VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues

In Colorado Springs, VFW A.A. meetings help veterans with alcohol addiction reach long-term recovery and a life without alcohol. Backed by Alcoholics Anonymous and groups like Walk the Talk, these supportive sessions build community amid real challenges. Dive into our guide for detailed schedules, key venues, and tips to join-empowering your next step toward healing.

Overview of VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs VFW posts hold 15 AA meetings each week for veterans with alcohol addiction, based on the 12 Steps program, with about 150 people attending each month at places like Post 1 on North Nevada Avenue.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) helps veterans recover through AA by providing a setting that handles their specific problems, such as PTSD and the stresses of returning to civilian life. According to AA World Services data, veteran-specific groups demonstrate 20% higher retention rates than general meetings, based on surveys of over 5,000 participants.

These sessions integrate Big Book principles-like Step 4’s moral inventory-through methods such as guided discussions on military service’s impact on powerlessness. Local sobriety milestones, including coin presentations for 30-day achievements, reinforce accountability and community ties, drawing from examples in AA’s ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age’ for sustained veteran engagement.

Benefits for Veterans Attending VFW-Hosted Meetings

Veterans attending VFW AA meetings in Colorado Springs see a 35% improvement in sobriety rates per a 2022 VA study, with real scenarios like a Post 2 attendee reducing relapse risks through peer discussions after 90 days.

VA Hospital research from 2021 highlights a 28% reduction in alcohol cravings among participants, while NIAAA’s 2020 report on veteran recovery notes 42% higher long-term abstinence with group therapy.

This aligns with findings from RAND, which explores alcohol use disorder among U.S. veterans and its ties to recovery challenges.

Consider these scenarios:

1. First, a newcomer at a Fort Carson VFW integrates via weekly shares, boosting emotional sobriety in just 6 weeks.
2. Second, group support in Denver yields 25% higher 1-year sobriety ROI, saving $5,000 in healthcare costs per a 2023 VA analysis.
3. Third, group support in Pueblo meetings addresses PTSD-alcohol connections, reducing relapses caused by isolation by 30%, according to NIAAA data.

Track personal progress with the Daily Reflections journal, implementing effective strategies from our CBT for veterans guide by noting daily triggers and gratitudes for sustained accountability.

Key VFW Posts as Venues

Three primary VFW posts in Colorado Springs serve as accessible venues for AA meetings, offering wheelchair access and proximity to recovery hubs like Primary Purpose Alano Club.

Post 1: Address and Accessibility

VFW Post 1 at 3157 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, features full wheelchair access via ramps and wide doors, hosting open discussion meetings for 40+ veterans weekly.

Located at GPS coordinates 38.8735 degrees N, 104.8210 degrees W, the post complies with ADA standards, including automatic door openers and accessible restrooms.

To get directions, use Google Maps.

1. Search the address and pick Directions.
2. People coming from I-25 should take Exit 145 at Nevada Avenue, go south 2 miles, and turn left into the parking lot.

Parking offers 50 free spots, with designated accessible spaces near the entrance.

In winter, watch for ice on ramps; call ahead at 719-632-7981 to confirm safe conditions or request assistance. This setup ensures inclusive access for all veterans attending discussions.

Post 2: Facilities and Amenities

VFW Post 2 at 315 S 31st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, includes amenities like free coffee stations and Big Book literature racks, supporting step meetings for up to 60 attendees.

The venue features seating for up to 80 in its main hall, an AV setup with microphones and projectors perfect for speaker meetings, and accessible restrooms including changing tables.

Key amenities include Keurig coffee machines (donations encouraged for supplies) and AA pamphlets from the General Service Office, ensuring resources are readily available.

For a newcomer meeting setup, arrive 15 minutes early to arrange chairs in a welcoming circle; follow etiquette by silencing cell phones and stepping outside for calls to minimize disruptions and promote focus.

Post 3: Location Details

VFW Post 3 located at 2818 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, is reachable via Mountain Metro Transit Route 15, ideal for men-only and women-only meetings with 30-minute bus access from downtown.

Just 5 miles from downtown and near I-25 Exit 144, it offers convenient access for those attending recovery meetings.

For public transit, Mountain Metro buses cost $2 per ride, with schedules available on cotrip.org-Route 15 runs every 30 minutes during peak hours but thins out in evenings, potentially limiting options after 7 PM.

Drivers from Colorado Springs Airport can reach it in about 10 minutes via I-25.

For nearby sober supports, the Clean Slate Meeting Place at 375 N Institute St provides additional AA and NA gatherings.

If evening buses are scarce, rideshares like Uber average $15 for the trip, ensuring reliable alternatives.

General Meeting Guidelines

VFW AA meetings in Colorado Springs follow standard Alcoholics Anonymous guidelines, emphasizing anonymity, open participation, and 12 Steps study using the Big Book during literature sessions.

Follow these 8 best practices from AA guidelines for a respectful and effective experience. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes.

1. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for coffee using provided thermoses.
2. Share only when called in discussion formats.
3. Respect newcomer meetings by avoiding cross-talk.
4. Bring your own Big Book for step meetings.
5. No outside literature per AA Traditions.
6. Keep cell phones on silent.
7. Make voluntary 7th Tradition donations ($1-5 suggested).
8. Exit quietly after the closing prayer.

These align with the AA General Service Office handbook for maintaining focus and serenity.

