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. It provides a free program with regular group meetings held in various locations throughout Memphis, Tennessee, fostering a community-based approach to recovery through shared experiences and mutual support.
119 Racine, Memphis, TN 38111
The Came to Believe Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at 119 Racine, Memphis, TN 38111 in the Midtown area. This location hosts multiple meetings throughout the week, including Tuesdays at 12:00 PM, Wednesdays at 12:00 PM, Saturdays at 12:00 PM, Sundays at 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM, Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, Wednesdays at 5:30 PM, Thursdays at 5:30 PM, and Fridays at 5:30 PM, focusing on discussion and open formats that encourage participants to share personal stories in a supportive environment. These sessions emphasize spiritual principles and peer accountability, helping attendees build sobriety one day at a time through structured group interactions.
2865 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38111
The Came to Believe Group operates at 2865 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38111, offering a variety of meeting types approximately 2.24 miles from central Memphis. Meetings include open discussion sessions, closed discussion groups, women-specific 12 Steps & 12 Traditions meetings, and speaker meetings, held at various times throughout the day and week to accommodate different schedules. Participants engage in candid conversations about recovery challenges, with closed meetings providing privacy for those deeply committed to the AA process, while open meetings welcome observers.
1323 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
High Noon Memphis and ICU Group meetings take place at 1323 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, with additional Great Reality Group options both in-person and online. These closed discussion meetings occur regularly, such as noontime sessions, providing wheelchair access and focusing on intensive peer support for alcohol recovery. Attendees benefit from a structured environment where anonymity is preserved, allowing honest sharing that reinforces commitment to sobriety amid daily life pressures.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of AA form the core framework of the program, aiming to motivate members toward positive change across Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA. Each step builds progressively to promote self-reflection, spiritual growth, and lasting sobriety.
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This foundational step encourages honesty about addiction’s control, breaking denial and opening the door to recovery. It sets the stage for seeking external help beyond individual willpower.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members recognize a higher power’s role in healing, shifting reliance from self to faith-based strength. This step fosters hope and trust in a process larger than personal efforts.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This surrender involves committing daily actions to spiritual guidance, promoting peace amid chaos. It marks a pivotal transition to guided living.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Participants list strengths and flaws objectively, uncovering patterns fueling addiction. This introspective work builds self-awareness essential for change.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Vocalizing defects relieves isolation, gaining humility through confession. Sharing fosters accountability and emotional release.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Full acceptance prepares the heart for transformation, acknowledging human imperfection. Readiness invites divine intervention without reservation.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This prayerful act seeks direct removal of flaws, emphasizing humility over self-reliance. It deepens spiritual dependence for character renewal.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Inventorying relational damages promotes responsibility, healing past wounds. Willingness paves the way for restorative actions.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Practical restitution repairs relationships, reducing guilt’s hold. Careful execution protects all involved parties.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-examination maintains progress, preventing relapse through quick corrections. Daily practice sustains humility and growth.
- 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. Spiritual disciplines enhance connection, aligning actions with purpose. This step cultivates inner peace and direction.
- 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 service, sharing gains with others. Living the principles universally ensures holistic transformation.
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. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most places throughout Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Open vs closed meetings are available in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA, catering to different needs in the recovery journey. Open meetings welcome anyone interested, while closed meetings are exclusively for those identifying with alcohol addiction.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Accessible to non-alcoholics, friends, and family; focuses on general sharing and education about AA principles to build community awareness. |
| Closed | Limited to individuals with alcohol problems; provides confidential space for deep personal discussions and step work among peers. |
| Discussion | Group-led talks on recovery topics; participants share insights, fostering mutual support and practical advice application. |
| Speaker | Member recounts personal recovery story; inspires newcomers by demonstrating long-term sobriety success through AA. |
| Women | Gender-specific for female members; addresses unique challenges in a safe, tailored environment with 12 Steps focus. |
Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member to connect with greeters. Share your experiences if comfortable during the meeting to receive immediate peer feedback. Receive welcome keychain tags at your first meeting as symbols of commitment milestones.
- 30 days: Bronze-colored tag awarded for one month of continuous sobriety, celebrating initial endurance and dedication to daily meetings.
- 60 days: Silver tag recognizing two months of progress, highlighting growing stability and active step engagement.
- 1 year: Gold tag honoring a full year sober, signifying major life transformation and readiness to sponsor others.
- Etc.: Additional tags for 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and beyond, each marking deepened recovery and service contributions.