What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, offering fellowship and guidance to people seeking recovery across cities throughout the United States. In Rhode Island, AA is a free program with regular group meetings available in many communities, as listed at https://www.wfmh.org/aa/rhode-island, providing both in-person and virtual options for those in need of support.
St. Martin Church
50 Orchard Ave, Providence, RI 02905
St. Martin Church hosts regular AA meetings designed to accommodate different recovery needs. Monday nights at 8:00 pm feature a closed meeting, open only to those who identify as alcoholics, offering a safe and confidential environment for sharing personal experiences. Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm are dedicated to an open speaker meeting, where both AA members and the public are welcome to listen to featured speakers who share their recovery stories and offer inspiration.
On Thursdays at 8:00 pm, there is a closed step meeting, focusing on working through the Twelve Steps of AA, essential for personal growth in recovery. Saturday mornings at 9:00 am provide a closed literature study session, where participants review and discuss AA foundational texts to deepen their understanding of the program.
Community College of Rhode Island
400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886
Community College of Rhode Island is another accessible meeting location for individuals seeking AA support. The Monday evening session at 7:00 pm is an open discussion meeting, allowing anyone interested in AA to join the conversation and hear about the group’s approach to recovery. Friday nights at 8:00 pm feature a closed step meeting, offering a more private setting for those working through specific steps of the program.
Saturday mornings at 11:00 am, a closed literature study takes place, encouraging members to engage with AA literature and gain insight into the principles of sobriety. The variety of meeting types here allows members to find the support that best fits their current stage of recovery.
Newport Hospital
11 Friendship St, Newport, RI 02840
At Newport Hospital, AA meetings are held in a supportive medical environment. Monday evenings at 7:00 pm consist of a closed step meeting, designed for those committed to working through the Twelve Steps with the guidance of experienced members. Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm offer an open beginners meeting, welcoming newcomers and providing a gentle introduction to AA’s principles and fellowship.
Saturday mornings at 10:00 am, a closed literature study is available, allowing participants to explore AA’s core texts and share insights with fellow members in a confidential setting. These meetings provide a structured space for growth and connection among those seeking recovery in Newport.
The 12 Steps of AA
- Admitted powerlessness over alcoholMembers acknowledge they are powerless over alcohol, recognizing that their lives have become unmanageable. This admission is considered the foundation for beginning the recovery journey.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanityMembers come to accept that seeking help from a higher power or supportive community is necessary for healing. This belief fosters hope and openness to change.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood HimIndividuals decide to entrust their recovery to a higher power, as they personally understand it. This step reinforces commitment and trust in the process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselvesMembers conduct an honest self-assessment of their thoughts, actions, and behaviors. This inventory is crucial for identifying areas in need of change and growth.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongsIndividuals acknowledge their shortcomings and share them with a trusted person. This process promotes healing through honesty and vulnerability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of characterMembers prepare themselves to let go of negative character traits. Readiness for change is emphasized, setting the stage for transformation.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomingsIndividuals humbly seek help from a higher power to overcome their flaws. This step reinforces humility and willingness to grow.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them allMembers create a list of people they have harmed and prepare to make amends. Willingness to repair relationships is a key focus.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or othersIndividuals reach out to those they have harmed to make amends, unless doing so would cause further harm. This step encourages accountability and healing.
- Continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted when we were wrongMembers practice ongoing self-assessment and admit mistakes immediately. This habit supports sustained recovery and personal growth.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that outIndividuals engage in prayer and meditation to deepen their spiritual awareness. Seeking guidance and strength is a daily practice.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairsMembers experience a spiritual transformation and share their recovery with others. Living by these principles extends beyond sobriety to all areas of life.
Getting Started with AA in Rhode Island, USA
Individuals interested in attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Rhode Island are encouraged to search for local meetings on wfmh.org, which provides a comprehensive, up-to-date directory of AA meetings throughout the state. This site is the best resource for finding accurate information on meeting times, formats, and locations as it specifically filters for Rhode Island and surrounding areas.
Most cities and towns in Rhode Island offer both in-person and online/virtual meetings, making AA accessible to a wide variety of individuals. Whether you prefer face-to-face support or the convenience of virtual gatherings, there are options available to suit your needs.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting in Rhode Island, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in AA, including family and friends, while closed meetings are reserved for those who identify as alcoholics and are seeking support for their own recovery.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in AA, including non-alcoholics (e.g., family, friends, and students). Speakers often share their recovery stories. |
| Closed Meeting | For individuals who identify as alcoholics. Focused on sharing and discussing personal recovery experiences in a confidential setting. |
| Discussion Meeting | Group discussion on a specific topic related to recovery, often guided by a leader. |
| Step Meeting | Focused on working through the Twelve Steps of AA, with members sharing their progress and insights. |
It is recommended to arrive early for your first meeting and introduce yourself as a newcomer. This allows you to meet others and familiarize yourself with the group’s customs. If you feel comfortable, you can share your experiences, although it is not required—listening is always welcome.
At your first meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag as a symbol of your commitment to recovery. These tags are given to mark important milestones in your sobriety journey:
- 30 DaysAcknowledges one month of continuous sobriety, marking an important early milestone in recovery.
- 60 DaysCelebrates two months of sobriety, recognizing ongoing progress and commitment.
- 1 YearHonors a full year of sobriety, a significant achievement in the recovery process.
- Additional MilestonesLonger periods of sobriety, such as multiple years, are also recognized and celebrated at meetings.