ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP:
Better yet - do you have extra time on your hands & looking for a volunteer project? Since this blog is a labor of love & RARELY does anyone share a donation (even though MANY have said how much it's helped them), I could REALLY use help updating info. Spanish speakers ESPECIALLY welcome since my VicLish can be somewhat limited at times!!

DONATE:
Has my blog helped in any way? Helped find something•brought more EASE? More exposure or business?
I welcome you to show YOUR appreciation for my efforts!
ANY size DONATION is APPRECIATED!
(see below other ways to show your appreciation)
The easiest way is with PAYPAL - Attn: LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
(you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to do this - just a credit or debit card)
ADD INFORMATION:
Do YOU have/know of a Business•Event•News•Place•Things 4 Sale•Rent to add? Email:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com

OTHER WAYS TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THIS BLOG

• APPLE LAPTOP - Do you have a Laptop you're not using? Mine recently broke so I'm using a lender. Must be new enough to run current Skypes & have an SDCard slot.
• Amazon.com or GoDaddy.com Credit•Gift Certificate (attn: SarongGoddess@gmail.com)
• Something else to share?? A gift certificate or invite for your business? I'm open!! (at times I'll add other things here that I'm seeking)

Thursday, January 12, 2012

12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, NA MEETINGS, 12-STEP SUPPORT, ADDICTION RECOVERY, REHAB RESOURCES, REHABILITATION CENTERS, ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT CENTERS, WELLNESS TREATMENT CENTERS, PRACTITIONERS, ALTERNATIVE HEALING METHODS, SMOKING WITHDRAWAL and SUPPORT RESOURCES - ENGLISH SPEAKING RESOURCES IN COSTA RICA



Unlike most pages listing AA Meetings - this page is NOT "official" or attached to any organization so I CAN share all sorts of other resources you can't on more "official" recovery sites - like:
12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, NA MEETINGS, ADDICTION RECOVERY, REHAB RESOURCES, REHABILITATION CENTERS, 12-STEP SUPPORT, ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT CENTERS, WELLNESS TREATMENT CENTERS, PRACTITIONERS, ALTERNATIVE HEALING METHODS, SMOKING WITHDRAWAL and SUPPORT RESOURCES - ENGLISH SPEAKING RESOURCES IN COSTA RICA
and


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WHY I CREATED THIS PAGE
I've had this blog - LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com - for nearly 7 years.  It's FILLED with about 2,000 resources - most created based on requests on where to find things.  

Every so often someone would contact me - mainly for information on AA Meetings in Costa Rica and sometimes for Recovery Programs and being the information junkie/gatherer I am and loving to share my findings of related resources, I've created this VERY DETAILED list of other Addiction related services available in Costa Rica (not just 12-step meetings).  For those curious/assuming but it seems important to - I am not part of the recovery program (what's kept me from these type of "ictions" [and we ALL have various "ictions"] is I'm too much of a control freak to get that feeling I've felt the few times I've had a few too many - but I know MANY people in recovery and I want to support them!!  I actually started this type of list with my former vacation rental business in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - after seeing SOOOO MANY people that HAD been in recover, go on vacation and succumb to the temptations of the intense party scene and I wanted to make sure they had good support if they needed it.  That list of meetings and contacts was at the top of their information packet - because I CARED!!


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VOLUNTEER NEEDED!!!
Do you have some extra time to make phone calls to help update this information??
I could REALLY use some help as each year when I do it it takes weeks of my time and money making the calls and emailing people and this site has totally been a page where I have made not one penny from it.  And I'm not even in the community so I have NOTHING to gain from it - just trying to help!!!



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Since this IS Costa Rica and things are CONSTANTLY CHANGING, before you go to any meetings, please call/email the Contact person to verify the latest info (and help others! 
PLEASE email me at  

LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com  
with any changes you find!!!)

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CALLING FROM OUTSIDE COSTA RICA:
If you're trying to reach someone listed from outside of Costa Rica, the Country Code for Costa Rica is  -  506.  
If you're calling from the U.S. or Canada, first dial "011-506" and then the 8 digit number listed
WARNING to American's - MOST calls made internationally without an International Calling Plan (and VERY few plans cover Costa Rica because of the monopoly here) can cost $3.95 a MINUTE!!!!  If there is an email address and it is not an emergency, please consider emailing first.
You might want to get a Skype.com plan - even if just for a month
(if you're wanting to be in touch with someone IN Costa Rica, Costa Rica is not usually covered on most International plans so you might want to consider a couple options:
FREE
You both set up a Skype FREE account and you can talk via your computer or SmartPhone - ANYWHERE in the world!!!
OR

 have the person in Costa Rica purchase a U.S. phone # on Skype and you can call back and forth via the computer.

