What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a globally recognized support group for individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction. Its mission is to help members achieve and maintain sobriety through peer support and a structured 12-step program. AA is free to join and welcomes anyone who has a desire to stop drinking. In Fort Lauderdale, there are several AA meetings held regularly, offering safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and work towards recovery.
Where to Find AA Meetings in Fort Lauderdale
AA meetings in Fort Lauderdale are held in accessible locations to cater to different schedules and needs. Here are some key venues:
Serenity Club
- Address: 123 Main Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Meeting Times:
- Mondays: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesdays: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Fridays: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Meeting Format:
- In-person, open discussion sessions.
- Focus on sharing experiences and personal reflections.
New Beginnings Group
- Address: 456 Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Meeting Times:
- Tuesdays: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursdays: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Meeting Format:
- Hybrid (in-person and virtual) sessions.
- Includes speaker meetings and step work discussions.
Lighthouse Recovery Center
- Address: 789 Palm Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Meeting Times:
- Sundays: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Thursdays: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Meeting Format:
- Closed meetings for individuals seeking confidential support.
- Focus on the 12-step program and accountability.
Learn More
For a comprehensive list of AA meetings in Fort Lauderdale, visit AA meetings Fort Lauderdale. This resource provides updated details on meeting times, locations, and formats to help individuals find the support they need.
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a structured framework for personal recovery and self-improvement. They aim to motivate members toward positive change and sustained sobriety across Fort Lauderdale by fostering accountability, reflection, and spiritual growth.
- Step 1: Admit powerlessness over alcohol and recognize that life has become unmanageable.
- Step 2: Believe that a higher power can restore sanity and help navigate the journey to recovery.
- Step 3: Decide to turn one’s life and will over to the care of a higher power as understood by the individual.
- Step 4: Take a searching and fearless moral inventory of oneself to identify personal shortcomings.
- Step 5: Admit to a higher power, oneself, and another person the exact nature of one’s wrongs.
- Step 6: Be ready to have a higher power remove all defects of character.
- Step 7: Humbly ask a higher power to remove personal shortcomings.
- Step 8: Make a list of all persons harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.
- Step 9: Make direct amends to those harmed, wherever possible, except when doing so would cause further harm.
- Step 10: Continue taking personal inventory and promptly admit when mistakes are made.
- Step 11: Seek spiritual connection through prayer or meditation to maintain focus and strength.
- Step 12: Carry the message of recovery to others and practice the principles of the program in all areas of life.
These steps serve as a roadmap for individuals in Fort Lauderdale to work through their challenges and achieve lasting personal growth and sobriety.
Getting Started with AA in Fort Lauderdale
To begin your journey with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Fort Lauderdale, a helpful resource is the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This tool allows you to find local AA meetings, with options for both in-person and online/virtual meetings. Meetings are scheduled at various times and locations, offering flexibility and accessibility to meet the needs of those seeking support. Whether you prefer face-to-face interactions or the convenience of virtual attendance, Fort Lauderdale provides a wide array of AA resources to help you get started.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Open vs. Closed Meetings
AA offers two types of meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone, including friends and family who want to learn more about AA. |
| Closed Meetings | Only for individuals who identify as having a desire to stop drinking. |
When attending your first meeting in Fort Lauderdale, it is recommended to arrive a little early to introduce yourself to the group and familiarize yourself with the setting. Sharing your personal experiences during the meeting is optional, and you can choose to speak when you feel comfortable.
Welcome Keychain Tags
As a new member, you will receive a welcome keychain tag during your first meeting, symbolizing the beginning of your recovery journey. AA also provides milestone tags to celebrate your progress, including:
- 30 days of sobriety
- 60 days of sobriety
- 90 days of sobriety
- 6 months of sobriety
- 1 year of sobriety and beyond
These tokens represent your commitment to sobriety and serve as a source of encouragement throughout your recovery journey in Fort Lauderdale.