Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The program is available in cities across the US, offering regular group meetings where members can share their experiences and gain support from others facing similar challenges. In Florida, specifically in Duval County and Jacksonville, individuals seeking meeting information can visit https://www.wfmh.org/aa/florida/duval/jacksonville to find local AA meetings, which provide a structured environment for recovery and help participants work through the challenges of addiction.
What is AA?
AA is designed to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction by providing a supportive community and a framework for recovery. The program is free and open to anyone seeking help, with meetings held regularly in various locations throughout Florida, Duval, and Jacksonville.
Unity Church
The Unity Church, located at 634 Lomax St, Jacksonville, FL, hosts AA meetings. On Fridays at 10:00 PM, they hold an open AA discussion meeting, providing a space for individuals to share their personal stories and experiences. This meeting is open to anyone interested in attending, whether they are new to AA or have been attending for some time.
Fourth Street Group
The Fourth Street Group meets at 20 W 4th St, Jacksonville, FL. Meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 7:00 PM. These meetings vary in format, including open discussion and speaker meetings, allowing attendees to engage with the material in ways that best suit their needs. The group environment is supportive and inclusive, encouraging participants to share their experiences if they feel comfortable doing so.
Beach United Methodist Church
Beach United Methodist Church, located at 324 5th Street N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, hosts the Beaches Group AA meetings. Meetings are held on Monday at 8:00 PM for open discussion, Tuesday at 8:00 PM for a 12-step meeting, Thursday at 8:00 PM for a Big Book study, and Saturday at 8:30 AM for coffee and conversation. These various formats cater to different preferences and needs, ensuring that attendees can find a meeting style that suits them.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA are a structured program designed to help members overcome alcohol addiction and achieve personal growth. Each step is aimed at motivating positive change and spiritual development.
- Admitting Powerlessness
Admitting one’s powerlessness over alcohol is the first step toward recovery. This involves acknowledging that alcohol use is beyond one’s control and that it has caused significant problems in one’s life. Accepting this reality helps individuals begin their journey toward sobriety. - Coming to Believe
This step involves coming to believe in a power greater than oneself that can help with recovery. It is about developing faith in a higher power or a spiritual principle that can guide the recovery process. - Making a Decision
Making a decision to turn one’s will and life over to the care of God as one understands Him is a crucial step. This involves surrendering one’s ego and personal will to a higher power, allowing for a more open and receptive approach to recovery. - Taking Inventory
This step requires individuals to take a thorough moral inventory of themselves, acknowledging both their strengths and weaknesses. It is a process of self-reflection and personal responsibility. - Admitting to God, to Ourselves, and to Another Human Being
Admitting the exact nature of one’s wrongs to oneself, to God, and to another human being is an act of humility and accountability. This step helps individuals confront their past mistakes and seek forgiveness. - Being Ready to Remove Defects
Being entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character is about being willing to change and let go of negative behaviors. This step is about openness to personal growth and improvement. - Asking God to Remove Shortcomings
Humbly asking God to remove one’s shortcomings is a step of spiritual surrender, acknowledging that one cannot change alone. It involves seeking spiritual help to overcome personal flaws. - Making Amends List
Making a list of all persons one has harmed and being willing to make amends to them is a process of taking responsibility for past actions. This step prepares individuals to make reparations and seek forgiveness from those they have wronged. - Making Direct Amends
Making direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others, involves taking action to repair relationships and make things right. It is about taking concrete steps to heal past wounds. - Continual Personal Growth
Continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when one is wrong is a step of ongoing self-reflection and growth. It involves regularly assessing one’s actions and attitudes to ensure continued progress in recovery. - Seeking Guidance
Seeking guidance through prayer and meditation to improve one’s conscious contact with God is about deepening one’s spiritual connection. This step helps individuals stay centered and focused on their recovery journey. - Carrying the Message
Carrying the message to alcoholics and practicing the principles of AA in all aspects of life is the final step. It involves sharing one’s experiences with others and living by the principles of AA to help others achieve recovery.
Getting Started with AA in Florida, Duval, Jacksonville, USA
To find local AA meetings in the Jacksonville area, individuals can visit the World Federation for Mental Health (wfmh.org) to search for both in-person and online/virtual meetings. This platform offers a convenient way to locate meetings that fit your schedule and preferences.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting, it is helpful to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. You can choose to share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing so. AA meetings are divided into open and closed meetings, each serving different purposes.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open meetings are available to anyone interested in attending, including non-alcoholics such as family members or friends. These meetings provide a good introduction to AA for newcomers. |
| Closed Meeting | Closed meetings are exclusively for alcoholics or those with a desire to stop drinking. They offer a more intimate setting for personal sharing and discussion. |
At your first meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag, which is a symbol of your commitment to recovery. These tags are often given to commemorate milestones such as:
- 30 Days – A milestone marking the beginning stages of sobriety.
- 60 Days – Recognizing progress and increased commitment to recovery.
- 3 Months
- 6 Months
- 1 Year – A significant milestone marking a year of sobriety.
- Multiple Years – Celebrating long-term recovery and continued involvement in AA.
These milestones serve as encouragement and motivation for individuals on their recovery journey.