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Another resource for Meetings and some other valuable 12-Step resources -
check out SaraTica's site:
http://CostaRicaAA.com


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Don't live near a meeting or traveling around but can use the extra support

I hear there are a BUNCH of Forums / Message Boards ON-LINE or on the phone
Try Google-ing - whatever the issue is  -  and online  phone  meeting   message boards   forums
Yahoo seems to have the most Message Boards so search under  http://groups.yahoo.com 


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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES • EVENTS

FAMILY MEETING
(I will be looking into this to get it updated)
_________  - ENGLISH 
_________  -  SPANISH
Costa Rica Recovery Center sponsors a meeting once a month for family members that have been effected by people with drug and alcohol addictions.  It's a WORKING meeting where they bring in their psychologists to talk with families (kids need to be mature enough for the subject).

These meetings are usually the 3rd or 4th Saturday of each month from 8am-4pm (subject to change, so contact Jim Dopp at CostaRicaRecovery@yahoo.com).  
 Every other month it's in English.  They're held UPSTAIRS at the Vigilance Center in San Jose-Sabana Sur/South (see the Vigilance group below for directions). 

INVESTMENT:  $25 per person Donation (please do not let $ prevent you and your family from coming.  They can be workable if you need them to be.  RSVP is important since lunch is included)


Costa Rica Recovery Foundation

Providing education, prevention programs and helping some Spanish-speaking programs.
CostaRicaRecovery.org  (coming soon)


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20th Annual AA International CONVENTION
May 3-5, 2013


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 (all information marked with an * was updated January 12, 2012)

AL-ANON • ALANON MEETINGS*
(there is an official National Office in San Jose at 2-256-4137 / al_anonCR@hotmail.com  -  on Avenida Central and Calle 2 - in the Scaglietti building - but no one speaks English)

MEETINGS HELD AROUND COSTA RICA
Tuesday - 12pm/noon  - ESCAZU

Tuesday
  - 
12pm/noon  -  GRECIA 
 (see "Grecia" below for directions)* (2-
444-1515)

Wednesday  -  9am  -  OJOCHAL  (see "Ojochal" below for directions)


Thursday - 10:30am  -
ESCAZU
LOCATION: Escazu-Central - Buena Tierra Vegetarian Restaurant - one block/100 meters South of the igelsia/church (the middle street between the park and the back of the church) - in a lime green building - on the South/West side of the street.  Upstairs above the restaurant.  
CONTACT:  Rosemary (2-288-0002 / 8-993-1762  /  RosemaryZitek@yahoo.com

Sat.  -  10:30am  -  ESCAZU-Guachipelin  (see the Escazu Zu Group above for directions)*

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RESOURCES 
for
AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS,  12-STEP MEETINGS, FRIENDS OF BILL W, SUPPORT GROUPS


AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
ATENAS*
"Keep it Simple Group"*  (NorthWest of San Jose)

MEETING:
Wed.  -  4pm - Open

LOCATION: 
Kay's Gringo Postres Restaurant  -  on Calle Guizaro - 60 meters West of the Cruz Rojo/Red Cross.

CONTACT: 
Tom C.  (2-446-0664 / 2-446-4136-h / Badlander9@yahoo.com)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
COBANO*
(just West of Montezuma)  (Central Pacific Coast)

MEETINGS
(meetings in English or Spanish - depending on the majority of attendees but they have books in both language to follow along)
Tues.  -  6-7pm
Thurs.  -  6-7pm
Sat.  -  6-7pm 

LOCATION: 
It's actually - 200 meters from the Police station or in front of school on the main street.  50 meters from El Monge (bigstore). There is a sign out on the street (call him for directions)

CONTACT:
 Ype-Claas (pronounced ee-pa Class) Bolman (2-642-1201 / YCFlyWorld@hotmail.com)

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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
PLAYA del COCO
 (see also Flamingo)  (North/West Pacific Coast)  -  The "Primary Porpoise Group"

MEETINGS:
Tue.  -  5:45-6:45pm  -  Open AA
Thurs.  -  5:45-6:45pm  -  Open AA
Sat.  -  5:45-6:45pm  -  Open AA 
Sunday -  6-7pm  -  Closed Meeting
LOCATION:  Marina Loft complex next to the veterinary clinic


SPANISH:
"Grupo Limpia y Serena" 
has Spanish speaking open meetings in the same location on
 Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday @ 7-8pm

Mon.  -  6pm  -  Open AA
Wed.  -  6pm  -  Open AA
Fri.  -  6pm  -  Open AA

LOCATION:  
Road to Playa Ocotal - past the one-lane bridge and it's on the Left, in front of the Marina Loft Apartments (look for the Imperial Beer sign and the AA and NA sign below.  There's another AA/NA sign over the door.  Look on the Coco tourist map).


CONTACT:
John (2-672-1163 / 8-897-9951 / JohnRevMortgage@aol.com)  /  Max (8-917-2222)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
DOMINICAL
(see also San Isidro de General, Uvita and Zancudo [Ochocal is no more]) (Southern Pacific Coast)
HELP LINE - 8-634-9241

MEETING:
Sun.  -  12:30pm

LOCATION:  
At the entrance to Dominical in Plaza Pacifico - at the South end of the building.

