Find AA Meetings in Ohio

AA meetings in Ohio can be a source of fellowship and guidance for those seeking support. AA has helped millions quit drinking, and this program could provide the direction you need to find a path to sobriety. This resource page offers everything you need to know about AA meetings in Ohio and how to find AA meetings near you. Also included are state-wide resources that can offer additional support for you or your loved one. 

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Expert Insight

We know that excessive alcohol use kills more than 5,700 Ohioans each year. We also know that binge drinking is most common among younger adults, which includes Ohio’s college student population. What can we do to protect these young people from deadly alcohol consumption? Ohio State University is taking steps that others can imitate. The university found that 72% of their students drink alcoholic beverages. To encourage safe consumption, the institution is now requiring all first-year and transfer undergraduate students to complete online educational modules that teach alcohol and other drug misuse prevention. Will this guarantee that students avoid binge drinking? No, but implementing this type of educational and prevention effort is better than simply hoping they do.

Alcoholism Statistics in Ohio

A look at recent Ohio statistics indicates that alcohol consumption throughout the state may be on a downward trend. 

• On average, Ohioans consumed 689 alcoholic drinks in 2021.
• In 2020, Ohioans consumed an average of 776 drinks.

Despite these statistics, the number of deaths due to alcohol use seems to be on the rise. 

• Each year, an average of 5,739 deaths in Ohio are attributable to excessive alcohol use.
• The number of deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use for 2020-2021 was higher than average, at 6,784.

This may be due in part to the number of Ohioans who binge drink or drink heavily, which can cause serious or fatal health risks. 

• Nearly 1 in 5 (19.5%) of Ohio adults report binge drinking or heavy drinking.
  (Binge drinking is defined as for or more drinks for females or five or more drinks for males on one occasion, and heavy drinking is defined as eight or more drinks for females or 15 or more for males per week.)

Fortunately, for Ohioans who are struggling with alcohol use disorder, treatment is available. 

• There are 589 active substance abuse clinics in the Buckeye State.
• Ohioans who seek outpatient rehab treatment can expect to pay $1,705.
• Average residential rehab treatment in Ohio costs $56,688.
• Five facilities in Ohio offer free treatment for all clients.

Popular Types of AA Meetings in Ohio

Throughout the state, Ohioans can find AA meetings designed to meet each person where they are on their journey. Through various formats, AA meetings in Ohio offer different types of education, support, and guidance for recovery. Following are some of the most common types of AA meetings in Ohio.

Open/Closed Meeting

Open AA meetings in Ohio invite anyone in the community to attend. This includes individuals who are interested in learning more about the program, those who are seeking support for themselves, and loved ones of someone struggling with alcohol use disorder. In contrast, closed meetings are for AA members only. Attendance is limited to individuals who are there because they have a desire to stop drinking.

Big Book Meeting

During a Big Book meeting, members read and discuss material from Alcoholics Anonymous, which is typically referred to as The Big Book. This text includes the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, the history of AA, and information on methods of support.

Speaker Meeting

A speaker meeting offers the opportunity for someone who has overcome alcohol addiction to share their story with others. This usually follows a format of “what I was like, what happened, and what I am like now.” The goal is to provide insight and encouragement to others based on their first-hand experience. These meetings are typically open.

Discussion Meeting

Discussion AA meetings in Ohio may be closed or open. During these meetings, one member chooses a topic to discuss. Topics cover a broad range, including both alcohol and non-alcohol-related issues. Often, topics are chosen from The Big Book or As Bill Sees It (a collection of Bill W.’s writings.)

Online AA Meetings in Ohio 

For Ohio residents who find it difficult to attend AA meetings in person, online AA meetings in Ohio are available. These can be accessed from anywhere, through a mobile device. Hosts use platforms such as dial-in conference calling or Zoom to offer the virtual meeting. 

Online meetings eliminate any concerns about transportation to and from the meeting. Those with health issues or physical disabilities may also find online meetings more accessible. 

To find AA meetings that are virtual, look for video icons in the directory listing or notations that the meeting is hosted online. Reach out to the meeting host if you think you’ll need assistance with the technology required to access the meeting. 

Resources for Alcohol Addiction

The following organizations offer additional support for residents of Ohio who are seeking resources to address alcohol use disorder and related issues.

Crisis Text Line

Residents of all ages throughout the state can text “4hope” to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Callers are connected to a counselor within five minutes. 

Ohio CareLine

Ohioans can call 1-800-720-9616 for support 24/7. Callers are connected to behavioral health professionals who provide confidential support. 

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

This department offers resources for support, treatment, prevention, and education. Their website provides articles, referrals, and a search feature to locate local support.

Sources

1. Hanson, M. (2021, March 7). Alcohol abuse statistics [2023]: National + state data. NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/#ohio
2. The Ohio State University. (2022, July 19). New student education program supports drug and alcohol misuse prevention. The Ohio State University. https://news.osu.edu/new-student-education-program-supports-drug-and-alcohol-abuse-prevention/
3. Stilkind, J. (n.d.). Average cost of drug rehab [2023]: By type, state & more. NCDAS. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://drugabusestatistics.org/cost-of-rehab/
4. Bona, M. (2022, February 9). Study: Alcohol consumption dropped in most states in the pandemic; here’s how Ohio fared. Cleveland. https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/02/study-alcohol-consumption-dropped-in-most-states-in-the-pandemic-heres-how-ohio-fared.html
5. ARDI alcOHol-attributable deaths, OH. (n.d.). CDC.Gov. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://nccd.cdc.gov/DPH_ARDI/default/Report.aspx
6. Hanson, M. (2021, March 7). Alcohol abuse statistics [2023]: National + state data. NCDAS. https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/#ohio
7. America’s health rankings. (n.d.). America’s Health Rankings. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/ExcessDrink/OH