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Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA

What is AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship providing support for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It is a free program that operates through regular group meetings designed to help members achieve and maintain sobriety through mutual support and the guidance of its well-established philosophies, with local information available for those seeking an alcohol anonymous support group Memphis to connect with the community and access ongoing support.

In Tennessee, particularly in Shelby County and the city of Memphis, AA meetings are widely available in multiple locations to anyone seeking help with alcohol dependency. These meetings vary in format but all emphasize confidentiality, peer support, and personal growth.

Christ United Methodist Church

Address: 4488 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN

Meeting Times and Details:

  • Monday at 12:00 PM (Open Discussion): Open to anyone interested, this meeting allows participants to share experiences and offer support in a welcoming environment. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes.
  • Tuesday at 7:30 PM (Closed Discussion): Exclusive to those with a desire to quit drinking, these discussions provide a safe space for sharing personal progress and challenges.
  • Thursday at 7:00 PM (Open Speaker Meeting): Features invited speakers who share their stories and insights, inspiring and motivating attendees.
  • Saturday at 10:00 AM (Open Discussion): Another open forum for all attendees to discuss recovery topics and receive peer support.

Shady Grove Presbyterian Church

Address: 5530 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN

Meeting Times and Details:

  • Sunday at 7:00 PM (Closed Young People’s Meeting): Focuses on younger members of AA, providing a targeted group to discuss issues unique to youth in recovery in a supportive, confidential setting.
  • Wednesday at 12:00 PM (Open Discussion): Open to everyone, this midday meeting encourages sharing and mutual support for all seeking sobriety.
  • Friday at 8:00 PM (Open Speaker Meeting): Provides inspirational talks from speakers with various experiences in recovery, fostering hope and motivation.

Unity of Memphis Spiritual Center

Address: 1187 S Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN

Meeting Times and Details:

  • Monday at 12:00 PM (Open Literature Discussion): Participants study AA-approved literature, gaining deeper understanding of recovery principles and fostering discussion on implementing them in daily life.
  • Tuesday at 6:00 PM (Closed Step Study Meeting): Focuses on the AA 12 Steps, providing a confidential setting to work through these foundational principles with a committed group.
  • Thursday at 6:00 PM (Open Discussion): Allows open sharing and mutual support among all attendees seeking or maintaining sobriety.
  • Saturday at 7:30 AM (Men’s Closed Discussion): A men-only closed session where participants discuss recovery challenges specific to male members in a confidential atmosphere.

The 12 Steps of AA

  1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This admission is the foundation for personal change and acceptance of help.
  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This opens the door for spiritual growth and hope beyond self-will.
  3. Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This reflects commitment to relinquish control and accept guidance.
  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Honest self-reflection is critical to identify defects and patterns harmful to sobriety.
  5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing these faults fosters humility and accountability.
  6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This prepares members mentally and spiritually for change.
  7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step embodies humility and trust in outside help to overcome personal weaknesses.
  8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Accountability extends to repairing relationships damaged by addiction.
  9. Made direct amends wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsible action to mend past harms supports healing.
  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-monitoring promotes sustained growth.
  11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge and strength. This step encourages spiritual maintenance.
  12. 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. This underlines the importance of service and living by example.

The 12 Steps aim to motivate members toward positive change and recovery throughout Tennessee, Shelby County, and Memphis, fostering community and personal transformation.

Getting Started with AA in Tennessee, Shelby, Memphis, USA

For those seeking AA support in Tennessee, particularly in the Memphis and Shelby County region, the best way to locate local meetings is by visiting wfmh.org. This resource provides up-to-date information on both in-person and online/virtual AA meetings available in most areas, ensuring accessibility for all needs.

Attending Your First Local AA Meeting

When attending an AA meeting in Tennessee and Shelby County, it is helpful to understand the distinctions between meeting types, as well as local customs for newcomers.

Meeting Type Description
Open Meetings Any person interested in the AA program can attend, including non-alcoholics. These meetings often include discussions or speaker sessions providing education about recovery.
Closed Meetings Reserved for individuals with a desire to stop drinking. These meetings encourage more open sharing in a confidential environment among those directly affected by alcoholism.
  • Plan to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member to build comfort and get guidance from experienced attendees.
  • Feel free to share your experiences and challenges when you feel comfortable; participation is encouraged but not mandatory.
  • At your first meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag marking your entry into AA's supportive community.

Common Keychain Tag Milestones and Their Meanings:

  • 30 Days: Celebrates one month of sobriety, marking initial commitment and endurance.
  • 60 Days: Represents continued dedication and growing strength in recovery.
  • 1 Year: A significant milestone indicating one full year of continuous sobriety and personal growth.
  • Other milestones include 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and beyond, each celebrating continued sobriety and commitment to the AA program.