Finding an Alcothon in Arizona During the Holidays in 2025
Find strength, connection, and clarity at an alcothon in Arizona this holiday season with our resources from Purpose Healing Center.
Your Guide to 24-Hour AA Meetings to Support Staying Sober During the Holidays
My mom once told me the hardest part of her first sober Christmas was feeling out of place at family get-togethers. For my family, holidays typically look like sipping wine with my grandma and aunts, listening to my grandma tell stories about when she was younger, and enjoying the food everyone brought.
It doesn’t look the same sober, especially that first year when it’s hard not to give in to the little voice telling you that you could stop at one drink, no matter how wrong that voice might be.
Her turning point was the alcothon run by one of her favorite local meetings, and our resource is devoted to how you can find a local resource like this for yourself.
Our guidance from Purpose Healing will help you find alcothon meetings near Phoenix and online, so that you feel supported all season long.
Keep reading to get guidance on alcothons across the Valley that provide peer support for the challenges to sobriety that are often caused by the holiday season.
And please remember while you read that, for immediate support, our caring staff are only a confidential phone call away!
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What is an Alcothon?
The holidays don’t have to make you feel happy or festive. You may not love the holidays because substance abuse created a wedge between you and your loved ones.
Or maybe it’s hard being around the alcohol and social pressure that comes along with the holidays. Temptation and triggers are everywhere, and that’s where alcothon meetings can help.
Alcothons are multi-day, continuous meetings that typically run for 24 hours or longer. These back-to-back meetings make sure that no matter what demons you’re up against, there’s somewhere to turn for support.
Outside of the usual speakers and fellowship, an alcothon event might involve a potluck, fellowship gatherings, and sober holiday activities. Some groups even make it fun with raffles, hat contests, or dance parties.
How Alcothon Meetings Make a Difference for People in Recovery
Christmas and New Year’s can be emotionally complicated when you’re in recovery. From family stress, loneliness, and grief to peer pressure and old traditions built around drinking, the season can be overwhelming instead of enjoyable. Having a place to go, no matter the time of day or night, makes the difference between staying sober and slipping back into old patterns for many.
Where to Find 24-Hour Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings for Sober Holiday Support in Arizona
Salt River Intergroup
The Salt River Intergroup is hosting this Christmas Alcothon at noon on Christmas Eve, with the event running until noon the next day. Having support through all these hours can make a big change for new people in recovery who may be struggling this time of year.
This event is fun, having a potluck with food, raffles, and fellowship. Raffles include an e-bike, an electric scooter, and a $250 Visa gift card. This event will take place at American Royal Palace, 1915 W. Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, Arizona. See more info here.
Agua Fria Intergroup
Alcothon for Christmas starts at noon on Wednesday, 12/24/2025, to noon on Thursday, 12/25/2025. This meeting feels like a celebration, with a potluck, snacks, drinks, and even a raffle. This Alcothon fellowship takes place at Comfort Inn Suites, 9824 W. Camelback Rd., Glendale, AZ.
Thursday AA Meetings for Christmas in 2025
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings typically take place regardless of holidays. In fact, your local Thursday meeting might have longer hours or a special event for Christmas. There are dozens of meetings, any time between 5 a.m. and midnight. This makes it easy to get help, even with the holidays going on.
Where to Find Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings on New Year’s Eve 2025 Near Phoenix, AZ
Alcoholics Anonymous Online Intergroup
You don’t have to be face-to-face with people to find many of the same benefits that an alcothon provides. The official AA online intergroup has Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve alcothons scheduled. Read about the details and learn about upcoming events here.
Agua Fria Intergroup
Auga Fria Intergroup has several alcathon meetings and events coming up, but the official information on the date, time, and place for New Year’s Eve hasn’t been released. It will likely last from December 31 until January 1. Check for updates here.
East Valley Intergroup
Looking for a New Year’s event that feels more like a celebration, and less like a meeting? This Alcoholics Anonymous celebration runs from December 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Enjoy dinner, speaker, and dancing. Tickets cost $25, and the event takes place at The Church of the Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Rd., Tempe, Arizona.
