AA meetings in Portland, Oregon are open to anyone who is seeking support during recovery from alcohol addiction. AA meetings are a kind of group therapy for those suffering from alcohol addiction. You can find AA meetings in Portland, or any area in Oregon by doing the following:
- Visit the official AA website: The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) website provides a convenient search feature that allows individuals to find meetings in their area. Users can enter their location, such as city or ZIP code, and get a list of nearby meetings.
- Contact the local AA hotline: Many regions have a local AA hotline or intergroup office that can provide information about meeting locations and schedules. These offices are typically staffed by volunteers who are knowledgeable about local meetings.
- Ask healthcare providers or therapists: Doctors, therapists, or addiction counselors may have information about AA meetings in the area; they can provide recommendations based on the individual’s needs.
- Check community bulletin boards: Many community centers, libraries, and churches have bulletin boards where AA meeting schedules are posted.
- Attend local hospitals or treatment centers: Hospitals or addiction treatment centers may hold AA meetings on their premises or have information about nearby meetings. Some alcohol and drug rehabs in Portland, like Crestview Recovery, may also help you find a meeting after treatment.
- Use mobile apps or online directories: There are various mobile apps and online directories that list AA meetings by location. This allows individuals to find meetings easily on their smartphones or computers.
- Ask other AA members: If the person knows someone who attends AA meetings, they can ask for guidance in finding meetings in their area.
Types of AA Meetings in Portland, Oregon
There are many types of AA meetings to cater to different types of people seeking support. Some meetings also reflect where an individual is on their recovery journey. After completing an alcohol addiction rehab program in Portland, you will have different types of meetings to choose from; these may include the following:
Open Meetings: Open meetings welcome not only individuals who have a drinking problem but also non-alcoholics who are interested in learning about AA. These meetings may be attended by healthcare professionals, students, family members, or anyone curious about the AA program.
Closed Meetings: Closed meetings are exclusive to individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. Attendance is limited to those who identify as alcoholics.
Discussion Meetings: In discussion meetings, a topic related to recovery, the AA program, or alcoholism is introduced; attendees share their thoughts and experiences on the subject. This format encourages group interaction and participation.
Speaker Meetings: At speaker meetings, a member with long-term sobriety shares their personal experience, strength, and hope in recovery. Other attendees listen and gain inspiration from the speaker’s journey.
Step Meetings: Step meetings focus on working through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Participants discuss their progress in working the steps and how it has influenced their sobriety.
Big Book Study Meetings: These meetings involve a detailed study and discussion of AA’s primary text, “Alcoholics Anonymous” (commonly known as the Big Book). Members explore the program’s principles and how they apply to their lives.
Tradition Meetings: Tradition meetings delve into AA’s Twelve Traditions, which provide guidelines for the group’s unity and functioning. Discussions may revolve around how these principles govern the organization of AA.
Meditation or Reflection Meetings: Meditation or reflection meetings offer a quiet and contemplative atmosphere where attendees can focus on their spirituality and sobriety.
Beginner’s Meetings: Beginner’s meetings are specifically designed for newcomers to AA. These meetings provide an introduction to the program, answer questions, and offer support to those new to recovery.
Gender-Specific Meetings: Some AA meetings are gender-specific, with separate groups for men and women. These meetings provide a safe and comfortable environment for sharing more personal experiences.
Young People’s Meetings: Young people’s meetings cater to individuals in their teens and twenties. They offer a space for young adults to relate to each other’s challenges and experiences in recovery.
What Happens During AA Meetings in Portland, Oregon?
AA meetings typically begin with a welcome, followed by introductions, a reading of AA literature, and a reflection on recovery principles. People can expect to hear stories of strength, hope, and challenges from members who have achieved sobriety through the AA program. Attendees have the opportunity to share if they wish, though it’s not required.
Participants may discuss their progress, challenges, or any topic related to recovery. The meeting concludes with a closing statement or prayer, emphasizing unity and support. When you go to an AA meeting in Portland, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This environment is a judgment-free zone where you can feel comfortable sharing or simply listening. Whether newcomers or long-time members, everyone is encouraged to attend, participate, and find support in their journey to lasting sobriety.
How Long Are AA Meetings?
AA meetings are usually one hour long. Meetings can be longer or shorter depending on attendance and participation. Members try to keep meetings brief because they may have commitments after the meeting, such as returning to work.
Can You Bring Friends or Family to AA?
You’re welcome to bring friends or family to open AA meetings. Open AA meetings are meant to be informative for anyone who wants to learn about AA programming. Bringing your friends or family members to a meeting may help them better understand addiction; having that kind of recovery support is imperative. At Crestview, our family therapy program for addiction also provides an understanding of the unique issues involved with substance use.
Family and friends may not attend closed meetings of AA. This is because AA needs to provide privacy and anonymity for its members. Welcoming people who just want to visit or sit in on meetings could be potentially harmful to the purpose of AA. So before you bring someone to AA for support, be sure to find out the type of meeting you’re attending.
Do You Get Sobriety Chips in AA?
Yes, members receive sobriety chips in AA when they reach certain lengths of time remaining sober. In Alcoholics Anonymous, sobriety chips are a symbolic and motivational tool used to mark milestones in an individual’s journey to sobriety. Sobriety chips, also known as “anniversary chips” or “medallions,” are small tokens given to commemorate specific lengths of continuous sobriety.
