Representatives from Latvia have won an international competition to host the annual Alcoholics Anonymous European gathering, which will feature more than 40 open events and meetings focused on addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and the social consequences of alcoholism, according to community organizers.
Program Details and Open Access for Supporters
The upcoming gathering in Latvia includes over 40 events dedicated to identifying alcohol-related problems, preventing relapses, and overcoming the personal and social consequences of addiction, organizers announced. The program specifically highlights the role of relatives and friends in the recovery process, welcoming family members alongside professionals in medicine, social protection, and justice. Although the program is primarily aimed at young people suffering from alcoholism, anyone wishing to abstain from alcohol can participate.
All scheduled events will be entirely open to the public and accessible to anyone interested in the recovery method offered by Alcoholics Anonymous. Participation in every session remains free of charge. Organizers stated that the gathering relies strictly on voluntary donations from community members, upholding the movement’s principle of financial independence. Guests, interested parties, and representatives of external organizations will not be asked for financial contributions.
Did You Know? The Alcoholics Anonymous movement originated in the United States in 1935, when the first participants discovered they could break the cycle of alcohol dependence by sharing their personal experiences and following daily psychological and spiritual principles.
Community Structure and Anonymity Principles
“The informal spirit of Alcoholics Anonymous is a very important part of our movement,” explained Gunta, one of the gathering’s organizers. “We understand that we are not professionals or specialists in the field of alcoholism. We do not claim to have exclusive knowledge about this problem. We are just ordinary people who have experienced the consequences of alcoholism and now want to share with others how we managed to start recovering. We do not treat – we help each other.”
Alcoholics Anonymous operates as a global community where members share personal experiences to overcome problematic alcohol use. Since its founding, the movement has expanded to over 180 countries, uniting approximately 2.5 million people across different ages, genders, and nationalities. In Latvia, the community established its presence in 1988, and more than 50 AA groups currently operate across all regions of the country, according to local organizers.
Expert Insight: Maintaining strict anonymity in private life and public spaces is a foundational mechanism for Alcoholics Anonymous. This safeguard protects members from the social stigma and judgment frequently associated with chronic addiction, thereby lowering the barrier for individuals seeking help.
Organization and Future Outlook
The gathering is organized by the Baltic Youth Society of AA in close cooperation with the Latvian community of Alcoholics Anonymous. A detailed program for the upcoming sessions is accessible through the official website eurypaa2026.org.
For individuals facing alcohol-related challenges, a possible next step involves reaching out directly to established support networks. People seeking assistance can find local meetings or learn more about the recovery method by calling 27333523 or visiting the website aa.org.lv.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the gathering in Latvia?
All events are open to people wishing to overcome alcohol dependence, anyone interested in the Alcoholics Anonymous method, relatives and friends of people with addiction, and professionals in fields such as medicine, social protection, and justice. The gathering is primarily aimed at young people suffering from alcoholism, but anyone who wants to abstain from alcohol can participate.
How is the event funded?
Participation in all events is free of charge. In accordance with the principle of financial independence of Alcoholics Anonymous, the gathering is organized solely on voluntary donations from community members. Guests, interested parties, and representatives of other organizations are not asked for donations.
Where can participants find the schedule or get help?
A detailed program is available on the website eurypaa2026.org. Individuals facing problems due to alcohol can find the nearest meeting or learn more about the recovery method by calling 27333523 and visiting aa.org.lv.
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