AA Meetings in Los Angeles — How to Find Help
Los Angeles has one of the largest AA networks in the world. Thousands of meetings take place across the county every week. Here is everything you need to know to find a meeting, walk through the door, and start your recovery.
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Key Facts About AA Meetings in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County hosts thousands of AA meetings every week, making it one of the largest AA networks in the world.
- The LA Central Office of AA at (323) 936-4343 can help you find a meeting near you at any time.
- AA meetings are completely free — there are no dues, fees, or registration requirements.
- The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. No referral, diagnosis, or sobriety is required to attend.
- Meetings are available in English, Spanish, and other languages throughout LA County.
- Specialty meetings exist for women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, young people, and professionals.
- Online AA meetings are available 24/7 for people who cannot attend in person.
- SAMHSA and NIAAA recognize 12-step programs like AA as an effective component of alcohol use disorder recovery.
How to Find an AA Meeting in Los Angeles
Finding an AA meeting in Los Angeles is straightforward. The city's extensive network means there is almost certainly a meeting happening near you, often within the hour. Here are the most reliable ways to find one.
LA Central Office of AA
The Los Angeles Central Office of AA operates a meeting directory and phone helpline. Call (323) 936-4343 to speak with a volunteer who can help you find a meeting based on your location, schedule, and preferences. Their website at lacoaa.org has a searchable meeting directory with filters for neighborhood, day, time, type, and language.
AA Meeting Finder Apps
The "Meeting Guide" app, created by AA World Services, uses your location to show nearby meetings in real time. It is free, available for iOS and Android, and covers all registered AA meetings in Los Angeles County. The app shows meeting details including time, type (open/closed, speaker/discussion), and wheelchair accessibility.
Online AA Meetings
If you cannot attend in person, online AA meetings are available 24/7 through platforms like AA Intergroup and individual meeting groups that host virtual meetings via Zoom. Online meetings became widely available during the pandemic and continue to serve people who prefer virtual attendance, have mobility limitations, or live in areas with limited meeting access.
Call (213) 277-7446
The Los Angeles Addiction Hotline can help you find AA meetings and other recovery support resources in your area. If you are not sure whether AA is right for you, we can discuss other options including NA (Narcotics Anonymous), SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and treatment programs.
What to Expect at Your First AA Meeting
Walking into your first AA meeting can feel intimidating. Knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety. Here is a general overview of how most AA meetings in Los Angeles work.
Arriving at the Meeting
Arrive a few minutes early if possible. Most meetings are held in churches, community centers, hospitals, or clubhouses. You do not need to bring anything. There is no sign-in sheet, no registration, and no need to identify yourself. You can simply sit down.
The Meeting Format
Meetings typically last one hour. They usually open with a reading from AA literature, followed by either a speaker sharing their story or a group discussion on a topic. The meeting closes with a group reading or prayer. The specific format varies by meeting — some are more structured, others more casual.
Newcomers Are Welcome
Many meetings ask if anyone is attending for the first time or within their first 30 days. Raising your hand is optional. If you do, you may receive a welcome chip and hear encouraging words from group members. You are never required to speak, share, or identify yourself.
After the Meeting
People often linger after meetings to talk informally. This is called the "meeting after the meeting" and is where much of AA's social support happens. Someone may offer you their phone number — this is normal and not obligatory. Many people recommend trying several different meetings before forming an opinion about AA.
AA Meetings by LA Neighborhood
AA meetings are held in every corner of Los Angeles County. Here is a general guide to finding meetings in major areas.
Hollywood / West Hollywood
One of the densest concentrations of AA meetings in the country. Meetings run morning through evening, every day of the week. Many LGBTQ+-specific meetings are available in West Hollywood.
Downtown LA / Skid Row
Multiple meetings daily at locations throughout Downtown. Several organizations near Skid Row host meetings alongside other recovery services.
