetings. In-person gatherings take place in modular buildings at the driveway’s end, emphasizing a smoke-free and vape-free environment. These sessions focus on collective sharing and working through AA’s 12-step program.
Condado Area, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Meeting Times: Morning meetings based on Daily Reflections, schedule varies
These English-language meetings encourage introspection and growth by focusing on daily AA reflections. They are ideal for daily reinforcement and connecting with the Puerto Rico Sobriety Network community in San Juan.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.This foundational step acknowledges the need for help and acceptance of addiction’s impact.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.This step opens the door to hope through faith in recovery beyond self-will.
- Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Commitment to surrender enables personal transformation.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.Self-reflection identifies behaviors and patterns needing change.
- Admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.This builds accountability and relief through confession.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Fostering willingness to change flaws and shortcomings.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Prayer and humility support ongoing improvement.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.Encourages responsibility and preparation for restitution.
- Made direct amends wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Taking action to repair relationships and heal past damage.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Maintains ongoing honesty and self-improvement.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge and power to carry out His will.Deepens spiritual connection and guidance.
- 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.Encourages service and living the recovery principles fully.
This structured program aims to motivate members toward positive change and sustainable recovery throughout Puerto Rico, USA.
Getting Started with AA in Puerto Rico, USA
The best way to find local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is to search the meeting directory at wfmh.org. The website offers comprehensive listings for both in-person and online/virtual AA meetings available across Puerto Rico, ensuring easy access to support in your area.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Puerto Rico are categorized into “open” and “closed” meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Anyone can attend, including family members and friends who want to understand or support recovery. |
| Closed | Only for individuals who identify themselves as having a desire to stop drinking, i.e., those in recovery. |
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself as a new member; this helps ease first-time nerves and foster connection.
- If comfortable, share your personal experiences during the meeting—this openness can aid in recovery and group bonding.
- Receive welcome keychain tags marking sobriety milestones, symbolizing your progress and encouraging persistence.
Milestone Keychain Tags:
- 30 days: Celebrates the first full month of continuous sobriety, emphasizing the initial commitment.
- 60 days: Marks two months of sobriety, reinforcing early recovery stability.
- 90 days: Acknowledges the quarter-year achievement, a significant early milestone.
- 6 months: Reflects sustained dedication and increasing strength in sobriety.
- 9 months: Highlights the continued journey toward long-term recovery.
- 1 year: Celebrates the full year of sobriety, exemplifying resilience and transformation.
- 18 months and beyond: Offered in yearly increments up to 50 years, recognizing lifelong commitment.