There are a plethora of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the United States and around the globe. AA meetings in Illinois abound and you can find them below. On our AA meeting directory, you can also find AA meetings near Illinois and elsewhere. It is regularly updated, so please feel free to bookmark this page.
Alcoholics Anonymous originated with the work of Bill Wilson, author of a book called Alcoholics Anonymous. Published in 1939 and still in print, it is known as The Big Book. It contains some of the tenets that evolved into the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The popularity and effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous have both contributed to its growth over the years. Meetings can be found all around the world. AA meetings in Illinois make it possible for alcoholics to get the support that they need. They become part of a community of people they can identify with.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings vary in format. Some feature a main speaker, some are centered around group discussions, and others are arranged differently. Money is not required of anyone for membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. No personal information is required of anyone and no one has to talk if they do not want to.
You might wonder which AA meeting in Illinois is most suitable for you. Location is important to consider, but it is not the only thing that matters. Meeting formats vary and each group has its own feel. If you visit different locations, your personal preferences will become apparent over time.
Before attending an AA meeting in Illinois, you should know whether it is “open” or “closed” — especially if you want to take someone along with you. “Open” AA meetings are open to friends, family, and anyone who wants to attend. “Closed” meetings are reserved for alcoholics.
If you are new to Alcoholics Anonymous, you might want to attend a meeting that primarily focuses on discussing the 12 steps of AA and the 12 traditions of AA. However, it is more important for you to simply attend an AA meeting nearby. Afterward, you can decide whether you would like to return or visit another AA meeting nearby.
It can take time to find an AA group in Illinois that you feel comfortable in, but when you find one, you can consider it your home group. After a while, you can track your progress with a sobriety calculator.
When you attend an AA meeting in Illinois, you should take full advantage of what it has to offer. A positive attitude is a must if you want to be successful in remaining sober. Throughout the years, members of AA groups all over the world have successfully achieved short- and long-term sobriety.
Keep in mind that sporadic attendance in various AA meetings is not ideal. Having a home group is best — one that you attend regularly and participate in. If you are comfortable doing so, you can talk to someone within the group who has been sober for a few years. In AA group lingo, they can be your sponsor – someone who helps keep you accountable.
Anyway, you have something to be proud of for seeking help. Our list of AA meetings in Illinois is regularly updated, so please bookmark this page. We can also help you find AA meetings near Illinois and all across the U.S.
As you make progress, please see how far you have come with our sobriety calculator.