Finding support when you’re struggling with alcohol use can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Alcoholics Anonymous has been helping people achieve and maintain sobriety for decades, and Ventura offers a strong, active recovery community.
Whether you’re considering your first meeting or looking for ongoing support, this guide will help you understand what’s available and how to get connected.
Finding AA meetings in Ventura
Ventura County has numerous AA meetings happening throughout the week, making it easier to find one that fits your schedule and preferences. Meetings take place in churches, community centers, and other public spaces across the city.
The official AA meeting finder at aa.org allows you to search by zip code, day of the week, and meeting type. Most neighborhoods in Ventura have multiple meeting options within a short drive.
Popular meeting locations include downtown Ventura, the Midtown area, and East Ventura. Some meetings happen early in the morning before work, during lunch hours, and in the evenings. You can also call the Ventura Intergroup at their local hotline for personalized help finding a meeting near you.
What to expect at your first AA meeting
Walking into your first AA meeting can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect helps ease that anxiety. Most meetings last about an hour and follow a similar format. Someone will read the AA preamble and go over housekeeping items, then there may be a speaker sharing their story, a discussion of AA literature, or open sharing.
You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Many people attend several meetings before feeling comfortable sharing. If you introduce yourself, a simple first name is enough. AA is completely anonymous, and what’s shared in meetings stays in meetings. After the meeting, people often stick around to chat and exchange phone numbers.
Types of meetings available in Ventura
Ventura offers several types of AA meetings to suit different needs and comfort levels:
Meeting formats:
- Open meetings welcome anyone interested in learning about AA, including family members or friends
- Closed meetings are for people who identify as having a problem with alcohol
- Speaker meetings feature personal recovery stories that can inspire newcomers
- Discussion meetings focus on a particular topic, piece of AA literature, or step
- Big Book meetings study the foundational AA text together
Specialty meetings:
- Women’s meetings and men’s meetings provide spaces for gender-specific discussions
- Young people’s meetings serve those in their teens, twenties, and thirties
- LGBTQ+ friendly meetings create welcoming spaces for the queer community
- Spanish language meetings serve Ventura’s Spanish-speaking population
Online and virtual meeting options
If getting to an in-person meeting isn’t possible due to schedule conflicts, transportation issues, or other barriers, online AA meetings provide another way to connect. Virtual meetings happen via video platforms and follow the same format as in-person gatherings.
Online meetings offer advantages for people with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or anyone dealing with social anxiety. Many people find the greatest benefit comes from combining virtual attendance with in-person meetings when possible.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings in Ventura
If your struggle involves drugs other than alcohol, Narcotics Anonymous offers a similar 12-step program specifically focused on drug addiction. NA meetings follow much the same format as AA but address the unique aspects of drug use and recovery.
You can find NA meetings in Ventura by visiting na.org and using their meeting finder tool. Like AA, NA meetings are free, anonymous, and open to anyone seeking recovery from drug addiction.
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) support in Ventura
Cocaine Anonymous is another 12-step fellowship that focuses specifically on recovery from cocaine and crack cocaine addiction. While there are fewer CA meetings than AA or NA meetings in most areas, they provide targeted support for those dealing with stimulant addiction.
CA meetings in Ventura can be found through the CA World Services website. The meeting format mirrors AA and NA, using the same 12 steps adapted for cocaine addiction.
Benefits of attending regular meetings
Consistency matters in recovery. Attending meetings regularly, especially in early sobriety, provides structure and accountability during a vulnerable time. Here’s what regular attendance offers:
- Structure and routine that supports long-term sobriety
- Recognition of familiar faces that build community and belonging
- Mentorship opportunities as regular attendees become sponsors to newcomers
- Practical strategies for dealing with cravings and managing stress
- Genuine friendships with others who understand your journey
Meetings remind you that you’re not alone in this struggle. Hearing others share similar experiences, challenges, and victories normalizes what you’re going through and provides hope. Beyond the meetings themselves, the fellowship extends into daily life, creating a support network you can call on during difficult moments.
Getting started with your recovery journey
Taking the first step toward recovery is brave, and you don’t have to have everything figured out before you go to a meeting. If attending feels overwhelming, start by reading about AA online or calling the local intergroup hotline.
Many people benefit from combining AA with professional treatment programs. Altitude Recovery in Southern California offers confidential addiction treatment designed to work alongside 12-step participation. The important thing is to reach out for help in whatever form feels right for you.
FAQs about AA meetings in Ventura
Do I have to be religious to attend AA meetings?
No. While AA has spiritual elements and mentions a “higher power,” you can interpret that however works for you. Many atheists and agnostics successfully participate in AA by focusing on the community support and practical tools rather than religious aspects. Some meetings are specifically designated as secular or agnostic meetings.
How much do AA meetings cost?
AA meetings are completely free. There’s usually a voluntary donation basket passed around to cover costs like coffee and rent for the meeting space, but contributions are entirely optional. Newcomers are never expected to contribute, and no one will pressure you about money.
Can I attend AA meetings if I'm still drinking?
Yes. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. You don’t have to be sober to walk through the door. Many people attend their first meetings while still struggling with alcohol. AA welcomes anyone who wants help, regardless of where they are in their journey.
Will people at the meeting know my personal information?
No. AA is built on anonymity. You only need to share your first name, and even that’s optional. What’s shared in meetings stays in meetings. Members take confidentiality seriously, and there’s no roster, sign-in sheet, or record of your attendance. Your privacy is protected.
What if I don't like the first meeting I attend?
Every AA meeting has its own personality and vibe. If the first one doesn’t feel right, try a different meeting. Many people visit several different meetings before finding one where they feel comfortable. The format, group dynamics, and atmosphere can vary significantly between meetings, so keep exploring until you find a good fit.
