You are not alone
Local AA Meetings & Addiction Support starts with step one.
Real help is available right now. Whether that's a meeting tonight or a treatment program that fits your life, we'll help you figure out the right next step — honestly and without pressure.
“I've walked this road myself, so I understand the struggle. I'm here to be the support I wish I had when I needed it most.”
Disclaimer: Wavecrest Behavioral Health is a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center and is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). If our treatment isn't the right fit, we are happy to help you find an AA meeting or support group that meets your needs. All calls are 100% confidential.
An honest comparison
Meetings vs. treatment: what's the difference?
AA meetings are free, everywhere, and have helped millions stay sober. They are peer support — not medical care. For many people, meetings alone are enough. For others, they work best alongside a structured program. Here's how they compare.
| Category | AA / 12-step meetings | Treatment program |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Usually covered by PPO insurance |
| What it is | Peer support from others in recovery | Clinical care from licensed therapists and medical staff |
| Medical support | None — members are not clinicians | Withdrawal management, medication, psychiatry |
| Mental health care | Not addressed directly | Therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and more |
| Structure | Drop in whenever you like | Scheduled sessions, 3–5 days a week, with a personalized plan |
| Time commitment | About 1 hour per meeting | About 9–12 hours per week for IOP; less for outpatient |
| Privacy | Anonymous, but in a group setting | Confidential, HIPAA-protected, one-on-one and small group |
| Best for | Ongoing community and accountability | Getting stable, addressing root causes, preventing relapse |
Check in with yourself
Signs meetings alone may not be enough.
If two or more of these sound familiar, it doesn't mean meetings won't help — it means you may also benefit from medical and clinical support. A 10-minute call can tell you what level of care is appropriate.
Talk it through: (888) 985-3450- You get shaky, sweaty, anxious or nauseous when you stop drinking or using
- You've gone to meetings before and relapsed anyway
- You drink or use every day, or can't stop once you start
- You also struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma or sleep
- You drink heavily or take benzodiazepines — stopping suddenly can be medically dangerous
- Your drinking or use is affecting your job, relationships or health
- You've tried to cut back on your own and it hasn't stuck
- Your family has said they're worried about you
You don't have to choose
Treatment and meetings work better together.
Most people in our programs attend outside 12-step or SMART meetings while in treatment. Our outpatient and virtual IOP schedules are built around your life — including your home group. Treatment addresses the medical and mental health side; meetings give you a community for the long haul.
- Morning or evening IOP tracks so you never miss your regular meeting
- We'll help you find a welcoming home group near you
- Therapy for the anxiety, depression or trauma underneath the drinking
- Medical oversight during early sobriety when relapse risk is highest
- 01
Reach out
You don't have to do this alone. Our confidential, judgment-free line is open 24/7 to answer questions or just listen.
- 02
Find your place
We'll help you find a welcoming group. We recommend starting with a beginner's meeting to see how it works in a safe environment.
- 03
Celebrate day one
The first 24 hours is a victory. Receive your first chip as a symbol of your courage and the start of a new life.
Reclaim your life
What happens when you reach out?
No judgment. No pressure. Just a real conversation.
- 01
We listen
Tell us what's going on. We're here to understand, not to judge. Calls are confidential and there's no obligation.
- 02
We explore options
Together we figure out what kind of support makes sense — from a detox referral to virtual IOP — and check your insurance for free.
- 03
You decide
No pressure. You're in control of your journey, always. If we're not the right fit, we'll point you to resources that are.
Testimonials
Real stories. Real recovery.
“I was terrified to pick up the phone, but the team was incredibly kind to me. They guided me to the right level of care that very night. That single phone call changed my life.”
“I truly believed I was too broken to ever get better. I didn't know where to start, but they made it simple. Getting help gave me hope again and a community that understands me.”
“I hit rock bottom and saw no way out. They made finding help simple when I was overwhelmed. I walked in terrified, but I left knowing I finally had a fighting chance at life.”
Your future self will thank you.
Imagine waking up without the weight of addiction. That future is possible — and it starts with one simple step.
Contact us
Want to speak to us?
Fill out the form to receive a call from a team member. We'll talk through where you're at — whether that leads to a meeting tonight, a treatment program, or simply a plan.
Call (888) 985-3450Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.