Quick answer
Alcoholics Anonymous does not run one national hotline. Instead, local AA central offices and intergroups answer phones, and many have volunteers on call around the clock. Find your local number at aa.org or in the free Meeting Guide app. In an emergency call 911, and in a mental health crisis call or text 988.
Is there a national AA hotline?
No. Alcoholics Anonymous doesn’t have a single national phone number for people who want to stop drinking. AA is organized locally. In most areas, a central office or intergroup answers the phone, shares meeting times and connects callers with a sober AA member. Many of these local lines are staffed 24 hours a day, either directly or through an answering service that forwards calls to volunteers.
AA’s General Service Office in New York handles questions about the fellowship as a whole. It isn’t a crisis or help line.
Be careful with search ads and websites that call themselves an “AA hotline.” Some are run by treatment centers or referral services, not by AA. That isn’t always bad, but you should know who you’re talking to. AA itself never charges for help and never sells treatment.
How do I find my local AA hotline number?
- aa.org: Use “Find A.A. Near You” on the Alcoholics Anonymous website. It lists local central offices and intergroups with their phone numbers and websites.
- Meeting Guide app: AA’s free app for iPhone and Android shows in-person and online meetings near you, with times and addresses.
- Search your city or county: Try “AA central office” or “AA intergroup” plus your city. Most local offices list a 24-hour number on their homepage.
- Our city meeting pages: see AA and NA meetings by city, with local NA meetings by day and time and the local AA office phone number.
- Online meetings: The Online Intergroup of A.A. lists video, phone and chat meetings that run at all hours.
What happens when you call an AA hotline?
A volunteer or office worker answers. Usually that person is in recovery themselves. They may:
- Listen and talk with you about what’s going on
- Tell you about meetings happening today, including beginner or open meetings
- Arrange for a sober AA member to call you back or meet you at a meeting
- Share local resources, such as detox programs or Al-Anon for family members
You don’t have to give your full name, and you don’t have to be sure you’re an alcoholic. A desire to stop drinking is the only requirement for AA membership.
When should you call 911, 988 or a treatment line instead?
AA volunteers can offer support, but they aren’t doctors or crisis counselors. Call someone else in these situations:
- Call 911 if someone has seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, can’t be woken up, or shows signs of alcohol poisoning. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
- Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, if you or someone else is thinking about suicide or is in a mental health crisis.
- Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential referrals to treatment, including low-cost and state-funded programs.
- Talk to a doctor about detox if you drink heavily every day. Stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, and medical detox makes it safer.
Can I call a treatment helpline instead of AA?
Yes, and it’s a different kind of help. AA offers free peer support and meetings. A treatment helpline helps you find professional care, such as detox, outpatient programs or alcohol rehab, and checks what your insurance covers.
StartDrugRehab.com runs a treatment helpline at (833) 589-6933. To be clear, it is not AA and isn’t affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. Calls are answered by StartDrugRehab LLC, and the line is paid for by treatment providers. See how our helpline works. Many people use both: professional treatment to get through detox and early recovery, and AA or another support group for the long run.
Are there AA meetings 24 hours a day?
Yes, online. Video and phone meetings start every hour, around the clock, through the Online Intergroup and other groups. Some large cities also have clubhouses with late-night or very early meetings. If you can’t sleep and want to drink, an online meeting is often the fastest way to talk to someone.
What if AA isn’t the right fit?
AA works well for many people, but it isn’t the only option. SMART Recovery uses a science-based, non-spiritual approach. Other groups include LifeRing, Women for Sobriety and Recovery Dharma. Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate can reduce cravings and are often used alongside meetings. If you’re unsure how serious your drinking is, try our free Am I an alcoholic? quiz. If you’re worried about someone else, see our guide to Al-Anon and family support groups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AA hotline number?
There is no single national AA hotline. Local AA central offices and intergroups run their own phone lines, and many answer 24 hours a day. Find your local number at aa.org under "Find A.A. Near You" or in the free Meeting Guide app.
Is the AA hotline free?
Yes. AA never charges for help, meetings or membership. If a phone line asks for payment or insurance details, it is not run by Alcoholics Anonymous.
Can I call AA for someone else?
Yes. Local AA lines can share meeting information and literature for family members. For your own support, Al-Anon is a separate fellowship for people affected by someone else's drinking.
Does AA have a crisis line?
No. AA volunteers offer peer support, not crisis counseling. If someone is thinking about suicide, call or text 988. For a medical emergency such as alcohol poisoning or withdrawal seizures, call 911.
Is StartDrugRehab.com's helpline an AA hotline?
No. Our helpline is a treatment helpline answered by StartDrugRehab LLC and paid for by treatment providers. It is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. We help callers find professional treatment and check insurance.
