Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Information

You may choose or be required to attend a 12-step meeting such as AA in different ways. For example, Reynolds Defense Firm may recommend you attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings as part of your attorney’s plan to help you get the best resolution to your case, you may participate in AA as part of your work with the Blue Binder Project, and/or the court may require you to attend AA meetings as part of a DUI Diversion program or probation.

Although not for everyone, Reynolds Defense Firm has found in their combined 35 years of experience that attending AA meetings can often help good people who have been arrested for a DUI. This is true regardless of the person’s relationship with alcohol. Anyone arrested for an alcohol-based DUI has a problem with alcohol because it caused a problem in their lives.

AA is a voluntary group of men and women who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety by sharing their experience, strength and hope with each other with the goal of solving common challenges. There are groups located all over Portland and throughout the state of Oregon. AA does not have any religious or political affiliations.

AA has “Open” and “Closed” meetings. Anyone may attend an open meeting. The meeting typically consists of talks by a leader and two or three speakers who share their experiences as it relates to alcohol, how they came to AA, and how their lives have changed as a result. These meetings are often attended by helping professionals such as doctors, clergy, and others interested in learning about A.A. Closed meetings are for alcoholics only. These meetings may have more discussion on drinking-related problems, focus on one of the Twelve Steps, or work through issues that the members are currently struggling with.

1. When you look for a meeting, take note of the codes used to describe the group. Meetings can be divided by gender, focused on professions and/or sexual orientation. This information can help you find the meeting that might be best for you.
2. If you try a meeting and you don’t find people that you can relate to, try a different group. There is a group out there that will be good fit, and sometimes it takes attending a couple of different groups to find a good fit.
3. Use the 12-Step Hotline if you’re confused about the process or where to start. The Westside Central Office can be reached by calling 503-684-0415. They can help you find a sponsor, find a meeting, and answer questions that you might have. They can also be reached via email info@westsidecentraloffice.com.
4. Many of our clients have found success through their relationship with their sponsor. At your first meeting, you can request a “temporary sponsor” who will help you start the process of AA membership. Once they get to know you better, you might be re-assigned to a more permanent sponsor that best suits your personality, interests and goals.

For more information on AA meetings and membership in the Metro Portland area:
www.pdxaa.com

Portland AA 24-Hour Hotline: 503-223-8569

For information specific to Westside Portland:
westsidecentraloffice.com

For statewide AA information:
www.aa-oregon.org

For online AA options:
www.aa-oregon.org/find-meetings/

The State of Oregon partnered with Google to create online resources for people in recovery - it has financial resources, online meetings, peer to peer resources, and more throughout the state for people that are struggling now that they are out of the routine of their regular support.
oregonrecoverynetwork.org