What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a structured, free program based on peer support through regular group meetings. These meetings are widely available across cities in the United States, including Ohio, Franklin County, and Columbus.
AA meetings provide a confidential and welcoming environment where members share experiences and help each other maintain sobriety. The program relies on voluntary participation and mutual support, with no cost to attend.
Drummers Alcoholics Anonymous
Address: Short North Church, 25 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
Meetings Time & Details:
- Sunday: 1:30 PM — A welcoming, LGBT-friendly meeting encouraging open sharing and mutual support within the community.
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 PM — Daily evening meetings focused on discussion and experience sharing, providing consistent peer support.
- Saturday: 8:30 PM — Evening gathering emphasizing fellowship and the 12-step program fundamentals.
Central Ohio Group Fellowship (COGF)
Address: 651 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Meetings Time & Details:
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM — Support available for local AA groups, with scheduling and coordination of meetings throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.
- COGF organizes multiple meetings varying from open, closed, speaker, and step-study groups, aiding those seeking sobriety through structured fellowship and guidance.
- They also provide regular newsletters and service opportunities, helping members stay informed and connected.
Creekside Recovery Group
Address: 470 Havens Corners Rd, Columbus, OH 43230
Meetings Time & Details:
- 4:30 PM daily: Big Book Discussion — Members focus on studying the foundational AA text to reinforce principles of sobriety and recovery in a supportive environment.
- Meetings here are open and encourage participation from newcomers and long-standing members alike, offering a blend of discussion and fellowship.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
This step acknowledges the individual’s need for help to regain control over their life.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
This encourages openness to spiritual help or a higher power, however the member understands it.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
It involves commitment to seek guidance and surrender personal ego for recovery.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Members honestly assess their past behaviors and character flaws.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
This fosters accountability and honesty.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Members express willingness to change and let go of harmful traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
A request for help in overcoming personal failings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Recognition of past harms and readiness to repair relationships.
- Made direct amends wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Acts of restitution to rebuild trust.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Ongoing self-awareness and correction.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him.
Developing spiritual growth and mindfulness.
- 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 affairs.
Commitment to help others and live ethically.
Getting Started with AA in Ohio, Franklin, Columbus, USA
The best way to find local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Ohio, Franklin County, or Columbus is by searching the official website wfmh.org. This site provides the most current listings of both in-person and online/virtual meetings, accessible to any newcomer or existing member.
Most areas offer a variety of meeting formats, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all participants.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
There are two main types of AA meetings you may encounter: open and closed. Understanding their distinctions can help you select the meeting best suited to your preferences.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in the AA program, including family, friends, and individuals exploring recovery options. These meetings allow non-alcoholics to attend and learn about AA. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who identify as having a desire to stop drinking. This format provides a more private setting for those actively working on their recovery. |
When attending your first meeting, try to arrive a few minutes early to introduce yourself as a new local member. Sharing your experiences is encouraged but entirely optional, and you should participate only if comfortable.
At your first meeting, members often receive a welcome keychain tag marking their beginning milestones in sobriety. These tokens serve as encouragement and recognition of progress.
- 30 Days: Acknowledges the first month of sobriety, reinforcing commitment during initial recovery challenges.
- 60 Days: Recognizes continued dedication and growing strength in sobriety maintenance.
- 1 Year: Celebrates the significant achievement of one year sober, symbolizing sustained lifestyle change.
- Additional Milestones: Further tags may commemorate multiple years or special recovery anniversaries, motivating ongoing participation.