Below is a comprehensive directory of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in Long Beach, California. If you’re looking for support or want to help others on their journey to sobriety, these meetings provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Contents
Finding a Meeting
The closest AA meeting to you is located just 1.25 miles away and takes place every Sunday at 9:00 AM. However, if you can’t find a meeting that suits your schedule in Long Beach, we recommend exploring nearby towns like Signal Hill, Lakewood, Dominguez, and Rossmoor.
What to Expect at an AA Meeting
An AA Meeting serves as a platform to share stories of strength, hope, and courage with fellow alcoholics. It is a place where individuals struggling with alcohol addiction can seek support and guidance. In Long Beach, CA, these meetings play a crucial role in helping individuals build a strong support network for achieving sobriety. The peers who invite you have personally experienced and overcome the desperation of addiction. They maintain their sobriety by giving back and supporting others in their recovery journey.
Choosing the Right AA Meeting
Long Beach offers a variety of AA meetings to cater to different needs. It’s essential to understand the different types of meetings available:
Open Meeting of AA
Open meetings are inclusive, welcoming anyone who wants to attend. It’s not necessary to have an alcohol addiction to be part of these meetings. Friends, family, and even children can attend and show support.
Closed Meeting of AA
Closed meetings are exclusively for individuals who have a genuine desire to get sober. Only those struggling with alcohol addiction are encouraged to participate, as friends and family members cannot attend.
Big Book Meeting
During a Big Book meeting, a member typically reads from the Big Book and initiates a discussion among attendees. This meeting format allows for a deeper understanding of the literature.
Speaker Meeting
Speaker meetings involve a member of AA sharing their personal story, experiences, and hope with other members. The speaker may open the floor for discussion, making it an interactive session.
AA Literature Meeting
Literature meetings revolve around reading AA-approved literature, usually followed by a discussion or a speaker sharing insights on the chosen topic or literature.
Step Study
In a step study meeting, the focus is on discussing one or two specific steps per session. The meeting may include a speaker-led discussion or reading from the literature.
Meditation Meeting
Meditation meetings incorporate guided meditation during all or part of the session. It can be followed by a discussion, allowing participants to share their thoughts and experiences.
Traditions AA Meeting
Traditions meetings delve into an in-depth discussion of one or more AA traditions. It may include a speaker or literature lead, followed by an interactive dialogue.
Please note that each AA meeting in Long Beach operates autonomously, and meeting formats may vary. For more information about specific meetings, we recommend reaching out to the local AA intergroup or visiting Ambassadeur Hotel for details.
Making the Most of Your Initial AA Meeting
To maximize the benefits of your first AA meeting, approach it with an open mind and a genuine willingness to change. Arriving early and staying late allows you to engage in the before and after conversations that often happen outside the meeting room. During the opening remarks, make sure to raise your hand to let others know you’re attending for the first time. Don’t hesitate to ask for a meeting list containing contact details of group members. Lastly, don’t be afraid to share your story and express your reasons for seeking support. The group members are there to listen, understand, and guide you on your journey to recovery.