Online New Year’s Eve Alcothon in Arizona
AAOBX is hosting an online New Year’s Eve alcothon, from 6 p.m. on December 31, 2025, until 2 a.m. on January 1, 2026. There are two Zoom streams. The first includes a hat contest, speakers, open discussion, and a New Year’s Eve countdown.
The second has fellowship, trivia, games, and a dance party. While this is based in an Outer Banks group, Donna H. from Phoenix is speaking at 6:30 p.m. She has 22 years of sobriety! Find the details about this event here.
Wednesday Meetings
New Year’s Eve falls on a Wednesday in 2025, and your favorite local meeting may still provide the support you’re looking for, regardless of the holiday. Most regular meetings don’t cancel because of the holidays, recognizing that it’s a time when many still need support.
There are dozens of Wednesday meetings, including a “Second Shift” meeting that takes place at midnight at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 6501 N. 39th Ave., Phoenix, Arizona.
A Sample Holiday Exit Plan Checklist
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Plan your transportation in advance (drive yourself or arrange a ride) so you can leave when needed.
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Bring a sober friend or designate someone you can text if you need support or an escape.
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Pack something to bring home or contribute (snacks, non-alcoholic drinks) as a socially acceptable reason to attend without relying on alcohol.
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Set a clear exit time or exit strategy (e.g. have a mandatory early meeting next day) and commit to it.
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Identify a safe space at the event (a quiet room, step outside) where you can take a break if things feel overwhelming.
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Keep your phone charged and have important contacts ready (sponsor, sober friend, crisis line).
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Consider a code word with a friend or family member so they know to call or help you if you signal it.
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Fill your calendar with non-party activities after the event (walk, meeting, video call with a friend) as a healthy transition.
For a Slip or Relapse During the Holidays: The Next-24-Hours
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Pause and breathe: remind yourself that a slip isn’t the end. Try to calmly assess the situation (e.g. ensure safety first).
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Contact a supportive person immediately (sponsor, close friend, or counselor) and be honest about what happened. Don’t isolate.
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Attend a recovery meeting as soon as possible (many groups meet daily), or join an online meeting if needed. Sharing the slip can relieve guilt.
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Rehydrate and nourish your body: drink water, eat a balanced meal, and rest. Physical recovery supports mental clarity.
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Reflect on triggers: write down what led to the slip (stress, a trigger, etc.) and plan how to avoid or handle it differently.
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Engage in a self-care activity right away (take a warm shower, do light exercise, meditate, or pray). This helps ground you.
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Reaffirm your commitment: revise your holiday plan if needed, set new short-term goals, and continue one day at a time.
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If thoughts of harming yourself emerge, seek help at once (call 988 or go to an emergency room).
Further Support Resources from Purpose Healing Center to Support a Sober Holiday Season
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Our relapse prevention worksheet for support during cravings
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Alcoholics Anonymous Christmas resources for more holiday support ideas
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12-Step Facilitation Therapy Programs for a firm foundation in recovery
Turn to Purpose Healing for Sobriety Support Any Time of Year
No matter if the holidays look joyful, stressful, lonely, or something in between, alcothons give you a safe place to land. And, if you ever feel yourself at risk of a relapse or needing help after a slip-up, Purpose Healing Center can offer the extra support you deserve.
From detox to ongoing recovery care, we’re here to help you move into the New Year with confidence and hope. Call us confidentially now if you would like proven support for getting clean and sober!
References
- https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/support-during-holidays
- https://www.aawestphoenix.org/events/AFI-SPECIAL-EVENTS
- https://aaphoenix.org/events/alcothon/
- https://aamesaaz.org/event_/new-years-eve-2/
- https://aa-intergroup.org/group-events/
- https://aaphoenix.org/meetings/?region=phoenix&weekday=wednesday&type=in-person
- https://aaphoenix.org/meetings/?region=phoenix&weekday=thursday&type=in-person
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