What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It operates as a free program that offers a network of support through regular group meetings aimed at fostering sobriety and recovery.
In Minnesota and Minneapolis, AA meetings provide a welcoming environment where anyone affected by alcohol dependency can seek assistance without cost. These meetings are accessible across multiple locations and support formats, ensuring community members have continual access to help.
Dellwood Recovery Center
Address: 1706 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Meetings:
- Monday, 7:00 PM – Open Discussion: An inclusive session where participants share experiences and support each other’s recovery journey without meeting restrictions.
- Wednesday, 7:00 PM – Big Book Study: Focuses on studying the AA foundational text, “The Big Book,” encouraging discussion on its principles and recovery methods.
- Friday, 8:00 PM – Speaker Meeting: Features a guest member sharing their personal story of recovery and sobriety, providing inspiration and hope.
Nokomis Alano Society
Address: 5108 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Meetings:
- Tuesday, 7:30 PM – 12 & 12 Study: A study meeting focusing on the “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,” exploring AA philosophy and shared principles.
- Thursday, 7:30 PM – Open Discussion: Open to all, providing a space for members and newcomers to discuss their experiences and challenges openly.
- Saturday, 10:00 AM – Women’s Meeting: A supportive session exclusively for women, promoting a safe space for sharing and healing among female members.
North Loop Alano Club
Address: 109 N 10th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Meetings:
- Daily, 12:00 PM – Open Discussion: Regular daily meetings allowing members to share and reflect on personal recovery processes in an open format.
- Sunday, 10:00 AM – Beginners Meeting: Specifically designed for individuals new to AA, focusing on initial support and guidance for new members.
- Wednesday, 8:00 PM – LGBTQ+ Meeting: Provides an inclusive environment tailored to LGBTQ+ members, encouraging mutual support and community.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when wrong promptly admitted it.
- 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.
- 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.
These steps serve to motivate members throughout Minnesota and Minneapolis toward lasting sobriety and positive life change.
Getting Started with AA in Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
To find local AA meetings in Minnesota and Minneapolis, the best and most reliable method is to use wfmh.org. This platform allows easy searching by location and provides updated details for all available meetings, both in-person and virtual.
Most locations offer a choice of attending meetings face-to-face or joining via online platforms, making AA accessible to people with different needs and circumstances.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Understanding the difference between open and closed meetings is important when attending your first AA gathering in Minnesota, Minneapolis:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Anyone interested in AA, including non-alcoholics, can attend as observers or participants. These meetings provide general information and support. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who identify as having a drinking problem and have a desire to stop drinking. Focused on sharing experiences specifically among alcoholics. |
It is recommended to arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member. Sharing your story is encouraged but not obligatory — comfort and readiness vary per person.
Many meetings offer a tradition of giving new attendees welcome keychain tags to mark their milestones in sobriety. These tags are symbols of progress and encouragement.
- 30 Days: Celebrates the first month of sobriety, recognizing initial commitment and perseverance.
- 60 Days: Marks two months of continuous sobriety, encouraging ongoing dedication and strength.
- 1 Year: A major milestone representing a full year of sustained recovery, often celebrated with special recognition in meetings.
- Other tags: Additional milestones such as 6 months, 18 months, 2 years, and beyond are also awarded to encourage continued sobriety and reintegration.