Find Alaska AA Meetings Near You

Alaska has one of the highest rates of binge drinking in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Making organizations like AA and other 12-step groups a vital resource for individuals struggling with their alcohol use. If you’re here looking for an AA meeting in Alaska for yourself, or a loved one, you’re in the right place. This page provides detailed information about excessive alcohol use and treatment in Oregon, as well as information about what to expect in meetings and how to search for an AA meeting near you.

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Like many other states, the pandemic had a huge impact on the lives of Alaskans. Excessive alcohol use in Alaska has nearly doubled during 2019 and 2021, according to the Alaska Division of Public Health. Social isolation, barriers to healthcare, loss of work/income, and a lack of connection are major contributing factors. Public health reports also indicate that Alaskans are more vulnerable to the progression of addiction due to the barriers in accessing treatment.

Sara Platt, who works for Recover Alaska shares these concerns. In an interview with Alaska Public Media that she isn’t surprised by the increase in drinking deaths: “Thinking about the pandemic…that a big piece is that people didn’t have as many opportunities to connect, were more isolated.” She went on to explain it is not binge drinking that’s the problem “It’s a community problem.” Meaning, Alaskans need not only recovery resources, but opportunities for connection.

Platt isn’t the first person to describe the importance of connection as a significant factor contributing to the success of recovery. Journalist Johann Hari has been talking about the importance of social relationships for some time, in his viral quote: “’The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety – it’s connection.” That’s what makes community organizations like AA so important to the success of not only attaining but sustaining recovery. AA is founded upon several core principles, one of which is community.

Alcoholism Statistics in Alaska

According to the Alaska Division of Public Health and the CDC, alcohol misuse in Alaska is one of the highest in the nation, costing not only the loss of lives, but also the local economy equating to $2.39 billion in alcohol-associated costs. Data from these reports also shows

Alaskans have a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths that most other states (2020)
Between 2010 and 2016, alcohol was responsible for more deaths than methamphetamine and opioids
35 percent of driving deaths were alcohol-related
Youth aged 18 and 25 have a higher rate of alcohol use disorder, at 13.3 percent, compared to the national average of 10.7 percent

What is AA and how does it help people overcome alcoholism?

AA is a faith-based organization that helps individuals with alcoholism (now called alcohol use disorder). Their program is called the 12 steps, which consists of regular recovery meetings, working through the steps with a sponsor, and helping others (service). It helps individuals to overcome their challenges with alcohol by providing a recovery community of others working towards the same goal. The other great benefit is that it gives members an opportunity to socialize with other alcoholics in a sober environment. You’ll often find day events, social evenings, and more.

Popular Types of AA Meetings in Alaska

It’s easy to find an AA meeting in Alaska by using our website AlcoholicsAnonymous.com. The website has a search feature for your state, and you can filter your search results by geographical area to find the most convenient meeting. Or, when using a search engine type “AA meetings today in Alaska” and you’ll find details for all available AA meetings near you.

When you look at the search results you’ll see different symbols to denote different meeting formats. We’ll explain those different types of meetings below.

12 Step Study Meeting

A 12 step study meeting studies the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Members will read a step out of the book The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, and then share their experience about that step. Perhaps they’ll share how they experienced the step, how their point of view changed the second time, or how their life has changed since working through that particular step. This information can inspire other members who are yet to work that step with their sponsor or provide a different perspective.

Open/Closed Meeting

AA meetings are either open or closed. Anyone can attend an open meeting. For example, perhaps a romantic partner or friend wants to attend a meeting to support a loved one. A closed meeting, on the other hand, means only those who have a desire to stop drinking, can attend. People who do not have a problem with alcohol are not allowed to attend closed meetings.

Tradition Study Meeting

The AA program is composed of the 12 steps and the 12 traditions: think of them as opposite sides of the same coin. The steps are how members recover and the traditions are the principles of AA. Like a study meeting, a tradition study meeting involves reading a passage of the book, The 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, and members taking turns to either read or share their related experiences.

As Bill Sees It

AA’s founder, Bill Wilson, wrote a book called As Bill Sees It, which serves as a source of inspiration, hope, and comfort for members of AA. The book includes essays on acceptance, gratitude, and spirituality. Like other literature-themed meetings, this kind of meeting reads a passage of As Bill Sees It and members share their related experiences.

Online AA Meetings in Alaska

There are many online AA meetings in Alaska throughout the state in the following areas:

Anchorage
Fairbanks
Juneau
Homer
Sitka
Soldotna

You’ll find meetings for men, women, LGBTQ meetings, early morning meetings, night owl meetings, newcomer meetings, and intergroup meetings. AA members always say that there is a meeting for you, you just have to try several and see which one fits the best. The great thing about online meetings is that you can attend a meeting any time, any day of the week from the comfort of your home. You just need a computer, smartphone, or tablet, and the meeting link and you’re good to go.

Online meetings are generally the same as in-person meetings, except you’re attending virtually. You raise your hand to talk just like you would at an in-person meeting. The only difference is you need to make your own coffee!

Resources for Alcohol Addiction

Recover Alaska: an advocacy organization dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts of excessive alcohol use, reducing stigma, and increasing access to care.
Alaska 211: find support for mental health services, alcohol use disorder treatment, and even food scarcity resources. Just call 211 or 988 for crisis services
Alaska Behavioral Health: medical and behavioral health resources, including a 24-hour crisis line. Visit the website or call 907-563-1000
University of Alaska Anchorage: alcohol and drug wellness resources, fact sheets, and more.
White Bison: a Native American and Alaskan Native nonprofit organization to support individuals achieve recovery through the Wellbriety program. Meetings, peer support, and more.
South Central Foundation: a nonprofit organization providing culturally relevant primary care, behavioral health, detox, treatment, case management, and other resources.

Sources

Alaska Division of Public Health. (n.d.). Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records. Retrieved from: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/alaska.health.analytics.and.vital.records/vizzes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Alaska Public Health Nurses Address Alcohol. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/features/alcohol-alaska.html
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. (2024). https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/alaska?year=2024
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral Health Barometer. Alaska, Volume 6. Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32818/Alaska-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf
State of Alaska. (2023). Alaska Scorecard. Retrieved from: https://health.alaska.gov/Commissioner/Documents/MentalHealth/scorecard/Goal-4.pdf