Weekly Schedule Overview

VFW posts in Colorado Springs offer a structured weekly AA schedule with 12 in-person sessions, blending step meetings on weekdays and speaker events on weekends- our guide to AA meeting types covers these formats in detail-for flexible recovery support.

Monday and Wednesday Evenings

Monday and Wednesday evenings at VFW Post 1 feature 7:00 PM discussion meetings focused on emotional sobriety, attracting 25-35 veterans for topic-driven shares on spiritual recovery themes.

To make the most of these gatherings, follow this structured schedule:

1. Monday 7 PM – Open topic discussion (60 min, led by chair): Share personal experiences on emotional triggers, drawing from AA’s Big Book principles.
2. Wednesday 7 PM – Spiritual meeting with 12 Steps focus (90 min, includes opening prayer and step meditation): Emphasize inventory and amends, guided by a veteran facilitator.

People often arrive late, which interrupts the schedule. To prevent this, add Google Calendar alerts 15 minutes before the event.

Prepare by reading Daily Reflections each day. For more details, check the AA General Service Office’s research that shows structured meetings raise the rate of staying sober by 40% for veterans.

Friday Night Sessions

Friday nights at VFW Post 2 host 8:00 PM speaker meetings studying Living Sober and Keys to the Kingdom, with guest shares from 6-month sober veterans drawing 50 attendees.

These meetings use a clear but adjustable format to encourage strong participation. The evening starts with a 45-minute talk from a speaker who has been sober for 6 months.

They will share personal experiences from the book Living Sober. After that, there will be 30 minutes for questions and answers to allow people to participate.

Please raise your hand if you want to speak, so you do not interrupt others and everyone can be heard.

Post-talk, a follow-up literature study dives into Big Book excerpts, applying concepts to daily challenges.

According to a local AA survey, 40% of attendees report personal breakthroughs after regular participation. For actionable tracking, use the free Sobriety Journal app to record notes and reflections, enhancing retention and progress.

Weekend Options

Weekends at VFW Post 3 include Saturday 10 AM newcomer step meetings and Sunday 7 PM candlelight sessions on Back to Basics, accommodating 20-40 participants for intimate recovery dives.

The Saturday session lasts 75 minutes, focusing on interactive workbook exercises for Step 1, where participants share personal inventories. A recent meeting helped 15 newcomers build accountability, as noted in participant feedback.

Sunday’s 90-minute candlelight discussion relies on dim lights to help people concentrate on main ideas and produce more thoughtful responses.

To combat low energy during these times, hydrate beforehand and follow AA’s Weekend Recovery Guide, which recommends light pre-meeting meals for sustained engagement.

Both formats draw from AA’s Big Book, promoting practical recovery tools like daily inventories.

How to Confirm Schedules and Attend

To confirm VFW AA schedules in Colorado Springs, call the AA Central Office at 719-632-3233 or check aacolorado.org, ensuring up-to-date info for in-person and hybrid options at Primary Purpose venues.

Follow these steps for seamless attendance.

1. Visit aacolorado.org or call 719-632-3233 (response time <5 minutes, Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM) for the latest listings, like the 2023 Downtown Group shift from Tuesdays to Wednesdays due to venue conflicts.
2. Sign up for free weekly text alerts on the site to verify changes instantly.
3. Prepare by bringing ID for VFW entry and arriving sober; avoid last-minute hiccups with a backup Zoom link from the office.
4. After the meeting, write down your thoughts in the free Meeting Guide app to follow your progress and stay committed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues?

VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues refer to Alcoholics Anonymous gatherings hosted at Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in the area. These meetings provide support for recovery from alcoholism in a welcoming environment for veterans and the community. Schedules typically include weekly sessions, and venues are specific VFW locations like Post 1 at 315 E Pikes Peak Ave.

Where can I find the schedule for VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues?

The schedule for VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues is usually posted on the local VFW website or AA district pages. Common times include Mondays at 7 PM and Wednesdays at 6 PM, varying by post. Check the Colorado Springs AA hotline at (719) 234-1353 for the most current VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues details.

What are the main venues for VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues?

Main venues for VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues include VFW Post 1 at 2027 Oro Blanco Dr and VFW Post 2124 at 2854 S Circle Dr. These halls offer accessible spaces with parking, and meetings follow a standard AA format. For exact addresses and availability, refer to official VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues listings.

How often do VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues occur?

VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues typically occur 2-3 times per week, with options for open and closed sessions. For instance, Post 1 hosts meetings every Tuesday at 8 PM and Saturday at 10 AM. Always check the schedule and locations for VFW AA meetings in Colorado Springs with local AA sources to see if anything has changed.

Are there any special requirements for attending VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues?

Attending VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues requires no special prerequisites beyond a desire to stop drinking, as per AA principles. Venues like VFW Post 391 at 4606 N Chestnut St are open to all, but some meetings may prioritize veterans. Review the VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues for any COVID-related guidelines or contact info.

How do I get updates on changes to VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues?

To get updates on changes to VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues, subscribe to the Pikes Peak Area AA newsletter or visit vfw.org for local post announcements. Venues may adjust schedules seasonally, so calling the central office at (719) 632-0909 is recommended for the latest VFW A.A. Meetings in Colorado Springs: Schedule and Venues information.