How Do I Find an AA Meeting Near Me, SMART Recovery Meeting, or Other Recovery Meetings?

How to Find a Meeting

So you need attendance verifications, and to get those you need to attend meetings. You're in the right place to get started.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning after some time, knowing how to get started can feel overwhelming. Here are four easy steps to help identify the type of meeting, search for a meeting that suits your schedule, gather more information, and prepare to attend.

Recovery meetings come in various formats and philosophies, so it’s important to find one that resonates with you.

Step 1: Decide the Type of Meeting You Prefer

Think about whether you’d feel more comfortable in a 12-step program like AA or NA or a more scientific approach like SMART Recovery.

Those aren’t your only options, though. Explore other programs out there, such as LifeRing, Recovery Dharma, Refuge Recovery, and Celebrate Recovery.

Also, consider if an online meeting might be easier for you to start with, as it can be accessed from the comfort of your home.

Step 2: Search Online

Use a search engine to look for meetings near you.

You can search for “AA meetings near me,” “SMART Recovery online meetings,” or “substance-specific support groups.” Websites like the AA Meeting Locator or SMART Recovery’s SMARTfinder are great resources.

Below is a list of all the meeting listings for the top seven recovery programs.

Most meetings are organized by day, time, and location (or online).

Many programs also have audience-specific meetings, so keep an eye out for women only, LGBTQ+, veterans, or Spanish-speaking, for example.

See what feels right to you. Attend a meeting when you’re ready. See if you like it. You aren’t locked in; the important thing is to keep trying until you find the right program for you.

Step 3: Reach Out

Once you find a meeting that interests you, consider reaching out to the contact provided.

This can be a great way to learn more about the meeting's atmosphere, what to expect, and how they accommodate newcomers.

Step 4: Prepare Yourself

Attending your first meeting can be daunting. Prepare yourself mentally by acknowledging that everyone at the meeting has faced similar challenges.

Remember, you can always try another meeting if it doesn’t feel right.

Tips for Your First Meeting

1. Keep an Open Mind
   Recovery is a personal journey, and different approaches work for different people. Be open to the experiences shared by others.
   
   
2. Listen Actively
   Sometimes, just listening to others who understand your struggles can provide comfort and insights.
   
   
3. Participate at Your Own Pace
   You don’t have to share if you aren’t comfortable. It’s okay to just listen until you feel ready to participate.
   
   
4. Attend Multiple Meetings
   Sometimes the first meeting you attend might not be a great fit. It's perfectly fine to try different meetings until you find the one where you feel most at home.

Getting that Verification

After you've chosen the meeting you wish to attend, you can save yourself some frustration by confirming with the meeting contact ahead of time whether they provide verifications. Alternatively, an online meeting that offers Pathcheck will ensure you can get your verification after the meeting concludes. Learn where to find a meeting's Pathcheck code.

Starting out attending recovery meetings can feel daunting, and requiring attendance verification just adds to the list of unknowns. But by going to that first meeting and getting that first verification you'll soon find it's not as scary as it may seem.