Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Guam, USA

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a widespread support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. In Guam, USA, AA meetings are conducted regularly across various locations, providing a free program for those seeking help. This support system is designed to foster a community where members share their experiences and support one another in the recovery process. For more information, check out aa guam.

What is AA?

AA is an international fellowship that offers a supportive environment for individuals dealing with alcohol addiction. The program is based on the concept of mutual aid, where members help each other by sharing their experiences and following the 12-step recovery program. Meetings are available in cities across the U.S., including Guam, and are open to anyone who seeks assistance with alcoholism.

Central Guam Group

The Central Guam Group holds meetings at 100 Chalan Santo Papa, Hagåtña. Their meetings include:

• Monday from 8:00 to 9:00 PM: Open Discussion Meeting - This is an open forum where members can freely discuss their experiences and struggles with alcohol addiction in a supportive environment.
• Wednesday from 8:00 to 9:00 PM: Big Book Study Meeting - This meeting focuses on studying the AA book, which provides guidance on recovery through personal stories and principles.
• Friday from 8:00 to 9:00 PM: 12 Step Meeting - Participants go through the 12 steps of AA to understand and apply them in their recovery journey.

Northern Guam Group

The Northern Guam Group meets in the northern part of the island. Their schedule includes:

• Tuesday from 8:00 to 9:00 PM: Open Speaker Meeting - This involves a guest speaker sharing their personal story of recovery, providing inspiration and insights to attendees.
• Thursday from 8:00 to 9:00 PM: Open Discussion Meeting - Similar to the Central Group's Monday meetings, these sessions encourage open sharing among members.

Southern Guam Group

For the Southern Guam Group, meetings are held:

• Sunday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM: Open Discussion Meeting - This provides a weekly opportunity for members to share experiences and support each other.

The 12 Steps of AA

The AA program revolves around the 12 steps, which are designed to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction by fostering personal growth and spiritual awareness. Each step aims to motivate members toward positive change in their lives.

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This initial step involves acknowledging one's inability to control drinking and the resulting consequences on life. It sets the foundation for further self-reflection and change.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members begin to explore the idea of a higher power or spiritual force that can aid in their recovery. This step emphasizes hope for a better future.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Here, individuals commit to surrendering their will to a higher power, trusting in its guidance for their recovery journey.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Participants conduct a thorough evaluation of their personal traits, actions, and motivations to identify areas needing improvement.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This involves confessing past mistakes and irresponsible behaviors to oneself, a higher power, and another person, typically a sponsor or trusted friend.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members prepare themselves spiritually to let go of flaws and shortcomings identified in earlier steps.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Participants humbly request that their higher power help remove the defects of character they've become aware of.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Individuals create a list of people they have harmed and develop the willingness to make amends.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take concrete actions to make amends with those they have wronged, while ensuring that their efforts do not cause harm.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This involves ongoing self-reflection and quick acknowledgment of wrongdoings, maintaining personal responsibility and growth.
11. 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 out. Members engage in spiritual practices like prayer and meditation to deepen their connection with a higher power and seek guidance.
12. 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. After experiencing personal transformation, individuals strive to help others who are struggling with alcohol addiction and integrate the principles into daily life.

Getting Started with AA in Guam, USA

For individuals interested in attending AA meetings in Guam, there are several resources available to find local meetings. The World Federation for Mental Health and other local organizations provide lists of meetings across different locations on the island.

In addition to in-person meetings, some areas offer online or virtual meetings, making it more accessible for people with busy schedules or those who prefer the anonymity of virtual settings.

Attending Your First Local AA Meeting

When attending a first AA meeting in Guam, it's helpful to understand the types of meetings available and how to engage with the community. Meetings can be either open or closed:

• Arrive Early and Introduce Yourself: Arriving early allows you to meet other members before the meeting starts. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself as a new member; this helps build connections within the group.
• Share Your Experiences: While not mandatory, sharing your story can be therapeutic and helps build trust among members. Feel free to participate if you're comfortable doing so.
• Welcome Keychain Tags: New members often receive welcome keychain tags after their first meeting. These tags serve as symbols of participation and milestones in one's recovery journey.

• 30 Days Sobriety: Marking a month of sobriety is a significant milestone, acknowledging the beginning of a long-term commitment to recovery.
• 60 Days Sobriety: This milestone demonstrates progress and growing stability in maintaining sobriety.
• 1 Year Sobriety: Celebrating a year without drinking is a major achievement, symbolizing a successful transition into a new phase of life.
• Further Milestones: There are additional tags for longer periods of sobriety, such as 2, 5, and 10 years, which celebrate continued progress and long-term commitment to recovery.

Overall, AA meetings in Guam offer a supportive environment for those seeking help with alcohol addiction. By providing a structured program through the 12 steps and supportive community meetings, individuals can embark on a journey of recovery and personal growth.