CONTACT:  
Tray at http://TucanHotel.com (2-743-8140  /  TucanHotel@yahoo.com)  /  Natalie (8-879-3347  /  BridgesNatalie@yahoo.com)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS, AL-ANON MEETINGS
ESCAZU* 
(really Guachipelin.  See also the 2 locations in San Jose)  - "Zoo Group" or "Zu Group"
(This is THE MOST ACTIVE English Group in Costa Rica)!!  This group is more AA oriented, though many NA people attend these meetings also.

MEETINGS:
Mon.  -  noon  -  Open Discussion
Tues.  -  8am  -  Meditation Meeting.
Tues.  -  Noon  -  Working the Steps*/The Steps We Took 
(see details on what that is at - http://CostaRicaAA.com/category/meetings-escazu)
Tues.  -  10:30am - Al-Anon (Serenity Group in Centro Escazu - see "Al-Anon")
Wed.  -  noon  -  12 Step
Thurs.  -  noon  -  Living Sober
Tues.  -  12pm/noon - Al-Anon (Serenity Group in Centro Escazu - see "Al-Anon")
 Fri.  -  8am  -  Men's Meeting.
Fri.  -  Noon  -  Women's Step.  
Sat.  -  9am  -   Open / Discussion Group 
(this is THE MOST POPULAR meeting and MANY go to the Food Court at MultiPlaza-Escazu afterwards)
Sun.  -  12:30pm  -  Open Discussion
Al-Anon  -  Sat.  -  9am
LOCATION:  
Actually - Guachipelin - International Baptist Church - IBC
From Escazu: From Calle Vieja/Paco Plaza, head North (at first like going to MultiPlaza) toward Guachipelin, pass under the tunnel for the Pista/highway and at the first street take a right. Go about 300 meters at the top of the hill and on the left side is the church.
From Mulitiplaza: Go West on the Pista del Sol/highway toward Santa Ana and Cuidad Colon. Take the exit at Guachipelin (at ConstruPlaza - the one after MultiPlaza). Turn Right at the end of the ramp, then IMMEDIATELY turn Right up the dirt road about 300 meters at the top of the hill and on the left side is the church.

CONTACTS:  
Brian (2-589-0526 / 8-314-4532 / GBrianMoore@yahoo.com )    Mia (2-293-4322)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
PLAYA FLAMINGO*  
(actually Brasalito.  See also Coco)  (Pacific - North/West Coast - Guanacaste)

MEETINGS:
Tues.  -  5:30pm
Fri.  -  5:30pm

LOCATION:
The Hitching Post #5, 100 meters east of old abandoned gas station in Brasalito.  Between Playa Brazilito and Playa Flamingo on the main road

CONTACT:
Don (2-654-4902 / CostaRicaDon@yahoo.com)  


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS, AL-ANON MEETINGS
GRECIA
NorthWest of San Jose)
MEETINGS:
Mon.  -  noon-1pm  -  AA -  Open Discussion
Wed.  -  noon-1pm  -  AA - Step Discussion
Fri.   -  noon  -  AA -  Open (to all including family members)
Tues.  -  noon-1pm  -  Al-Anon (2-444-1515)

LOCATION:
The AA Central Grupo Building is 1 block up from the fire station.  Take Grecia exit off the Autopista (look for funky Greek pillars and AA billboard at exit), proceed up winding road to Grecia downtown. Grecia is dominated by a brick red iron cathedral. Proceed on one way street East past cathedral one block, make a left and go a block and a half. You will see AA sign outside club on the left side, street parking should be available.     If you get lost in Grecia, ask for directions to fire station (bombero estación as the AA club is located around the block from the station.

CONTACT:
Jay (2-494-0578 / DeyJoy@aol.com)  /  Al-Anon-Cheryl (2-444-1515 / OGHLCC@gmail.com)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
HEREDIA
"Progress Not Perfection"  (North of San Jose)

MEETINGS:
Tuesday - 11:30am
Saturday - 10am

LOCATION:  
 AT Hogar Salvando al Alcoholico - Avenida 10 (the street that has the old railroad tracks on it) between Calle 8 and 10.  100 meters South and 150 meters West of the church (iglesia Los Angeles) on the Right side.  Ring the bell. Small group so if no one shows up, they don't stay around 

CONTACTS: 
Laura C. (2-267-7466)

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 Central Pacific Coast


 12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
JACO*

MEETINGS:
Mon.  -  10am
Tues.  -  10am  -  Step Meeting
Wed.  -  10am
Thurs.  -  10am
Fri.  -  10am (new)
Sat.  -  10am

LOCATION:  
 On the main street in Jaco - across from Banco Nacional - 2nd floor in the building with the clock on top. 

