How to find a 12-Step Meeting in Southern New Jersey

Alcoholics Anonymous was formed from the Oxford Group, a self-improvement movement that started in the early 20th century. The group's practice of self-inventory, admitting wrongs, making amends, utilizing prayer and meditation and helping others became the basis for the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 1953, Narcotics Anonymous was formed and adapted the Twelve Steps from A.A. to address drug addiction. Most 12-step meetings are open to anyone who wants to experience the fellowship, and both groups hold several meetings every day in Southern New Jersey.

Instructions

• 1

  Look in the phone book. The local A.A. chapter meeting phone number is 856-486-4446, and the N.A. number is 732-933-0462.

• 2

  Call the regional Alcoholics Anonymous (877-515-1255) or Narcotics Anonymous (800-992-0401) 24-hour hotlines. The calls are answered by volunteer recovering addicts who have experience with getting sober and helping others. Ask for the telephone number of a fellowship member in your area, and ask for help with finding a nearby meeting today.

• 3

  Visit one of the fellowships' local websites: snjaa.org or southjerseyna.org. Both have pages of meetings listed by day, time and town. Call the lines set aside for meeting information, as these lists are the most current. Literature is updated quarterly, so some meetings on a printed list may have changed time and/or location, or may have closed.

• 4

  Seek out a friend or family member to help you with your recovery. Ask that person to accompany you to the meeting. Unless literature specifies otherwise, all meetings are open to the general public. You can go by yourself to a "closed" meeting, which is only for addicts or those who think they have a problem.

• 5

  Call the fellowship member from Southern New Jersey whose number you got from the helpline. Ask if the member is going to a meeting and if you can meet. If you need a ride, ask for the number of someone who might be willing to transport you. According to page 18 of the Narcotics Anonymous basic text, (Reference 3), "the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel."

• 6

  Encourage any supportive family member or friend to attend an Al-Anon and Alateen or Nar-Anon meeting. These fellowships are 12-step based and designed for those affected by a loved one's addiction.