Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Florida, Broward, Fort Lauderdale, USA

What is AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who help each other achieve and maintain sobriety from alcohol addiction. The program is available free of charge in cities across the United States, including Florida, Broward, and Fort Lauderdale, where you can find regular group meetings and resources for recovery by visiting https://www.wfmh.org/aa/florida/broward/fort-lauderdale. These meetings provide guidance, mutual support, and accountability, helping members stay committed to their sobriety journey and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Lambda South Club

Address: 1231 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Lambda South Club hosts multiple AA meetings throughout the week, including specialized groups such as Lambda Rising (Meditation), Let’s Do Lunch Bunch (Discussion), and HALT – Lambda (Gay/LGBTQ+ focused). Meetings at this location are known for their welcoming atmosphere and accessibility, with wheelchair access and a variety of meeting styles to suit different needs and preferences.

Equality Park Center

Address: 2040 Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305

The Pride 545 Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at Equality Park Center, offering sessions Monday through Saturday at 5:45 PM. This location is recognized for its inclusive, supportive environment, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking recovery, especially those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

331 Tarpon Dr (Easier Softer Way Group)

Address: 331 Tarpon Dr, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Easier Softer Way is an open newcomer meeting, ideal for those new to AA and seeking to understand the 12-step recovery model. The group provides a structured environment for learning and discussion, focusing on the experiences of those just starting their journey toward sobriety.

The 12 Steps of AA

1. Admitted powerlessness: Members recognize their inability to control alcohol and acknowledge how it has made their lives unmanageable. This honest self-assessment is foundational to recovery.
2. Came to believe: Individuals accept that a higher power—as each understands it—can help restore them to sanity. This step introduces the concept of hope and external support.
3. Made a decision: Members decide to turn their will and lives over to the care of a higher power. This represents a commitment to the recovery process and a surrender of self-will.
4. Made a searching moral inventory: Individuals undertake a fearless and thorough assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. This honest evaluation helps identify areas for personal growth.
5. Admitted nature of wrongs: Members admit to themselves, to a higher power, and to another person the exact nature of their mistakes. Sharing openly reduces shame and isolation.
6. Ready for change: Individuals become entirely ready to have their higher power remove all their shortcomings. This reflects a willingness to let go of harmful behaviors and attitudes.
7. Humbly asked: Members humbly ask their higher power to remove their shortcomings. This step emphasizes humility and willingness to accept help.
8. Made a list: Individuals list all persons they have harmed and become willing to make amends. This prepares them for taking responsibility for past actions.
9. Made direct amends: Members make amends to those they have harmed, except when doing so would injure them or others. This fosters healing and reconciliation.
10. Continued personal inventory: Individuals regularly examine their behavior and promptly admit when they are wrong. This ongoing practice supports sustained recovery.
11. Sought spiritual connection: Members seek through prayer and meditation to improve their conscious contact with a higher power. Spiritual practice is seen as essential for growth.
12. Carried the message: Having had a spiritual awakening, members try to carry the AA message to others and practice these principles in all their affairs. This embodies service and living responsibly.

Getting Started with AA in Florida, Broward, Fort Lauderdale, USA

The best way to find local AA meetings is by using the meeting search at wfmh.org, which provides up-to-date information on meetings throughout the area. This resource is reliable, comprehensive, and easy to use, helping you find both in-person and online/virtual meetings to fit your schedule and preferences.

Attending Your First Local AA Meeting

There are two main types of AA meetings in Fort Lauderdale: open and closed. Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about AA, including friends and family, while closed meetings are reserved for those who have a desire to stop drinking and wish to share more privately.

It is recommended to arrive early to your first meeting and introduce yourself as a newcomer. Sharing your experiences is encouraged but never required, and members often receive welcome keychain tags at their first meeting to mark sobriety milestones. These milestones foster motivation and celebrate progress in recovery.

• 30 days: Acknowledges the first month of sobriety—a significant early achievement.
• 60 days: Celebrates two months of commitment to recovery.
• 90 days: Recognizes three months of continuous sobriety and growing stability.
• 6 months: Marks half a year of commitment to the AA program.
• 9 months: Celebrates continued growth and progress toward a year.
• 1 year: Honors a full year of sobriety, a major personal milestone.

These markers are a tangible way for the AA community to support and recognize each member’s journey, reinforcing the importance of each step toward lasting recovery.