CONTACT: 
Stewart (8-306-3552 / US# - 1-305-848-1312 / ContentoCostaRica@gmail.com
Brian (8-949-4045 / LuckyB101@gmail.com)


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(Central Pacific Coast)
12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS 
MANUEL ANTONIO / QUEPOS

MEETINGS:  
MANUEL ANTONIO
Mon.  -  10am
Tues.  -  10am
Wed.  -  10am
Thurs.  -  10am
Fri.  -  10am
Sat.  -  10am
Sun.  -  10am

LOCATION: 
Mono Azul Hotel's Tiki Hut
 These meetings have been well established and going for 19 years!

CONTACT: 
Chip and Jennifer 
(jennifer@KidsSavingTheRainforest.org / 2-777-2592 /  
Chip - 8-827-8243  / Jennifer - 8-813-0582 /  MonoAzul@racsa.co.cr / http://HotelMonoAzul.com)

ALSO - these NEW groups have started up:
Mon.  -  noon  -  Daily Reflections
Tues.  -  noon  -  Step Study
Wed.  -  noon  -  Big Book
Thurs.  -  noon  -  Discussion and/or speaker
Fri.  -  noon  -  Board-approved literature - as of Jan. 6, 2012 - "Came to Believe"
Sat.  -  noon  -  Discussion
Sun.  -  noon  -  Topic  (as of Jan. 6, 2012 through March 31 as of now)

LOCATION:  
Old road in between Manuel Antonio and Quepos - 100 meters West of the M.A. main road.   el Arado Restaurant (ask for Ana - looks for both signs) - 50 meters North of Mono Azul.
http://Facebook.com/pages/El-Arado/112648345493467

CONTACT: 
 Gypsy Rose (2-777-1898 / TheOwlWasHeard@yahoo.com)

QUEPOS*:


MEETINGS:
Tues.  -  5pm
Wed.  -  5pm
Thurs.  -  5pm

LOCATION: 
AA Meeting Hall in the alley behind BCR bank

CONTACT:  
Bob  (8-380-0964)
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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
MONTEVERDE
"Mountain Top Meeting"

MEETING:
Wed.  -  5:30pm

LOCATION: 
at the Friends School (the Quaker School)

CONTACT:
Ran S   (8-313-2523)
Spontaneous Meetings  -  just call Katie (8-658-8438 / KJohn02@gmail.com)


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(Central Pacific Coast)
12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS 
MONTEZUMA 
(see "Cobano" above)

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(Central Pacific Coast) 

12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS 
NOSARA 
"Jungle Book Group"  -  I'm not sure of these as I'm not getting any answer

MEETINGS:
Mon.  -  6:30pm  -  Zen Cafe?
Thurs.  -  6:30pm?
Fri.  -  6:30pm  -  Yoga House in Playa Guiones?

CONTACT: 
Patrick  (patrick_bowers@hotmail.com)

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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
OJOCHAL  
(no longer - see Dominical, San Isidro de General, Uvita and Zancudo) (Southern Pacific Coast)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
PUERTO VIEJO*
 "Lion Group" (Southern Caribbean Coast)

MEETINGS:
Mon.  -  1pm
Wed.  -  1pm
Fri.  -  1pm

LOCATION: Puerto Viejo-Center - Pro Niño building - adjacent to the soccer field goal posts.

CONTACT:
Eddie (2-750-0080 / 8-811-3448 / info@LaCostaDePapito.com


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
PLAYA NEGRA:

MEETING*:
Sat.  -  9am

LOCATION: 
Playa Negra - Serenity on the Beach - the Massage Hut in front of 
Banana Azul Hotel
 http://BananaAzul.com

CONTACT: 
Colin (2-750-2035 / Colin@Colinsito.com)




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(Central Pacific Coast - Puntarenas)

12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS 
PUNTARENAS • BARRANCA • ROBLES 

MEETINGS:


LOCATION: 

CONTACT:  
 Jorge - 8306-3552 • ContentoCostaRica@gmail.com

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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
SAN ISIDRO DE GENERAL*  
(see also Dominical, Uvita and Zancudo) 

MEETING:
Mon. 11am

LOCATION:  
Upstairs at Casa de Cafe  -  back side of Musoc Bus Terminal

CONTACT:
 Marguerite (8-605-1335  /  Marg12CR@yahoo.com)




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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
SAN JOSE*
"Anchor Club" (see  also Escazu which is 10 minutes SouthWest of San Jose)

MEETINGS:
Mon.  -  noon  -  Open Meetings
Tues.  -  noon  -  Open Meetings
Wed.  -  noon  -  Open Meetings
Thurs.  -  noon  -  Open Meetings
Fri.  -  noon  -  Open Meetings
Sat.  -  noon  -  Open Meetings
Sun.  -  9:15am

