What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for those struggling with alcohol addiction, available in cities across the US including Tennessee, Shelby County, and Memphis, with detailed meeting information at https://www.wfmh.org/aa/tennessee/shelby/memphis.
AA offers a free program with regular group meetings held in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA, providing a safe space for individuals to share experiences, receive encouragement, and work toward recovery through the 12 steps.
Christ United Methodist Church
Christ United Methodist Church, located in Memphis, TN.
- Monday at 12 pm (open discussion): This meeting allows anyone interested in the AA program to attend and participate in discussions about recovery experiences. It lasts 60-90 minutes and focuses on open sharing in a supportive environment.
- Tuesday at 7:30 pm (closed discussion for alcoholics only): Restricted to those with a desire to stop drinking, this session emphasizes personal stories and mutual support among members. Meetings typically run 60-90 minutes with structured discussion.
- Thursday at 7 pm (open speaker meeting): Open to the public, a speaker shares their recovery journey followed by discussion. The format encourages inspiration and lasts 60-90 minutes.
- Saturday at 10 am (open discussion): Anyone may join for candid talks on sobriety challenges and successes. Sessions are held in the church library and last 60-90 minutes.
Shady Grove Presbyterian Church
Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, located in Memphis, TN.
- Sunday at 7 pm (closed young people’s meeting): Designed for younger members in recovery, this closed session fosters peer support and discussion on specific challenges. It runs 60-90 minutes in a confidential setting.
- Wednesday at noon (open discussion): Open to all interested parties, participants discuss daily sobriety maintenance. Meetings last 60-90 minutes and promote broad engagement.
- Friday at 8 pm (open speaker meeting): Features a speaker’s recovery story open to the public, followed by questions and shares. Duration is typically 60-90 minutes.
Unity of Memphis Spiritual Center
Unity of Memphis Spiritual Center, located in Memphis, TN.
- Monday at noon (open literature discussion): Open meeting centered on AA literature readings and group insights. It lasts about 60 minutes and aids deeper program understanding.
- Tuesday at 6 pm (closed step study meeting): For alcoholics only, members study the 12 steps in detail through discussion. Sessions are 60 minutes focused on personal application.
- Thursday at 6 pm (open discussion): Welcomes all for sharing experiences related to sobriety. The 60-minute format encourages active participation.
- Saturday at 7:30 am (men’s closed discussion): Restricted to men with a desire to quit drinking, emphasizing male-specific recovery topics. It runs 60 minutes.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA provide a framework for personal growth and recovery, aiming to motivate members toward positive change across Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA.
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages honest self-assessment of addiction’s impact. It forms the foundation for seeking help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members recognize a higher power’s role in recovery. This builds hope and openness to spiritual guidance.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This involves surrendering control to a personal concept of a higher power. It promotes trust in the process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Participants list strengths and flaws honestly. This step fosters self-awareness and accountability.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing inventory reduces shame and isolation. It deepens honesty in relationships.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This prepares for change by accepting flaws. Willingness is key to progress.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. A prayerful request for transformation follows readiness. It invites spiritual intervention.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Identifying harms builds responsibility. Willingness sets the stage for repair.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Action-oriented, this step heals past damages. It requires courage and discretion.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-checks maintain progress. Prompt admission prevents resentment buildup.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. This enhances spiritual connection daily. It aligns actions with higher purpose.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Recovery culminates in helping others. Living the principles sustains long-term sobriety.
Getting Started with AA in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA
People can search for meetings on wfmh.org to find local meetings in their area as the best variant. Only this site.
Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most places.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Open vs closed meetings in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA distinguish access based on attendee status.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in the AA program. |
| Closed Meetings | Only for those who have a desire to stop drinking. |
Arrive 10-15 minutes early and introduce yourself to the meeting leader as a new local member.
Share your experiences if comfortable.
Receive welcome keychain tags at first meeting.
- 30 days: Marks one month of sobriety commitment, celebrating initial endurance.
- 60 days: Recognizes two months of consistent effort in the program.
- 1 year: Honors a full year of sustained recovery and active participation.