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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings in Mexico

For other destinations in Mexico you can try this URL. The editor welcomes updates from readers – please send them to this e-mail.

Courtesy of Mexico Mike, read the following:

See below for schedule Meetings

Your Sanborn’s Travelog has a complete list of meetings. The following information was excerpted from Mike’s book, Live Better South of the Border. This material is NOT copyrighted and you are free to download it and share it with others. That’s the idea, isn’t it?

You’ll find AA throughout Mexico, even in small towns. NA has a sizable presence in the larger towns. Alanon is almost everywhere. OA, SALA and other programs are less likely to be encountered outside major cities. AA is very visible. I have noted where there are meetings in many cases, but like here, they move or change.

Look for the AA symbol inside a triangle and a circle, usually on a blue background jutting out from buildings. Meetings are usually at 8:00 or 8:30 PM in Spanish. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you will be welcome and often asked to speak. This is true all over the world. Remember, you will always be welcome at a Spanish-speaking meeting, even if you don’t speak the language. As an AA, you speak a universal language. I have been to meetings in Cuba, Europe and England (where they speak a foreign language, vaguely similar to English) and have always been welcome. Come to think of it, these are the only places where I can count on being welcome. Go ahead. It will do you good. Meetings last an hour and a half and there are often refreshments and birthdays are celebrated like here, except you might get tamales instead of cake or both. Have a ball.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find English-speaking meetings in most towns with a large gringo presence. Just in case you forgot your International Directory, I’ve included a list of all the ones I know about, arranged by geographic sections of the country.

Just like in the U.S., the locations change, so if a meeting is no longer where I said it was, you have two courses of action (aside from giving up and giving in). Believe me, looking for a meeting is often a better choice than going back to your hotel where the “Chug tequila till you barf” contest is going on. The first option is to check the local English-language newspaper if there is one. The second option is to find a Spanish meeting and ask.

One night I was in San Miguel de Allende and the English-language meeting had moved. I was ready to get drunk at my companion and was crestfallen. I wandered the late-night streets of town, bemoaning my fate. For some reason I looked up and I saw the familiar triangle in a circle. I was in front of a Mexican AA club. The meeting was over, but the guys there could see that I was in trouble. Six of us piled into a Volkswagen and went roaring down the midnight streets.

There I was, in a car of strangers who spoke no English (my Spanish was poor then), going to God knew where. A bar full of happy (?) Americans seemed a lot more inviting. Oh well. They took me to a midnight meeting. While I didn’t understand a word they said, I felt the companionship and caring that is universal. Those guys saved my life. So, if a meeting has moved since I wrote this, don’t use that as an excuse to get drunk. Get off the pity pot and find a meeting. Then let me know about any changes.

For Alanon and NA etc. these places will be able to direct you as well, though NA is not as “popular.” You’ll be welcome at an AA meeting. There are two different types of AA in Mexico. One is “Grupo de 24 Horas” (24 hour group). These are more like institutional settings and the message here is hard core, “put the plug in the jug” type.

The other is more like what you are used to. Be prepared for 1½ hour long meetings, with long orations and lots of slang. They are very emotional. You will be asked to say something. Do your best and take care of yourself. If the above fails and you can’t find a meeting, try putting up signs in your hotel and others about a meeting in your room. Then stay there.

While we are on the subject of drinking, forget the myth that some folks will tell you that it is a shooting offense to refuse a drink offered by a Mexican. You can refuse to do anything you want if you do it politely. Many times Mexicans are only offering to share something with you because they are being polite. They would never expect you to do something that would cause you harm. If you simply say, “No gracias, no bebo cerveza (tequila, ron etc. or simply alcohól), pero quisiera un refresco,” you’ll probably get a soft drink instead and no one will be offended.

If the guy insists that you have a drink with him, be as polite as possible, and just as insistent. Plead illness, medication or whatever you are comfortable with. Saying “soy alérgico a alcohol” sometimes does the trick, but saying you are an alcoholic usually elicits a blank stare. If all fails, get up and walk away. Offending a drunk does not rank as a punishable offense in any country and you have to remember what’s really important.

Be especially careful ordering tonic water or agua quina in bars or restaurants. You’ll often end up with gin and tonic, because the waiter thought you didn’t speak Spanish well enough. Stick with agua mineral or Coke or 7-Up, or a local soft drink. There are some great local ones. Toni-Col on the west coast, especially near Mazatlán is one of the best. It does have caffeine, so if you are trying to avoid that, you’d best avoid Toni-Col, but darn, it is good. It’s rather like a vanilla Coke. Of course, I’ve heard of drinkers who ordered J&B and soda and got Jim Beam and Coke.