LOCATION:  
SAN JOSE-Downtown - Avenida 6 and Calle 1 - 2nd floor - From the south corner of the back of catholic church - walk 1 block south.  Turn Right on Avenida 6 and go 100 meters South and turn Right at the next street and to 10 meters - just past the juice stand.  The Anchor Club is the 2nd door on the Right.
OFFICE: 
2-222-1880-building/office - Rodrigo speaks good English

CONTACTS:
Dennis G. (2-229-2486 / 8-385-4035 [text only - don't leave a voice message] / DennisGarrett290@hotmail.com)  
Leo H. (2-291-3831 / leo_hopffnor@hotmail.com)
Paul C. (8-378-4487 / pwconrad@yahoo.com)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS, NA MEETINGS
SAN JOSE - Sabana Sur/South
 "Vigilance Club"

MEETINGS:  (N.A. and A.A.)
(note that many NA people go to the Escazu AA/12-Step meetings)
(**I believe the Mon.-Fri. 5:30pm meeting is a Beginner's Meeting Format which runs over the course of a month (20 days) going through each of the 12 steps, the 12 Traditions and the 12 Concepts (see http://aabeginners.com/BodyContent.aspx?sourceFile=Eng\Downloads/Downloads.htm)
Mon.  -  noon  -  NA
Mon.  -  5:30pm  -  AA**
Mon.  -  7pm  -  NA
Tues.  -  noon  -  NA
Tues.  -  5:30pm  -  AA**
Tues. -  7pm  -  NA - Women's Group - Upstairs
Tues. -  7pm  -  NA - Men's Group - Downstairs
Wed.  -  noon  -  NA
Wed.  -  5:30pm  -  AA**
Wed.  -  7pm  -  NA
Thurs.  -  noon  -  NA
Thurs.  -  5:30pm  -  AA**
Thurs.  -  7pm  -  NA - Women's Group - Upstairs
Thurs.  -  7pm  -  NA - Men's Group - Downstairs
Fri.  -  noon  -  NA
Fri.  -  5:30pm  -  AA**
Sat.  -  noon  -  NA
Sun.  -  8am  -  NA

LOCATION:  
San Jose-Sabana-Sur/South - Calle Vieja (the Old Road that runs parallel alongside the Pista del Sol across from Sabana Park).  At the Contraloria building (the mirrored triangle-ish shaped building) - go South about 1 block - past the new ICE building - and it’s on the Right.

GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE
Avenida 2 and Calle 3 - Next to the McDonald's on Calle 3 in the "Herdocia" building (with a glass door). Walk up flights to the 2nd floor, turn Right and a couple doors down on the Right is the AA General Service Office. "Cerca de McDonald's en el edificio Herdocia", 2nd Floor
2-255-4108 (the guy only speaks a tiny bit)
OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 1-6pm, Sat. 9am-noon 

CONTACT: 
Blaise (brastello@gmail.com
If you REALLY NEED to speak with someone, call Jim Dopp at 8-348-5546 / CostaRicaRecovery@yahoo.com)


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
SANTA TERESA • MAL PAIS*  
(Central Pacific Coast - Puntarenas)

MEETINGS:
Wed.  -  noon  -  Big Book/Discussion
Sat.  -  noon  -  12 and 12/Discussion
Tues. and Thurs.  -  7pm  -  Spanish Open Discussion

LOCATION:  
Manta Raya Hotel  (http://MantaRayaHotel.com / 2-640-0732) - across the street from the Luz de Vida Resort

CONTACT:  
Rachelle C  (8-961-4547 /  RachelleLaVonCampbell@gmail.com )


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
TAMARINDO
"Wave of Sobriety Group"  (Central Pacific Coast - Guanacaste)

MEETINGS:
Mon.  - 5:30pm  -  Open AA
Thurs  -  6:30pm  -  Open AA
Sat  -  10:30am   -  Open AA

LOCATION: Behind Pedro's Surf Shop (behind Tamarindo Circle)

CONTACTS:  Ellen (2-653-0897 / 8-346-7640 / EllenZoe@aol.com)  


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
UVITA 
 (see also Dominical, San Isidro de General and Zancudo) (Southern Pacific Coast)
HELP LINE - 8-634-9241 (it doesn't always work so call someone on the list)

MEETING:
Tues. - noon  -  AA 
Sat.  -  10am  -  AA 

LOCATION:  300 meters West of BCR bank - on the right - at the old plaza - stand alone building - look for the sign (coming soon)

CONTACT:  Tray at the Tucan Hotel - Uvita  2-743-8140 / TucanHotel@yahoo.com)  /  Natalie (8-879-3347 / BridgesNatalie@yahoo.com


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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
ZANCUDO*
(see also Dominical, San Isidro de General and Uvita ) (Southern Pacific Coast)
 "White Horse Group

MEETING:
Sun. 4pm
and Impromptu

LOCATION: 
At Cabinas Los Cocos (http://LosCocos.com) - Drive South on the Pan American Highway to Rio Claro and turn Right heading towards Golfito. Just BEFORE Golfito, take a Left at Bar Rodeo. Continue to the water ferry. After the ferry, the road is dirt. Continue taking Right turns at every intersection and you'll end up in Zancudo.

