Find AA Meetings in New Jersey

Find everything you need to know about AA meetings in New Jersey. This resource page offers a searchable directory to help you find AA meetings near you. A 2021 report found that nearly 80,000 New Jersey adults did not receive the substance use treatment they felt they needed and wanted. But help is available. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or a loved one, AA meetings in New Jersey can help you take the next step.

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Alcoholism Statistics in New Jersey

Alcohol use disorder accounts for 85,000+ deaths each year in the United States. More than 1,700 of those deaths are New Jersey residents.This number translates to 50,856 years of potential life loss in New Jersey.

But Garden State residents aren’t without support. For the many who face alcohol use disorder, treatment is available. In 2021, New Jersey substance abuse treatment providers reported 87,745 admissions. These treatment services can make all the difference. With the right support, individuals in New Jersey can overcome addiction and move forward on a healthier path. 

A look at recent statistics reinforces the need for these sources of support. 

• 15.2% of New Jersey adults reported binge drinking in the past 30 days (2020).
• 5.1% of New Jersey adults are at risk from chronic heavy drinking.
• In 2021, there were 31,469 alcohol abuse treatment admissions in New Jersey.
• 36% of New Jersey substance abuse treatment admissions in 2021 listed alcohol as their primary drug.

Popular Types of AA Meetings in New Jersey

No two recovery journeys look exactly alike. Your experiences and challenges require the right type of support to meet you where you are today, and not every AA meeting will provide the best fit. That’s why AA meetings in New Jersey are available in multiple formats. You can try various types to find AA meetings that are a good match, or you can attend different formats over time, based on your current needs. All meetings are free to attend.

Popular types of AA meetings in New Jersey include:

12 Step

The 12 Steps are the foundation of the AA program, so meetings may be devoted to studying these steps. Often, a group studies each of the 12 Steps on a rotational basis, working through two or three Steps at each meeting. This may include reading the 12 Steps at the start of the meeting.

Open/Closed Meeting

Anyone can attend open AA meetings in New Jersey. These meetings are available to individuals who are interested in learning more about the AA recovery program, including those who are not personally struggling with an alcohol use disorder. In contrast, closed meetings are for AA members only. Members are those who have a desire to stop drinking.

Speaker Meeting

During a speaker meeting, one or more AA members share their story with the group. This typically follows a format of “what I was like, what happened, and what I am like now.” These meetings are often open meetings. Depending on the group, members may or may not be required to have a minimum period of sobriety before they are allowed to participate as a speaker.

Discussion Meeting

Discussion meetings may be open or closed. One member serves as leader and chooses a topic for the group to discuss. Topics are typically chosen from AA literature. Resources include The Big Book, the Twelve Steps, and the Twelve Traditions. Discussions may also stem from content in “As Bill Sees It,” a collection of Bill W.’s writings that provides a topical guide to drive discussions.

Online AA Meetings in New Jersey

Online AA meetings in New Jersey offer additional flexibility and accessibility that in-person meetings may not provide. If transportation is a challenge, or you have health issues that make in-person meetings difficult, an online meeting can provide the support you need from the comfort of home. To find online AA meetings in New Jersey using a meeting directory, look for a video-style icon or a notation that the meeting is virtual.

In New Jersey, online meetings take place over various platforms such as Zoom or dial-in conference calling. Some meetings include video, while at other meetings, everyone turns off their video option for greater anonymity. 

Resources for Alcohol Addiction in New Jersey

New Jersey residents can reach out to the following organizations for additional support for alcoholism. 

New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)

This department offers recovery services, treatment options, education, interventions, and prevention services. DMHAS contracts with over 300 agencies to provide community mental health services and supports a variety of substance use treatment services. The division also manages addiction treatment services for criminal justice programs and the Intoxicated Driving Program. 

ReachNJ

This call-in line is available for New Jersey residents across the state. Callers speak to a live person within 30 seconds. ReachNJ staff identify callers’ needs and provide referrals to the appropriate services. This support is available for residents of all ages, including professionals who are looking for resources, loved ones who are concerned about someone else, or individuals calling for themselves. Support is provided regardless of the person’s ability to pay.

Sources

1. Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, D. of H. S. (2022). New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment: Substance Abuse Overview 2021 Statewide. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/publications/statistical/Substance%20Abuse%20Overview/2021/statewide.pdf
2. Yoade, B., Akinbode, O., Olatunji, O., Popoola, O., Busari, O., Odenigbo, N., Kogan, I., & Nkemjika, S. (2023). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) in New Jersey (NJ): Disparity in treatment. Cureus, 15(8), e43286. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43286
3. Department of Health. (n.d.). NJSHAD – Complete health indicator report – Alcohol consumption. Binge Drinking. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://www-doh.state.nj.us/doh-shad/indicator/complete_profile/AlcConBinDri.html
4. Deparment of Health. (n.d.). NJSHAD – Query builder – New Jersey behavioral risk factor survey data. Chronic Heavy Drinking Crude Rate. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://www-doh.state.nj.us/doh-shad/query/builder/njbrfs/AlcoholChrnHvy/AlcoholChrnHvyCrude11_.html