How to reach AA by phone, online, or in person

Alcoholics Anonymous does not have a single national phone number. Instead, each region runs its own AA office, called an intergroup or central office, which answers calls and directs people to meetings. To reach AA, you call the intergroup for your area — the number is listed in your local phone directory under "Alcoholics Anonymous" or you can search online for "[your city] AA intergroup" or "[your county] AA central office."

When you call, a volunteer answers and can tell you about meetings happening today, this week, and ongoing. They can also answer basic questions about how AA works. Many intergroupes now have websites where you can search meetings by time, day, and location without calling. Some regions also offer online meetings through Zoom, which you can join from home.

If you do not know your local intergroup number and cannot find it online, you can call AA's national referral line at 212-647-1680 (based in New York). They can give you the contact information for the intergroup nearest you, though they cannot tell you about specific meetings — that is what your local office does.

Key Takeaways

  • AA is organized by region, so you contact your local intergroup or central office, not a national headquarters.
  • Most intergroupes have websites listing meetings by time, day, and location, and many now offer online meetings.
  • If you cannot find your local number, call AA's national referral line at 212-647-1680 to get your intergroup's contact information.
  • Volunteers who answer the phone can tell you about meetings happening today and answer questions about how AA works.
  • You do not need to give your name or any personal information when you call to ask about meetings.

Finding your local AA intergroup online

Most AA intergroupes now have websites. To find yours, open a search engine and type "[your city] AA intergroup" or "[your county] AA central office." The website usually shows a list of meetings organized by day of the week, time, and neighborhood. Many sites let you filter by meeting type — some are for people new to AA, some focus on specific topics, and some are for people of a particular age or background.

If your search does not turn up a local website, try searching "[your state] AA meetings" or "[your state] AA intergroup directory." Some states have a single directory that links to all the regional offices. You can also search "AA meetings near me" on Google Maps, which will show meeting locations and sometimes the meeting times.

What to expect when you call an intergroup

When you call your local intergroup, a volunteer picks up. You can ask for meetings happening today, this week, or on a specific day. You can also ask whether meetings are open (anyone can attend) or closed (for people who identify as alcoholic). The volunteer can tell you the address, the time it starts, and sometimes what kind of meeting it is.

You do not have to say why you are calling or give your name. Many people call just to find out where the nearest meeting is. If you have questions about AA itself — how it works, what the steps are, whether it costs money — the volunteer can answer those too. AA has no dues or fees; meetings are free and run on donations.

Online meetings and phone meetings

Many AA meetings now happen on Zoom or by phone conference line. Your local intergroup website usually lists which meetings are online and how to join. For Zoom meetings, you typically get a link that you click at the meeting time. For phone meetings, you call a phone number at the scheduled time and enter a code.

Online and phone meetings work the same way as in-person meetings — someone reads AA material, people share their experience, and you can listen without speaking if you prefer. You do not need a camera on for Zoom meetings; many people join with video off. If you are new to AA and nervous about attending, an online meeting can be a way to listen first without the pressure of being in a room.

AA meetings outside the United States

AA operates in most countries. If you are outside the US, search "[your country] AA" or "[your city] AA" to find the intergroup or central office for your region. Some countries have a national AA website that lists all meetings; others organize by city or region the way the US does.

If you are traveling and need a meeting in an unfamiliar place, you can call the intergroup in that city (if you can find the number) or search online for meetings. Many travelers also ask at their hotel or a local community center, as staff sometimes know where meetings happen.

If you are not ready to call or attend a meeting

Some people want information about AA before they contact anyone. AA publishes pamphlets and books that explain how the program works, what the twelve steps are, and what happens at a meeting. Many of these are free or low-cost and available online or at meetings. You can also read them at your local library.

If you want to talk to someone before attending a meeting, some intergroupes have a "sponsor line" or "newcomer line" — a phone number you can call to speak with someone in AA who is willing to answer questions. Ask about this when you call your local intergroup.

What to bring to your first meeting

You do not need to bring anything to an AA meeting. Meetings are free and open to anyone. Some people bring a notebook to write down what they hear, and some bring coffee money (most meetings have a coffee pot and ask for small donations). But nothing is required.

You can sit in the back, listen, and leave without talking to anyone. You do not have to introduce yourself or say anything about your situation. Many people attend several meetings before they speak. There is no pressure and no one will ask you personal questions unless you want to talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to give my name when I call AA?

No. You can call and ask about meetings without giving any information about yourself. AA's tradition of anonymity means you can stay completely private. Many people call several times before they decide to attend a meeting.

What if there are no meetings near me?

If your area has very few in-person meetings, online meetings are an option. You can also call your local intergroup and ask whether they know of meetings in nearby towns or cities. Some people travel to meetings in larger towns once or twice a week.

Is AA free?

Yes. AA has no dues or fees. Meetings are free to attend. Some meetings have a basket where people donate a dollar or two to pay for coffee and rent, but donations are voluntary and no one will ask you for money.

Can I attend a meeting if I am not sure I am an alcoholic?

Yes. Many meetings are open to anyone. You can listen and decide for yourself whether AA is for you. Some people attend a few meetings before deciding whether to stay. There is no commitment or sign-up required.

What if I want to talk to someone but do not want to go to a meeting?

Some intergroupes have phone lines where you can speak with someone in AA. Ask about this when you call your local office. You can also ask whether anyone is willing to talk by phone before you attend a meeting in person.