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Should I Go to an AA Meeting or Addiction Rehab?

By  on October 3, 2025

Should you go to an AA meeting today? Is it enough? Or, should you decide to enter treatment? For those battling a substance use disorder (SUD), knowing what to do and when to do it isn’t easy. It can be downright impossible to feel confident knowing what your best way forward is. Let’s take a look at both sides of this decision without judgment to see what could be the better option for you.

At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, know that we are available 24/7 to provide you with compassionate support at any stage. It can be scary to make the decision to get help. However, we can help you overcome common fears about going to recovery.

When to Go to an AA Meeting?

Any type of drug or alcohol community meeting can be helpful. It provides real-time support from some of the best advocates for you – people living the same life or with experience in the same types of things you are. There are several factors to think about when deciding to go to a meeting:

  • You know there’s a problem. Perhaps you’ve tried to stop and failed. You may have been told by friends and family that you need help.
  • You want to know what it’s about. There are always questions about the experience and what you can expect to feel. Going to a meeting can give you insight into whether this process may work for you.
  • You’re thinking about using drugs or alcohol right now after trying to stop for some time. You want to avoid taking the wrong action.

Meetings provide you with a low-key experience. You don’t have to be active that first time you go, either. On the other hand, you can take steps immediately to get guidance. Not everyone is ready to commit to a treatment program, but they may know they need help. Going to a local meeting is a very valuable step on your journey to wellbeing.

When Should You Get Into Rehab First?

Going to drug and alcohol addiction treatment is a bigger commitment, but a life-changing one. At Victory, we encourage you to contact us to discuss admission and find out if we can help you. Our compassionate counselors are never going to pressure you or make you feel bad. And, you don’t have to make a decision immediately.

There are times when going to treatment now is the right decision. Some examples may include:

  • You suffered an overdose. Your life is on the line at this point, and you should seek a comprehensive medically monitored detox program to help you through the withdrawal period. Waiting until next time could be too long.
  • You’ve tried to stop using substances before but failed to do so. You may even have gone to meetings before. You thought you could see changes and fix things, but it hasn’t happened.
  • You’re facing physical illness resulting from your misuse of drugs or alcohol. Your health is on the line.
  • You feel compelled to use the substance no matter how much you try to stop.
  • You’re using substances to combat the mental health symptoms you have.

Getting into treatment enables you to get hands-on support right away. You will learn about your health and the various treatment options available. Most importantly, once you enter detox, you start the process of gaining control again.

You are not alone in this battle. In 2022, 1 in every 6 Americans over the age of 12 suffered some degree of substance use disorder. However, with effective treatment, you can recover. You can gain back your confidence and control over your life.

Signs You Need SUD Treatment Now

Take a look at the following signs of an SUD and indications that now is the right time for you to take immediate action. Do not put off your future any longer. The following are the most common signs that you need rehab for addiction treatment:

  • You’re using more substances on an ongoing basis
  • Your relationships are struggling because of your continued use
  • Confusion, paranoia, insomnia, or depression is becoming a big part of your day
  • Your family, employer, friends, or doctor has told you that you need help
  • You think about using a substance on a constant basis, and it has become one of the biggest factors in your daily life

You deserve to heal. The first step in that process is learning what detox and residential treatment can mean for your future. Healing and growth happen when you decide to reach out for help.

Take Action Now to Get Help

If you do not know if you are ready for professional care, think again. Then contact our team at Victory Addiction Recovery Center in Lafayette, LA, for a conversation. Let us offer insight into what your rights are and if we can help you on the road to long-term recovery.