There is nothing more powerful in recovery or changing your life than the support of a group of people who have been where you are and have come out the other side. For those on the road to recovery in Olympia, that group of people is either Alcoholics Anonymous, better known as AA, or Narcotics Anonymous, better known as NA. Between them, AA and NA have helped millions of people find a better path to sobriety and the support of people who know the struggles of recovery and sobriety intimately and work together to help others.

However, while it can be as simple as attending the nearest meeting, a little research and thought about what you most want from a peer support group can ensure a much better experience. While your first AA or NA meeting might be a part of a structured addiction treatment program in Olympia, when it is time to choose a standalone meeting location, you may want to know more about AA and NA meetings in the area.

AA Meetings In Olympia, Washington

Alcoholics Anonymous is designed to support anyone who is dealing with or has dealt with an alcohol addiction. While AA does emphasize a spiritual approach to recovery, the organization is not religious in nature or aligned with any particular religious belief. There is no political agenda at AA meetings, and there are no requirements as to economic status or educational level. The meetings are always free and open to all with a desire to achieve and maintain sobriety.

AA meetings revolve around following the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, a set of principles that enable members to work through the issues that come with alcoholism and achieve peace of mind and health.

Finding AA Meeting Near Me

Finding the right AA meeting for you will depend on what you need from it. Due to its framework structure, there are as many types of meetings as there are members and leaders. A meeting might be led by a trained counselor or psychiatric professional, for example, and might focus on reasons and motivations behind alcohol dependency and abuse. One led by a longtime member may focus on long-term recovery and its needs. As AA is always free and does not require any sort of educational training to attend, there are a host of different approaches.

Ideally, there will be some literature you can read about the meeting, and you can discuss potential concerns or needs with the leadership of the group. You should also write out or otherwise consider what would make the meeting most useful to you and plan accordingly.

Here are some AA meeting locations in the Olympia area:

Briggs YMCA
1530 Yelm Hwy. SE
Olympia, WA 98501

Capital Medical Center
3900 Capital Mall Dr. SW
Olympia, WA 98502

Capital Vision Christian Church
1775 Yew Ave. NE
Olympia, WA 98506

You can find other meeting locations nearby on theĀ Alcoholics Anonymous website.

NA Meetings In Olympia, Washington

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are largely based on the same set of principles as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, with the exception that those principles are adjusted to meet the specific needs of those who abuse drugs instead of alcohol.

NA meetings are open to all who have a desire to stop using drugs, no matter what the drug of choice may be. Some NA meetings focus on a particular type of drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, but most meetings welcome anyone who is battling a drug addiction. In a group of peers experiencing the same struggles, members find the support and strength they need to break free from addiction and live free. Listening compassionately to the stories of others and sharing your own stories in return is the best way to benefit from NA meetings.

Finding NA Meetings Near Me

The most important consideration when you are looking for an NA meeting to attend is to look for a group with whom you feel comfortable. You may have to try several groups to find the perfect fit, and that is okay.

Here are some meeting locations to get you started:

Evergreen College Campus
2700 Evergreen Pkwy. NW
Olympia, WA 98505

Olympia Alano Club
120 Olympia Ave. NE
Olympia, WA 98501

First Christian Church
701 Franklin St. SE
Olympia, WA 98501

You can find other meeting locations by zip code on theĀ Narcotics Anonymous website.

Substance abuse and dependency, whether alcohol or narcotics, is not an easy illness to overcome, especially if you go at it alone. With some help from a peer group that understands your concerns and offers support, you do not have to do it by yourself. Reach out to The Recovery Village today to learn about AA and NA meetings along with other addiction treatment options available in your area.