When asking if a dish has alcohol in it, be sure to ask if it has wine, too. For some reason, wine is not considered alcohol by waiters. Often they will say, “Oh, no, there is no alcohol, only a little wine.” I subscribe to the school that it does not cook out. Even if you don’t believe that to be true at home, believe it in Mexico. Trust me.

Coffees with fancy names like “Sexy, Spanish, German or Lithuanian (just kidding about the last one)” are suspect. If the price is more than plain coffee (Americano or negro or cafe con leche), then it is a booze drink. It’s rare, but I have had Amaretto poured over flan, the great dessert. Always use the sniff test before eating anything with a sauce on it. If you accidentally imbibe something with booze spit it out and don’t worry about it. It happens to the best. Just don’t take a second swig or taste and forget about it.

If you have an AA medallion or ring and wear it, you’ll be surprised at the people you’ll meet. If we ever meet in person, I’ll tell you a story that was related to me about that.

That’s all the sobriety wisdom I have and I hope it helps at least one person. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone even in Mexico and that you can still have a great trip and not lose your program.

Your help in getting new info is appreciated — you know how these groups move around. Spanish for “meeting” is “reunión” or “sesión”. The phone numbers below were either provided by the contact person or came from newspapers so I’m not breaking anyone’s anonymity.

Meeting Schedules



BAJA

CABO SAN LUCAS – As of March, 2006, the Hacienda Group of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) has moved to permanent quarters on Hidalgo Street between Lazaro Cardenas Boulevard and 5 de Mayo Street (that is, between the Lighthouse Bible Bookstore and the Sex Shop). They still meet every day at 6 p.m.

Phone: Jim C. – (011-52-624-) 145-8485 / Doug C. (011-52-624-1-) 147-5516 (cell).
Numbers preceding the 7 digit numbers are prefixes for calling from outside Mexico. If calling Doug’s cell from a Cabo land line, dial 044-624-147-5516.

EAST CAPE – Hotel Rancho Buena Vista – meets Sunday, Wednesday – 5 PM

ENSENADA AREA – PUNTA BANDA – Men’s AA Catholic Church, La Jolla Beach Mon, 10 AM. – Women’s 12 Step, Train Room, Casa De Riker, La Jolla Beach. Mon. 10 AM. – Catholic Church, La Jolla, Tue. 8 AM. – Catholic Church, La Jolla, Thu. 8 AM. – “Going to Any Length” AA, Train Room, Casa De Riker, La Jolla. Sat. 8 AM.

LA PAZ – “Group Esperanza” AA Daily 9-10 AM. Calle Madero between Navarro & Encinas.

Phone: 044-612-107-3647 (Frank) or 612-122-1795 (Sylvia)

MULEGÉ – 1 block east of Canada store – Fri. 3 PM.

MANEADERO, BC – Cultural Social Salón (on Hwy #1), 10.6 MI south of Ensenada at Jct. with paved road to Bufadora. Sun, 10 AM. Ask for Albert.

ROSARITO BEACH, BC – Calle Escondido #110 Baja Trade winds. Thurs, 7 PM. – Group 12 Traditions (English) at 72 Calle de La Palma, near police station in middle of town. (If you can’t find it, inquire at Red Cross Hospital or Space 100 in KOA Campground). Saturdays, 3 PM; Sundays, 10 AM; Wednesdays, 6 PM; Mondays, 2 PM. Men’s meeting Thursdays in KOA Space 100, 5 PM. – AA Breakfast Meeting (English) at Don Guiseppe’s restaurant back room, Mondays, 9 AM. – Mixed Bar Ladies (English-speaking women’s group of multiple 12 step issues) 72 Calle de La Palma, Friday 10 AM.

SAN FELIPE, BC — There is a meeting hall on the highway through town, on the left by a car wash, about half-way through town. Some meetings are women only, so check the schedule on the front before barging in.

SAN JOSE DEL CABO – Restaurant “LA TAKIZA”- Santos Degollado St. off Coronado St., next to Calvary Chapel. Group meets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6 PM.

Phone: 044-624-144-0595 (Cell)

TODOS LOS SANTOS, BC – Facing front of Old Church, enter through the gate to the right and go to the back right hand corner of the church lot. This group meets on Saturday and Wednesday at 11 AM and on Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 5 PM.

Phone: 01-612-145-0265 (Marilu)

WEST COAST

ACAPULCO – Costa Azul English speaking group meets at 42-A Hilario Malpica in Fraccionamiento Costa Azul.
May through October:
Monday 5 p.m.
Friday 5 p.m.
November through April:
Monday 5 p.m.
Wednesday 5 p.m.
Friday 5 p.m.
Directions: From Cici Park, take Christobal Colon to the Diana circle, then to the right of the Catholic Church take Parque Sur to Hilario Malpica. Take a right, (the street is divided) and we are the second house on the left.
wwww.alcoholicsanonymous-acapulco.com

KINO BAY, SON – Club deportivo – Wed & Sat, 7 PM. El Saguaro T.P., rec room. Chuck or Gloria (624) 2-0141.

