Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA
What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global support group designed to assist individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a free program with regular group meetings held in cities across the USA, including Tennessee, Shelby, and specifically Memphis, with additional resources and guidance available through the World Forum for Mental Health. These meetings provide a confidential and supportive environment where members share experiences and encourage each other on the path to sobriety.
Christ United Methodist Church
Address: 4488 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
- Monday at 12 pm (Open Discussion): This meeting welcomes anyone interested in recovery; participants share their journeys openly in a supportive group setting. Discussions usually last 60-90 minutes, fostering honest dialogue about challenges and successes in sobriety.
- Tuesday at 7:30 pm (Closed Discussion): Restricted to individuals who identify as alcoholics, this meeting focuses on personal sharing in a confidential space, encouraging deeper engagement with the recovery process.
- Thursday at 7 pm (Open Speaker Meeting): A member or guest speaker shares their story of recovery, offering inspiration and insight, followed by group discussion.
- Saturday at 10 am (Open Discussion): Casual and welcoming, this session promotes open sharing and peer support to reinforce sobriety goals.
Shady Grove Presbyterian Church
Address: 5537 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120
- Sunday at 7 pm (Closed Young People’s Meeting): Tailored for younger individuals in recovery, this meeting provides peer support among youth facing similar addiction challenges in a confidential setting.
- Wednesday at Noon (Open Discussion): Participants openly discuss recovery topics in a group format, enabling sharing of diverse experiences and mutual encouragement.
- Friday at 8 pm (Open Speaker Meeting): Features inspiring recovery stories from members or guest speakers to motivate and educate attendees.
Unity of Memphis Spiritual Center
Address: 954 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104
- Monday at Noon (Open Literature Discussion): Focuses on studying Alcoholics Anonymous literature, encouraging reflection on steps and principles in a welcoming environment.
- Tuesday at 6 pm (Closed Step Study Meeting): Concentrates on working through the 12 steps in a confidential, supportive setting, suitable for members committed to in-depth recovery work.
- Thursday at 6 pm (Open Discussion): A general meeting allowing all attendees to share and listen, providing broad community support.
- Saturday at 7:30 am (Men’s Closed Discussion): Exclusive to men, this early morning meeting offers a confidential space to discuss recovery challenges and victories.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages acknowledgment of the alcohol problem and the need for help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. It introduces hope and belief in recovery through external support.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step signifies commitment to spiritual guidance in recovery.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect honestly on personal flaws and past behaviors.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing these insights fosters humility and accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step prepares members for change by accepting the need to let go of harmful traits.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. It represents a plea for strength and transformation.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Emphasizes responsibility for past actions.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Encourages practical steps toward reconciliation and healing.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Promotes ongoing self-reflection to maintain sobriety.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. Enhances spiritual growth and serenity.
- 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. Focuses on helping others and living a principled life.
These steps aim to motivate members across Tennessee, Shelby, and Memphis toward positive life changes and sustained sobriety.
Getting Started with AA in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA
To find local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, the recommended resource is the official website wfmh.org. This site provides accurate, up-to-date information about meeting times and locations throughout the area. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most places, ensuring accessibility for newcomers and ongoing members alike.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
New members should familiarize themselves with two main meeting types attending in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis:
| Meeting Type |
Description |
| Open Meeting |
Open to anyone interested in the AA program, including non-alcoholics, friends, and family. These meetings focus on sharing stories and general discussion about recovery. |
| Closed Meeting |
Restricted to individuals who identify as having a desire to stop drinking. These meetings provide a confidential environment focused exclusively on members’ recovery. |
- It is advisable to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member to connect with group facilitators and other attendees.
- Sharing your personal experiences is encouraged but completely optional; comfort level matters.
- New members typically receive welcome keychain tags to mark sobriety milestones and encouragement on their journey.
Keychain Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Recognition of one month of sobriety – a significant early commitment to change.
- 60 days: Demonstrates sustained effort and progress in the recovery process.
- 90 days: Represents a quarter-year of continuous sobriety, strengthening individual resolve.
- 1 year: A major milestone celebrating one full year of sobriety, signifying long-term dedication and success.
- Multiple years: Tags are also available for 2, 3, 5, 10 years and beyond, honoring enduring commitment and inspirational progress.
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