Find AA Meetings in Arkansas

AA is one of the oldest and most prolific addiction recovery programs in the world. Individuals can attend local meetings to connect with others, seek help for alcohol addiction, and learn valuable insights to help them achieve a life of long-term sobriety. AA meetings in Arkansas are found throughout the state in various formats, with specialized support available for designated populations including veterans and military personnel, members of the LGBTQ+ community, speakers of languages other than English, and others. All meetings follow AA’s proven 12 step model of recovery and allow participants to share their experiences, reflect on their past, and provide peer support for others taking the first steps toward recovery. 

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An estimated 1,407 Arkansans die each year due to excessive alcohol use. Not only does this state have a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths per capita than the nationwide average, but it also has a higher underage drinking rate, as approximately 12.32% of individuals aged 12 to 20 report using alcohol within the past month. In response to this crisis, more than 310 behavioral health and addiction recovery centers are in operation across Arkansas, providing comprehensive services that include graduated levels of medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare support. From 2011 to 2019, the number of licensed medical providers certified to treat drug and alcohol addiction rose by 567%. This data underscores the pervasive impact of alcohol and drug use among residents in Arkansas and the need for accessible treatment solutions. 

Alcoholism Statistics in Arkansas

From binge drinking to underage drinking, Arkansans are engaging in dangerous and potentially deadly behaviors with alcohol. The latest trends show that substance abuse continues to be a serious problem within the state, 

• Collectively, Arkansas residents lose an estimated 35,826 years of potential life to excessive alcohol use every year.
• Around 16% of Arkansans report binge drinking within the past 30 days, defined as consuming five or more drinks for males and four or more drinks for females in around two hours. 
• Of the alcohol-related deaths in the state, 83.4% are adults aged 35 and older while 3.55% are under the age of 21.
• College students aged 18 to 22 are one of the largest populations engaging in excessive alcohol use, with 60.1% consuming alcohol and 39% binge drinking in a given month.

Popular Types of AA Meetings in Arkansas

AA meetings are as varied and unique as the individuals who attend them, though all center around the group’s signature process-based format. Below are a few examples of the kinds of meetings you can find in Arkansas and beyond. 

12 Step Meetings

12 Step AA meetings in Arkansas reinforce the stages-of-change recovery model that the organization follows for alcohol addiction and sobriety. These 12 steps encompass different actions or changes that individuals must undertake as they work through the AA program. Along the way, they can turn to their group and personal recovery sponsor for accountability, encouragement, and support. Meetings designed around this process usually focus intently on one of the 12 steps. Leaders may guide closed or open groups in discussing the step and what it means to them. Members may also share their experiences with the step and provide recommendations for newcomers just starting their recovery journey. 

Big Book Meetings

The AA “Big Book” provides a detailed overview of AA’s program for alcoholism recovery and is considered the organization’s basic text. Originally published in 1939, it provides an account of how the first 100 participants achieved sobriety and the steps they took to get there. Big Book Meetings in Arkansas usually dive into one particular point of the text. Leaders may read a short excerpt or share a personal reflection to open the meeting before allowing other members to join in the discussion. 

Open/Closed Meetings

Some AA meetings in Arkansas are open to the general public, allowing anyone interested in AA and its 12 step recovery model to observe the group whether they have a drinking problem or not. This can help friends and relatives of alcoholics learn more about how the program works and the ways they can support their loved ones. Some meetings, however, are closed. This means that the only individuals who can attend are members and those who recognize they have a dependency on alcohol and want to take steps to overcome it. 

Online AA Meetings in Arkansas

In addition to attending AA meetings in person, Arkansas members also have the option of logging into their group sessions virtually. Multiple digital solutions exist to make on-the-go care easier than ever to access, including web-hosted guest speaker events, personalized online coaching, sobriety tracking apps, and more. These platforms remove some of the time and space barriers that could prevent members from joining a local AA group, especially ones with personal or professional obligations that make in-person gatherings difficult to consistently attend. 

Resources for Alcohol Addiction

State and local resources are available for individuals who are ready to take the first step toward overcoming alcohol addiction. These programs are available day and night, including the following programs. 

Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS)

The DAABHS provides specialized support for three Arkansas populations: individuals who need behavioral health services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as adults with physical disabilities and aging adults. They connect clients with myriad treatment options based on their individual needs and required levels of care including crisis intervention, individual, family, and group counseling, medication management, and related services. https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/shared-services/office-of-substance-abuse-and-mental-health/samh-treatment/

NAMI Arkansas

NAMI is a statewide organization that operates and coordinates a wide-reaching network of local providers specializing in mental health treatment and addiction recovery. These affiliates provide support, education, and advocacy for clients at every stage of their sobriety journey. They operate a toll-free hotline that clients can call for 24/7 access for immediate assistance. https://namiarkansas.org/

Arkansas Peer Recovery

Representatives from Arkansas Peer Recovery visit and collaborate with individuals and organizations across the state. Their mission is to help individuals currently struggling with drug and alcohol addictions connect with others who have lived experience with substance abuse and recovery. Designated Peer Recovery Support Specialists work with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to identify needs and reach targeted populations. https://www.arpeers.org/

In addition to these resources, individuals can also find support for alcohol addiction through other organizations operating throughout Arkansas. Examples include the behavioral healthcare services offered through the VA Central Arkansas Healthcare System and the rehabilitation program available at the Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas (CSRC).

Sources: 

1. https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/
2. https://www.kark.com/news/state-news/study-shows-34-of-deadly-car-crashes-in-arkansas-are-alcohol-related/
3. https://txktoday.com/news/arkansass-number-of-licensed-providers-certified-to-treat-drug-addiction-mental-health-issues-up-567-percent/