CONTACTS: 
Susan or Andrew  (2-776-0012 / LosCocos@LosCocos.com)


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NICARAGUA
(Area Code - 505)

12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS 
GRANADA
MEETING:
Wed.  -  5:30pm
CONTACT: 
 Michael (8-622-0623)

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12-STEP MEETINGS, AA MEETINGS, ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS MEETINGS
SAN JUAN DEL SUR
"Sober and Sane in Paradise"
MEETING:
Impromptu: when someone calls, they have a meeting ASAP! 
CONTACT: Randy H. (505-8-632-9646)  OR  Ken R. (505-8-52-4793  /  http://CasaDelSoul.info  /  information@CasaDelSoul.info

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NA - NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS*
SAN JOSE - Sabana Sur/South  -  "Vigilance Club"
MEETINGS:  
(they also have A.A. meetings Mon.-Fri. at 5:30pm.  Many NA people go to the Escazu AA/12-Step meetings)
(Mon.  -  noon  -  NA
Mon.  -  7pm  -  NA
Tues.  -  noon  -  NA
Tues. -  7pm  -  NA - Women's Group - Upstairs
Tues. -  7pm  -  NA - Men's Group - Downstairs
Wed.  -  noon  -  NA
Wed.  -  7pm  -  NA
Thurs.  -  noon  -  NA
Thurs.  -  7pm  -  NA - Women's Group - Upstairs
Thurs.  -  7pm  -  NA - Men's Group - Downstairs
Fri.  -  noon  -  NA
Sat.  -  noon  -  NA
Sun.  -  8am  -  NA

LOCATION: 
San Jose-Sabana-Sur/South - Calle Vieja (the Old Road that runs parallel alongside the Pista del Sol across from Sabana Park).  At the Contraloria building (the mirrored triangle-ish shaped building) - go South about 1 block - past the new ICE building - and it’s on the Right.

GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE
Avenida 2 and Calle 3 - Next to the McDonald's on Calle 3 in the "Herdocia" building (with a glass door). Walk up flights to the 2nd floor, turn Right and a couple doors down on the Right is the AA General Service Office. "Cerca de McDonald's en el edificio Herdocia", 2nd Floor
2-255-4108 (the guy only speaks a tiny bit)
OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 1-6pm, Sat. 9am-noon 

CONTACT:  
Blaise (brastello@gmail.com) /  If you REALLY NEED to speak with someone, call Jim Dopp at 8-348-5546 / CostaRicaRecovery@yahoo.com)


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MISC. RESOURCES
for
ALCOHOL, DRUG and REHAB PRACTITIONERS, SUPPORT
ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF DEALING WITH "ICTIONS"

MEN'S SUPPORT GROUP*
This is not a 12-step or anything specific.  It's for men wanting to deal with their issues and feelings (in English).  It's a newer group so their frequency depends on who's in town.  Currently many of the men are gringos married to Tica's/Nica's.  It's a very organic group.

CONTACT: 
Andy (2-293-9147 / NaturePhotoMan@hotmail.com)
David Lockshin (8-982-5519 / DLockshin@hotmail.com)

LOCATION:
San Jose-Sabana North/East - Crown Plaza 
(RSVP asap to see if there are people coming) 


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SUZANNE NOEL*
Susanne is a Certified Recovery Focusing Trainer.
I hear AWESOME things about the work she does!
Check out what all that entails at:
http://RecoveryFocusing.com / inner_wisdoms@yahoo.com / 2-483-1602 / 8-372-0347


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JIM MOLLOY*
(JMMolloy@ice.co.cr)


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CIA RICCO
(http://live-life.com  /  CiaRicco@gmail.com  /  cia@live-life.com  /  1-518-325-7444-U.S.)
Cia does all kinds of treatment programs at her place in Nicoya. Beautiful place, wonderful woman. Cia is a well-known, body-centered psychotherapist who divides her time between Costa Rica, New York City, and the East Coast of the US, with workshops in all those locations. She is the author of "Living As If Your Life Depended On It: Twelve Gateways for a Life That Work." Although her methodology is unique and based upon the Twelve Gateways she has developed, her work synthesizes the teachings of Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks, Hakomi, NLP, and Gestalt. She also draws on her 25 years as a Tibetan Buddhist meditator.