MANZANILLO, COL – On the beach in front of Willy’s Restaurant. Wednesday, 10 AM.

MAZATLÁN, SIN – 306 Ave.Camaron Sabalo #7 across the street from VIP Restaurant and Baskin Robbins, SOHO Restaurant Between the Paint store and SalSi Puedes Bar (go thru the iron archway).


website for current info.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, OAX – Grateful Live Group meets at El Cafecito, Carrizalillo (Palapa in the rear).

There is a great group of regulars that meet every year and we have big A.A. Birthday celebration in January and February.

PTO. VALLARTA, JAL – meets at Edificio Cine Bahia (in older section of town, across the Río Cuale at 181 Insurgentes (near Madero), second floor at end of hall, RM #208 or 206.


AA – Everyday 9 AM and 6:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM
Women – Sunday 11 AM
NA – Everyday 5:00 PM
Alanon – Monday & Friday 6:30 PM
CODA – Wed. 10:30 AM and Thurs. Women 6:30 PM
A.R.T.S.- Thursday 8:00PM

SAN BLAS, NAY – Check at McDonald’s restaurant for times. 6 PM, M. W. F., 9:30 Sun. Calle Sinaloa #19 (sort of). Little shopping center across from police station. All the way in back. Go thru gate to back patio.

SAN CARLOS, SON – At Catholic Church by marina. Mon-Fri, 7:30 PM. Sat 9:30 AM. Thanks to B.C.

YELAPA, JAL – Wed, Sat, 5:30 PM. Ask at Mike’s house on the beach.

ZIHUATANEJO/IXTAPA, GRO – go on the canal road towards Playa Madero. Pass la Boquita bakery. Turn right towards Hotel Solimar. On one side of the plaza is the Spanish meeting club. Across the plaza is the English speaking group. Meet at 6 PM on Thurs.


Call Alanon # Ph: (743) 4-3767.

COLONIAL MEXICO

CHAPALA, JAL – AJIJIC -LAKESIDE AREA –
Sunday


Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Locations

For More Information, Contact

CUERNAVACA, MOR – Ph: (73) 13-4327 (Francis) or (73) 13-7831 (Minerva).

GUADALAJARA, JAL –
Clubhouse, Filadelfia #2015 (off Lopez Mateos & Las Américas, near Columbus Circle) – Mon, Wed, 7:30 p.m.
Mon
American Society – AA, Closed (Alcoholics only), 6 p.m. Friends of Bill W.
Wed
American Society – AA, Closed (Alcoholics only), 6 p.m. Friends of Bill W.
Fri
American Society – AA, Closed (Alcoholics only), 6 p.m. Friends of Bill W.

The American Society is located at San Francisco 3332, Colonia Chapalita, Guadalajara
For More Information, Contact:
Jim 3 798-1270, Charlene F. 3 121-2306 or Dick 3 614-8627

MEXICO CITY, DF – Río Danubio #39 (upstairs), M W F 2 PM
Tues Thurs, 8 PM
Sat, 4 PM
Sun, 6 PM
Union Church, Reforma 1870 – M W F, 8 PM
Ladies Meeting, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Corner Prado Sur y Virreyes (Basement) – Wed, 4 PM
Ph: (5) 568-5104, 525-9090.

OAXACA, OAX – Sun 12 Noon. Ph: (951) 5-1989 (Enrique).

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GTO – English Alano Club, Calle 20 de Enero #110E, Colonia San Antonio, next to the laundry;
AA Meetings M-T-TH 9:00am, W(women)-F-Sat 10:00am, Sun 12:00 noon, M-T-W-TH-F-Sat 6:30pm
ALANON/ACOA M- 5:00pm; OA W-SA 4:30pm
CODA F- 5:00pm; NA SU- 5:00pm.
Ph: Pete (415) 152-6022. Email: info@nuevoadobe.com .

YUCATAN

CANCÚN, QR – AA English-speaking meetings at the Cancun International Group, 6:15 PM every day downtown at the Plaza Centro shopping Center, Ave. Nader, 3rd floor.

COZUMEL, QR – Corner of Ave. 10 Sur and Calle 5 Sur, upstairs (up the spiral staircase). The building has a triangle in a circle on the 2nd floor.
M W F S S, 6 PM AA.
T Th 6 P.M. NA

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QR – English meetings at:
Avenida 25 between Calle 4 and Calle 6, every day at 5:30 pm.
Many Spanish speaking meetings at this address as well.
Check their website for current times and locations.
http://www.aaplayadelcarmen.org/

PUERTO MORELOS, QR – AA (English), Fridays at 6:00 pm – Mama’s Bakery – Easy to find, just ask!