San Fernando Valley
Extensive meeting network across the Valley, from Burbank and Glendale through North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and the West Valley. Morning, noon, and evening meetings available daily.
Santa Monica / West LA
Strong recovery community with meetings throughout the Westside. Many meetings in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Mar Vista, and Venice. Beach-adjacent meeting locations are particularly popular.
East LA / Boyle Heights
Active meeting network with many Spanish-language meetings. Churches and community centers throughout East LA host regular meetings. The Spanish Central Office coordinates Spanish-language meeting information.
South LA / Inglewood / Compton
Meetings throughout South LA neighborhoods including Inglewood, Compton, Watts, and Crenshaw. Several clubhouses serve as dedicated recovery meeting spaces in the area.
Long Beach
Long Beach has its own robust AA community with meetings throughout the city. The Long Beach Central Office maintains a local meeting directory and helpline.
Pasadena / SGV
Meetings available throughout the San Gabriel Valley from Pasadena through Alhambra, El Monte, and beyond. Both English and Chinese-language meetings available in the SGV.
Beyond AA — Other Recovery Meetings in Los Angeles
AA is not the only peer support option in Los Angeles. If AA does not feel like the right fit, other programs offer different approaches to recovery.
NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
For people whose primary substance is not alcohol. NA uses a similar 12-step framework and has a large meeting network across LA County.
SMART Recovery
A science-based alternative to 12-step programs using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. SMART Recovery meetings are available in person and online in the LA area.
Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma
Buddhist-inspired recovery programs that use mindfulness and meditation practices. Several meetings are held weekly throughout Los Angeles, particularly on the Westside and in the Valley.
CMA (Crystal Meth Anonymous)
Specifically for people recovering from methamphetamine addiction. LA has one of the largest CMA networks in the country, with meetings throughout the city.
Hotlines and Resources
LA Addiction Helpline Featured
Help finding meetings and treatment resources
Hours: 24/7
LA Central Office of AA
AA meeting information and volunteer support
Hours: 24/7
LA County SASH Hotline
Substance abuse treatment referrals
Hours: 24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free national treatment referral service
Hours: 24/7
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Call (213) 277-7446Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an AA meeting near me in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Central Office of AA maintains a comprehensive meeting directory at lacoaa.org. You can search by neighborhood, day, time, and meeting type. You can also call the LA Central Office at (323) 936-4343 for help finding a meeting. Meetings are held throughout LA County including Downtown, Hollywood, West LA, the Valley, East LA, South LA, Long Beach, and every other neighborhood.
Do I have to speak at an AA meeting?
No. You never have to speak at an AA meeting. Many people attend their first several meetings without saying a word. If you are called on or asked to share, you can simply say 'I'm just here to listen' or 'I'll pass.' There is no pressure to participate beyond being present.
Are AA meetings free?
Yes. AA meetings are free. There are no dues, fees, or membership requirements. A basket may be passed for voluntary contributions to cover the cost of the meeting space, but contributing is entirely optional. AA's tradition of self-support means they do not accept outside funding.
What is the difference between open and closed AA meetings?
Open meetings welcome anyone — including people who are curious about AA, family members, students, and professionals. Closed meetings are restricted to people who have a desire to stop drinking. If you are unsure whether you have a drinking problem, you are welcome at closed meetings — the only requirement is the desire to stop.
Are there Spanish-language AA meetings in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles has a large network of Spanish-language AA meetings. The LA Spanish Central Office (Oficina Central Hispana) coordinates these meetings and can be reached for meeting information. Spanish-language meetings are held throughout LA County, particularly in East LA, South LA, the San Fernando Valley, and other neighborhoods with large Latino populations.
What are the different types of AA meetings?
Common types include Speaker meetings (one person shares their story), Discussion meetings (open conversation on a topic), Big Book study (reading and discussing AA literature), Step meetings (focused on the 12 steps), Beginners meetings (designed for newcomers), and specialty meetings for specific groups like women, men, LGBTQ+, or young people.