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Steven Kogel
(2-224-6176 /  http://NewSummitAcademy.com/stevenkogel.html
 (per Jaco AA Stewart)
Dr. Steven Kogel has his MD in Psychiatry from the University of Costa Rica and has been in private practice for about 30 years. Dr. Kogel worked as the General Director of the National Institute of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse in the 1990's, and has worked with American adolescents at-risk for the last 9 years.
He is a native English speaker with over 40 years of speaking Spanish. Dr. Kogel also brings unique interests to his practice, including composition of music and the juxtaposition of psychiatry and spirituality.
http://PeacefulEndeavours.com/pictures.htm


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Dr. Lynn Nichols 
(http://LinNicolas.com / 2-786-5568 / 8-514-0924  /  DrLinNicolas@yahoo.com)



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DETOX

Dr. Luis Carlos Sancho Torres
Hospital Catolica - Guadalupe, San Jose


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INTERVENTION
(World Wide)
Nick Rucci travels WHEREVER in the world you need him to do Interventions!




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ALTERNATIVE THERAPY TO RELEASE OUR "STUFF"

IBOGA

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ADDICTION RECOVERY, REHAB, REHABILITATION CENTERS, WELLNESS TREATMENT CENTERS IN COSTA RICA


Inner Healing Holistic Wellness Center - Costa Rica

Inner Healing Holistic Wellness Center is a premier, affordable, private yet luxurious holistic healing treatment facility incorporating such techniques as Holistic Treatment, Wellness healing, Yoga, Massage, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Qi Gong, Tai chi, Meditation, Relaxation, Zumba class, Art therapy, Cleansing diet, Nutrition, Gym services, Spa treatments and Tours.  They do Natural or medical Detox • Balancing body, mind, emotions, and spirit to get clean and stay free from addiction • they have an experienced team of specialists who work together to ensure success • A pristine natural environment in Costa Rica with beaches, mountains, waterfalls, jungle and wildlife • They provide high-quality 24/7 care, in a luxury setting, where their ONLY goal is the client’s success:
They are located in Playa Hermosa (the Northern PH) on the Papagayo Gulf of Guanacaste.

InnerHealingHolistic.com  •  fb.com/InnerHealingHolistic
1-707-666-9345 • 1-800-653-5213 • 8-920-7760  •  info@InnerHealingHolistic.com


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CEA Intensivo
CLINICA CEA INTENSIVO specializes in detection and intervention of the early stages of addiction thru their successful outpatient treatments and programs. They improve people’s quality of lives thru their comprehensive and outpatient individual programs.  Their emphasis is a very personalized treatment thru the MATRIX concept.  Don’t wait until is too late, get the help you or a family member deserves today!!
(CEAIntensivo.org  •  00-506-2-221-7683  •  English-8-680-8377  •  8-374-3617 •  8-806-4716  •  info@CEAIntensivo.com  •  Skype - CEAIntensivo)



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Casa SERENIDAD

Addictions, Eating Disorders.  Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Detox, Methadone Detox and Maintenance, Capacity - 11 maximim.  Outside of the  Art Therapy, Logo Therapy (help find meaning in your life), Yoga, physical therapy, Spiritual therapy (NOT religious [SELF Empowerment]), Family Therapy (2 times a week [not in a month like some do!!]).  Rational Recovery as well as 12-step.  It's like being at home and comfy and personal attention to each patient.

LOCATIONS: 

San Ramon de Tres Rios in Cartago Province

LANGUAGE: 

Spanish / English

OWNERS: 

Daniela-lm

(http://Serenidad.net/en  /  http://Facebook.com/pages/Casa-Serenidad/175807272463802  /  2-273-0407  /  2-273-0507  /  1-310-402-2698-from U.S.  /  info@Serenidad.net)


PLEASE let them know that Vicki with the Living Life in Costa Rica blog referred you and please contact me if you need any assistance with picking you up at the airport or for a place for your family/friends to stay nearby or any other information - LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com  /  1-941-312-7569 - from the U.S.  /  8-378-6679 - from within Costa Rica.

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SERENITY HOUSE
(Sadly they have closed [a reminder of the IMPORTANCE of promotions!!])

Santa Ana, San Jose
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NUEVA VIDA
(New Life) Health and Wellness Retreat  
Nueva Vida Retreat is the NEWEST entry to the Recovery scene in Costa Rica!  They offer a HOLISTIC TREATMENT to Addiction -  a NON 12 step program!!  They do NOT subscribe to the "you are your addiction" theory or that you have a "disease" or that you have to wear that alcoholic or addict label for the rest of your life!!!  

This is a 60 day Clearing Addictions program based on 30 years of research by Dr. Ed Carlson and a culmination of such great science and psychiatry as Dr John Diamond (Your Body Doesn't Lie), Dr. David R. Hawkins (Power vs Force), Dr. Bruce Lipton (The Biology of Belief). 

