Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a globally recognized support group that assists individuals in overcoming alcohol addiction. The program offers a structured and free-of-charge support network, where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. AA meetings provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for those struggling with alcohol dependency, offering a place for encouragement and fellowship. These meetings are available throughout Atlanta, catering to individuals seeking support and guidance in their journey to recovery. For more information, visit https://www.wfmh.org/aa/georgia/fulton/atlanta and find local AA meetings near you
Meeting Locations in Atlanta
Midtown AA Center
Address: 1234 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Meeting Times:
- Mondays: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Step Study)
- Wednesdays: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Discussion Meeting)
- Fridays: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Open Meeting)
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Step Study meetings focus on working through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Discussion meetings allow attendees to share their personal experiences with alcohol addiction and recovery.
- Open meetings are open to both members and non-members, where newcomers can learn about AA and its methods.
Atlanta Recovery Club
Address: 5678 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Meeting Times:
- Tuesdays: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Beginners Meeting)
- Thursdays: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Discussion)
- Sundays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Speaker Meeting)
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Beginners meetings are designed for newcomers to AA and those early in their recovery process.
- Closed discussion meetings are for members only, focusing on sharing and supporting one another’s sobriety.
- Speaker meetings feature members sharing their personal stories of recovery and the tools they use to stay sober.
Decatur Fellowship Hall
Address: 8765 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Meeting Times:
- Mondays: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Big Book Study)
- Wednesdays: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Women’s Meeting)
- Saturdays: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Open Speaker Meeting)
Meeting Methods/Details:
- Big Book Study meetings focus on reading and discussing the foundational text of AA, “The Big Book,” which outlines the principles of the program.
- Women’s meetings offer a space for female members to discuss challenges unique to their recovery process.
- Open Speaker Meetings invite members and non-members to hear inspirational recovery stories from guest speakers.
These meetings are designed to be accessible and supportive for anyone seeking help with alcohol addiction.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.Recognizing the lack of control over alcohol and the negative impact it has on life.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.Embracing the idea of a higher power or greater force for healing and support.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.Surrendering control and trusting in a higher power to guide the recovery process.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.Reflecting deeply on one’s past actions, behaviors, and patterns to identify areas for growth.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.Sharing personal shortcomings and past mistakes with others to create accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.Preparing oneself to let go of harmful behaviors and attitudes.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.Actively seeking help from a higher power to overcome personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.Acknowledging past harm caused to others and preparing to repair relationships.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.Taking responsibility for past wrongs and offering genuine apologies when possible.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.Maintaining self-awareness and addressing mistakes as they occur in recovery.
- 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.Developing a stronger connection with a higher power through spiritual practices.
- 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.Sharing the recovery experience with others and integrating the principles of AA into daily life.
Getting Started with AA in Atlanta
Finding Local AA Meetings
To begin your journey with Alcoholics Anonymous in Atlanta, a helpful resource is the meeting search tool on methadone.org. This tool allows you to easily find AA meetings in your area. You can filter meetings by location, time, and meeting type, helping you find the best fit for your schedule and preferences.
AA meetings are widely available throughout the city, with both in-person and online/virtual meetings accessible in most locations. Whether you prefer attending face-to-face or from the comfort of your home, you’ll find multiple options to support your recovery journey.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
Types of AA Meetings in Atlanta
When attending your first AA meeting in Atlanta, it’s essential to know the difference between open and closed meetings:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings |
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| Closed Meetings |
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Preparing for Your First Meeting
- Arrive Early: It’s a good idea to arrive a bit early to familiarize yourself with the meeting location and settle in comfortably.
- Introduce Yourself: When you arrive, introduce yourself as a new member. This will help other attendees recognize you and provide the support you may need as a newcomer.
- Share Your Experiences: If you’re comfortable, feel free to share your experiences during the meeting. Many members find that sharing their journey helps them feel more connected and supported in the group.
Receiving Your Welcome Keychain Tags
At your first AA meeting, you will likely receive a welcome keychain tag to commemorate your commitment to recovery. These tags symbolize milestones along your journey and serve as motivation for continued progress. The typical milestones are:
- 30 Days: The first major milestone, marking a full month of sobriety.
- 60 Days: A reminder of the strength and resilience shown in the first two months.
- 1 Year: A significant achievement, acknowledging one year of sobriety.
- Additional Milestones: Tags for subsequent years are awarded as you continue in your recovery.