What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group designed for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a structured program that is free to all participants and operates through regular group meetings held in cities throughout the United States, including Minnesota and Minneapolis, where anyone can check the aa meetings minneapolis schedule to find times and locations that suit their needs.
AA provides a welcoming environment where people struggling with alcoholism can share their experiences, find mutual support, and work towards long-term sobriety through a well-established twelve-step process.
Meeting Locations in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Alano Society of Minneapolis
Address: 2218 1st Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Meeting Times: Daily meetings at various times throughout the day
Meeting Details: This location offers open and closed meetings, where newcomers are welcomed to share their stories or simply listen. The meetings focus on discussion and support using AA literature such as “The Big Book.”
Central Lutheran Church
Address: 333 S 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Meeting Time: Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Details: Central Lutheran hosts the Central Pacific AA Group featuring open meetings with a featured speaker. The gatherings are large, with around 200-300 attendees, providing an engaging atmosphere for newcomers and experienced members alike.
2400 Club
Address: 2400 Blaisdell Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Meeting Time: Fridays at 7:30 PM
Meeting Details: Known as the Friday Grapevine Group, this location holds Big Book study meetings which emphasize reading and discussing AA foundational texts. The group is open to anyone seeking help with alcohol addiction.
The 12 Steps of AA
- Admitting Powerlessness: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages acceptance of the problem as a foundation for change.
- Belief in a Higher Power: Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. It opens the door to spiritual recovery.
- Decision to Turn Over Control: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This signifies a willingness to accept help.
- Inventory of Self: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Reflecting honestly on personal behaviors and attitudes helps identify changes necessary for sobriety.
- Admitting Wrongs: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This builds humility and accountability.
- Ready for Change: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Prepares members for transformation and growth.
- Asking for Removal of Shortcomings: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This fosters surrender and acceptance.
- Making a List of Those Harmed: Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Encourages responsibility for past actions.
- Making Amends: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This promotes reconciliation and healing.
- Continued Personal Inventory: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Maintains ongoing self-awareness and humility.
- Spiritual Practice: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying for knowledge of His will and power to carry that out. Supports spiritual growth and strength.
- Helping Others: 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. Encourages service and leadership within AA and the community.
Getting Started with AA in Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
To find an AA meeting near you in Minnesota, Minneapolis, the best resource is the official website wfmh.org. This site provides up-to-date listings of local meetings, including both in-person and virtual options available in most areas.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Minnesota and Minneapolis are typically categorized as open or closed, with important differences:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in the AA program, including alcoholics, family members, and the general public. These meetings often include a speaker or discussion and invite newcomers warmly. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to individuals who identify as having a drinking problem. These meetings provide a confidential and safe space for members to share personal experiences and progress. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new member and get comfortable with the format.
- Share your experiences and feelings during the meeting if you feel comfortable; listening is equally valuable.
- Receive welcome keychain tags celebrating your recovery milestones, fostering motivation and recognition.
List of Keychain Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Marks one month of sobriety, encouraging continued commitment.
- 60 days: Celebrates two months of progress, reinforcing support and accountability.
- 1 year: Significant milestone recognizing the strength to sustain sobriety for one full year.
- Additional milestones include 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and further increments acknowledging sustained recovery efforts.