10 Ways to find 12 Step Out of Town Meetings

The holidays are a time for visiting friends and family. Sometimes this takes you far away from your usual meeting places and comfort zone. During your visits, you might find the need to reinforce some of the lessons you learned in your community support or 12 step meetings. Many of these meetings are easily found while others are more secretive about their locations and meeting places. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, there are many places and ways to find where ever you are.

1. Find a 12 Step Meeting Before You Leave to See Your Relatives

Many 12 step meetings have access to meeting lists in other areas. They are happy to provide lists of meetings and places to go in the area you will be visiting. This is probably the easiest way to make sure you do not miss a meeting.

2. Look in Local Flyers for Churches

If you do not have a way to find a meeting before hand, it does not hurt to check with local churches and church organizations. Most of them house meetings or know where you can find one.

3. Ask at the Hotel that You are Staying At

Many hotels keep extensive lists of meeting places including church services, 12 step meetings, and other organizations. The front staff has a list, if there is not already one in your room. This only works if you are staying at a hotel for your visit.

4. Ask Your Chapter if they Know of Any Meetings in the Area You are Going To

12 step chapters are often comprised of members from all over the state or country. Perhaps the know meeting places or people in the places they lived previously. Many sponsors also know a variety of meetings in different areas.

5. Look in the Phone Book

12 step meeting information can be found in a phone book.

The phone book or white pages (internet) often have listings for the local alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous meetings in the area. This is a great resource if you need to find a meeting quickly and haven’t prepared.

6. Find a Community Center

Community centers are also good places to check for meetings. If they host 12 step meetings over the holidays they often list them on their community or bulletin boards.

7. Ask at Local Hangouts

Local bars and coffee shops often have flyers with AA and NA meeting information in them. Flyers and booklets often find their way into these establishments for new members and those considering becoming members.

8. Ask another Member

If you know someone in the area you are visiting who also has a problem with drugs or alcohol, they might know where the nearest meeting place or club is.

9. Talk to the Nearest 12 Step Chapter that You Attend

When you attend 12 step chapters they usually have meeting places that they know of all over the world. Anyone who is heavily into 12 step programs carries different locations with them in case they need an emergency meeting or help themselves.

10. Call Us

You can always use our number to help you find a 12 step program or rehab in your area or the area you are staying in. You simply have to give us a call, toll free, at 1-800-895-1695.