What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for those struggling with alcohol addiction, available in cities across the US, including Puerto Rico.
AA offers a free program with regular group meetings held in Puerto Rico, USA, where members share experiences, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism.
Caribbean 12 Step, San Juan
1060 Ponce de León, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907.
Meetings occur every day at 7:30 AM as a closed English meeting focused on Daily Reflections, providing a structured daily start for members to reflect on readings and share insights in a private setting limited to those identifying as alcoholics. Additional daily meetings at 6:00 PM vary by day: Monday features Step and Tradition with a 10-minute lead; Tuesday covers As Bill Sees It; Wednesday includes separate Men’s and Women’s Discussion groups; Thursday reads from the Big Book; Friday is for Beginners with a 10-minute lead; Saturday discusses Grapevine; and Sunday reflects on AA Literature.
Escuela José de Diego, Aguadilla
Escuela José de Diego, Aguadilla, PR. Contact Trevor: 787-354-7685.
Mondays at 7:00 PM host the We Absolutely Insist on Enjoying Life Group as an open discussion meeting, welcoming anyone interested in AA’s recovery program, including non-alcoholics as observers, to foster open sharing about enjoying life in sobriety. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM feature the Into Action Group as an open beginner meeting held in person at Ramey Base Gazebo Calle E, Aguadilla, designed specifically for newcomers to learn basic AA principles in a supportive environment.
Iglesia La Curva, Isabela
Carr 2, km 112, next to the McDonald’s, Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Thursdays at 5:00 PM and Fridays at 5:00 PM offer the Isabela Design For Living Group as open AA Literature meetings, where participants study AA texts to apply principles in daily life, open to all interested in recovery. Saturdays at 9:00 AM hold an open topic/discussion meeting, and Sundays at 11:00 AM focus on the 11th Step with Came to Believe discussion, both encouraging personal spiritual growth through shared experiences; contact Gary for more details.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA provide a framework for personal recovery from alcoholism, aiming to motivate members toward positive change across Puerto Rico, USA.
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This first step requires honest self-assessment, acknowledging the inability to control drinking on one’s own. It forms the foundation for all subsequent recovery efforts.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members recognize the need for spiritual help beyond personal willpower. This step opens the door to faith in a higher power tailored to individual beliefs.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves a conscious surrender to a personal conception of a higher power. It shifts focus from self-reliance to guided living.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Participants list resentments, fears, and harms done, promoting self-awareness. This inventory reveals patterns contributing to addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing the inventory aloud builds accountability and relief. It fosters humility and connection with others.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This prepares the mind for change by accepting flaws fully. Readiness ensures sincere commitment to improvement.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. A prayerful request marks active pursuit of transformation. It emphasizes humility in seeking divine aid.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Identifying those hurt by one’s actions is key. Willingness sets the stage for reconciliation.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Actual apologies repair relationships when feasible. Exceptions protect others from further harm.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-examination prevents relapse. Prompt admission maintains progress.
- 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. Daily spiritual practice deepens connection. It aligns actions with higher purpose.
- 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. Recovery culminates in service to others. This sustains sobriety through helping newcomers.
Getting Started with AA in Puerto Rico, USA
People can search for meetings on wfmh.org to find local meetings in their area as the best variant. Only this site.
Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most places throughout Puerto Rico Area 77.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Open vs closed meetings in Puerto Rico, USA: Open meetings welcome anyone interested in AA’s program, including non-alcoholics as observers, while closed meetings are limited to those who have a desire to stop drinking.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous’ program of recovery from alcoholism; non-alcoholics may attend as observers. |
| Closed | Limited to individuals who have a desire to stop drinking; focuses on alcoholics sharing with fellow alcoholics. |
Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member. Share your experiences if comfortable. Receive welcome keychain tags at first meeting.
- 30 days: Bronze keychain tag awarded for one month of continuous sobriety, recognizing initial commitment and early progress in recovery.
- 60 days: Silver keychain tag given for two months sober, celebrating sustained effort and building momentum in the AA program.
- 1 year: Gold keychain tag presented for one year of sobriety, honoring a major milestone and inspiring continued participation.