Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The program is available across the United States and offers free regular group meetings in various cities in Utah. This article will explore what AA is, provide information about AA meetings in specific locations in Utah, explain the 12 steps of AA, and guide individuals on how to get started with AA in Utah. For broader context, it’s important to understand the scope of drug use in utah.
What is AA?
AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The AA program is based on a series of principles, known as the 12 Steps, which are aimed at helping members achieve sobriety and personal growth.
Ogden/Brigham City
Ogden/Brigham City hosts several AA meetings throughout the day. The Alano Club, located at 684 24th St, offers a morning meeting called “Upon Awakening” at 7:00 am. This meeting focuses on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions and is an open meeting, meaning anyone can attend. Another meeting at the Alano Club is held at 7:00 pm, known as Veteran’s Fellowship, which is also open and wheelchair accessible.
Provo
In Provo, AA meetings are available at various times. Provo is part of the Utah County area, which includes cities like American Fork and Orem. These meetings typically include discussions, Big Book studies, and 12-step meetings, although specific times and locations in Provo need to be verified through local AA resources. Meetings often take place in church halls or community centers, providing a supportive environment for those seeking recovery.
Park City
Park City offers AA meetings that cater to the local community. While specific meeting times are not detailed, they can be found by contacting local AA groups or accessing the AA of Utah website. Meetings in such locations provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and work through the AA program. Participants can engage in discussions, learn from others, and benefit from the supportive community.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA are designed to help members achieve sobriety and pursue a path of personal growth and spiritual development. Here is a brief overview of each step:
- Admitting Powerlessness – Members acknowledge their powerlessness over alcohol and that their lives had become unmanageable. This step is crucial as it helps individuals recognize their addiction and accept that they cannot control it alone.
- Coming to Believe – Individuals come to believe that a Power greater than themselves could restore them to sanity. This step encourages a faith in something beyond personal control that can aid in recovery.
- Making a Decision – Members make a decision to turn their will and their lives over to the care of God as they understand Him. This step involves surrendering personal control and embracing a higher power for guidance.
- Conducting a Personal Inventory – A thorough and fearless moral inventory of oneself is conducted. This step helps individuals identify and confront their flaws and mistakes.
- Admitting Wrongdoings – Members admit to themselves, to another person, and to God the exact nature of their wrongs. This step is about confessing past mistakes to oneself and others.
- Becoming Entirely Ready – Individuals become entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step prepares members to change their character by being open to spiritual guidance.
- Asking for Removal of Shortcomings – Members humbly ask God to remove their shortcomings. This step involves asking for spiritual help in overcoming personal flaws.
- Making Amends List – A list is made of all persons harmed and becomes willing to make amends to them all. This step prepares individuals to repair relationships damaged during their addiction.
- Making Direct Amends – Direct amends are made to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step involves apologizing and making things right with those harmed.
- Continuing Personal Inventory – A personal inventory is continued, and when wrong, promptly admitted. This step ensures ongoing self-reflection and accountability.
- Seeking Spiritual Growth – Through prayer and meditation, individuals seek to improve their conscious contact with God as they understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for them and the power to carry that out. This step focuses on maintaining spiritual connection and guidance.
- Carrying the Message – Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, members try to carry this message to others and practice these principles in all their affairs. This step is about helping others achieve sobriety and living by AA’s principles.
Getting Started with AA in Utah, USA
To find local AA meetings in Utah, individuals can use online resources such as Sober.com or contact their local AA office to obtain a meeting schedule. Both in-person and online meetings are available in most areas, allowing flexibility for those who prefer virtual attendance.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting, it’s helpful to know the difference between open and closed meetings. The following table distinguishes between these meeting types:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Anyone can attend, including non-members. These are ideal for newcomers who want to observe or learn more about AA. |
| Closed Meetings | Only for those with a drinking problem or who think they might have one. Closed meetings provide a safe space for AA members to share personal experiences. |
When attending your first meeting, consider arriving early to introduce yourself. If comfortable, you can share your experiences to connect with other members. New members often receive welcome keychain tags marking their milestones, such as:
- 30 Days – This is typically the first milestone and encourages new members to stay committed to their sobriety.
- 60 Days – Continuing progress toward long-term recovery.
- 1 Year – A significant milestone marking a full year of sobriety.
- 5 Years – A major achievement signifying long-term commitment to sobriety and personal growth.
These milestones help members celebrate their progress and reinforce their resolve to maintain sobriety.