What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a free program consisting of regular group meetings where members share their experiences and support each other toward sobriety. AA meetings are available in cities across the United States, including various locations in Rhode Island, as listed by the World Forum for Mental Health.
In Rhode Island, AA meetings provide a welcoming environment to anyone seeking help with alcoholism. These meetings are free of charge and rely on member contributions to remain self-supporting. Meetings can vary in format but are unified by the central aim of helping members stay sober and support others on the same journey.
Providence – St. Martin de Porres Parish Hall
Address: 244 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908
Meetings time: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Methods/Details: This location hosts an open discussion meeting where newcomers and regular members are encouraged to share their personal stories and challenges related to alcoholism. The atmosphere is supportive and confidential, focused on mutual aid through verbal sharing and group feedback.
East Providence – Riverside Congregational Church
Address: 15 Oak Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915
Meetings time: Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Methods/Details: At Riverside Congregational Church, meetings follow a speaker format where an invited member shares their recovery story, followed by group discussion. This structure is designed to inspire hope and foster connections among participants in a calm, respectful setting.
Woonsocket – Holy Family Church
Address: 414 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Meetings time: Fridays at 8:00 PM
Methods/Details: The Friday night meeting at Holy Family Church is a closed 12-Step meeting aimed at members who have a desire to stop drinking. It focuses on reading and discussing the Twelve Steps of AA and encourages members to openly work through each step with peer support.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
This first step encourages members to acknowledge the severity of their addiction and their inability to control drinking alone. - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Members open themselves to the possibility that external help can guide them back to a balanced life. - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
This step emphasizes trust and surrender to a higher power for healing and strength. - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Members critically examine their behaviors and motives to understand the roots of their addiction. - Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
This promotes honesty and transparency as key components of recovery. - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
This step involves preparing mentally and spiritually to let go of negative traits contributing to addiction. - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Members seek humility and ask their higher power for help in overcoming their flaws. - Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
This step fosters accountability and willingness to repair relationships damaged by addiction. - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Members actively work to correct their wrongs while considering the feelings and safety of others. - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Ongoing self-monitoring and confession help maintain sobriety and personal growth. - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
This step encourages spiritual development and self-reflection. - 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 commit to helping others and living according to AA principles to sustain their recovery.
Getting Started with AA in Rhode Island, USA
People seeking to participate in AA meetings within Rhode Island can find the most reliable and up-to-date information on local meetings by visiting wfmh.org. This site provides comprehensive directories including both in-person and online/virtual meetings available in most areas of the state.
AA meetings are accessible to anyone regardless of background, and options exist to accommodate preferences for face-to-face interaction or online participation for added convenience and privacy.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
In Rhode Island, there are two common types of AA meetings: open and closed. It’s important to understand the difference before attending.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in the AA program, including alcoholics, family members, and friends. These meetings encourage sharing and learning from a broader audience. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. Closed meetings allow a more intimate environment focused on recovery without outside observers. |
It is recommended to arrive early for your first meeting and introduce yourself as a new member. This helps establish connections and eases any initial anxiety. Sharing your experiences is optional and only encouraged when you feel comfortable.
New members in Rhode Island AA meetings typically receive welcome keychain tags symbolizing their milestones in recovery.
- 30 days: A keychain tag celebrating the first month of sobriety.
- 60 days: Marks two months of commitment to staying sober and personal growth.
- 1 year: A significant milestone recognizing twelve months of continuous sobriety and adherence to AA principles.
- Additional milestones such as 18 months, 2 years, and beyond are often recognized with different tags or chips, reinforcing ongoing commitment.