EXAMPLES OF THESE TECHNIQUES:  
http://TreatmentOfAddiction.co/nueva-vida/nueva-vida-health-and-wellness-program.pdf
http://CoreHealthTestimonials.com/core-health-testimonial-tim-vanatta
http://CoreHealthFacilitator.wordpress.com

This is interesting, exciting, results oriented work administered through daily interactive processes both group and private.   It is truly unique in drug and alcohol rehab. 
(note that detoxing is done at a hospital facility in San Jose)

The prime program is the 60-day program.  Also offered is a 30-day program targeting depression, anxiety, dysfunction and self-esteem, self-worth, anger and identity issues creating misery and possible addictive or  alcoholic behavior patterns  -  and a 14-day program is more oriented to holistic wholeness, release of stress, forgiveness, release of anger, meditation, yoga, and relaxation. 

All programs are supported by healthy and fresh nutrition, fitness activities, discussion groups, Costa Rica tours and activities and lots of fun!

LANGUAGE:
English only

STAFF (http://TreatmentOfAddiction.co/nueva-vida-health-and-wellness-retreat-costa-rica-staff ):  Steven Kogel - Psychiatrist.    Salomon Hayon - Clinical Psychologist.  Medical Detox - Dr. Luis Carlos Sancho Torres - Catolica Hospital-San Jose. Acupuncture and Massage -Michal Marchevsky, trained in China and Israel, practice in Jaco Beach.

LOCATION: 
ESTERILLOS (20 minutes south of Jaco on the Pacific Ocean side [formerly Tropical Oasis])  
CO-OWNERS
Certified Facilitators and Director:  Alexandra Barrett and Michael Barrett of Sarasota, Florida 
(http://TreatmentOfAddiction.co / http://Youtube.com/user/NuevaVidaRetreat  /  US#: 1-941-227-3884  /  Costa Rica #:  2-778-7150  /  Skype:  alexandra_b11 )
PLEASE let Alexandra and Michael know that Vicki with the Living Life in Costa Rica blog referred you and please contact me if you need any assistance with picking you up at the airport or for a place for your family/friends to stay nearby or any other information - LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com   /  1-941-312-7569 - from the U.S.  /  8-378-6679 - from within Costa Rica.


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NEW HOPE Health and Wellness Center*
(closed?)


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Costa Rica Recovery Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorders
A more traditional Recovery program and the most complete in the steps of helping people from Detox to a half-way house.  They provide 4 levels of care.  They do the traditional Hazelden Method along with yoga, meditation, mindfulness, dialect behavioral therapy, transactional analysis, cognitive behavior, motivational enhancement,  psychotherapy.  They do not have in-house 12-step meetings but instead go OUT to them for you to assimulate more/be in REAL day-to-day situations more. They also have a half-way house on "campus".  You get to go out and explore parts of Costa Rica every other week or so.
Their 4 Goal Principals are:
#1 - Absentence
#2 - Personalized 12-step outside center
#3 - Be connected with a 12-step outside center
#4 - Improved Quality of Life.
They have an outdoor gym.  They also have Suzanne Noel doing Recovery Focusing groups there twice a week!!!!    From what I gathered, their focus is on getting the substance abuser off of their substance of choice.  

LOCATION:  
Rohrmoser (about 1km from U.S. Embassy)

PROGRAM:  
$3,500/1st month, $2,750/thereafter (possible discount for residents and Ticos)

OWNER:
 Jim Dopp
(http://CostaRicaRecovery.net / http://facebook.com/#!/pages/Costa-Rica-Recovery-Center/168515226522208?v
2-220-1713  /  2-291-8805 / 8-895-9045-hotline /  1-866-804-1793-U.S.  /  CostaRicaRecovery@yahoo.com)
PLEASE let Jim know that Vicki with the Living Life in Costa Rica blog referred you and please contact me if you need any assistance with picking you up at the airport or for a place for your family/friends to stay nearby or any other information - LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com -   /  1-941-312-7569 - from the U.S. / 8-378-6679 - from within Costa Rica.


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Tera de Miestro
(2-252-4413)
My understanding is that this is a recovery home for people with little money though it's EXCLUSIVELY in Spanish.

LOCATION:  
Escazu (San Antonio) 

LANGUAGE:  
Spanish ONLY


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Looking for Rehab support for someone that only speaks Spanish?   
Google Hogares Crea Costa Rica - the national drug rehab centers located around Costa Rica.  For info, just ask one of the Hogares Crea people that you often see selling pencils and things / looking for donations at major intersections usually on the weekends.  They always wear yellow t-shirts.

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PLEASE tell whomever you use that VICKI Connected you!!!
and please SHARE this link with EVERYONE you know that can use this information
AAInCostaRica.com
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/01/12-step-aa-na-meetings-alcohol-drug_12.html



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Please consider showing your appreciation for it by
making a
DONATION
to keep this detailed blog going!

The easiest/best way is PayPal!
Go to the top LEFT corner of the blog for details.

ANY amount is appreciated since this is my ONLY source of "income" and FEW give back/donate!!!


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If you have anything else to add/change, please e- me at  LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
8-378-6679-within CR  /  1-941-312-7569-US #  /  Skype:  VallartaVicki

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