Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Tennessee, USA

What is AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global support group designed to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. This fellowship offers a free, peer-led recovery program based on shared experiences and mutual support. Across cities in Tennessee and throughout the United States, AA organizes regular group meetings where members gather to support each other’s sobriety and personal growth, with more information available at https://www.wfmh.org/aa/tennessee.

AA meetings in Tennessee are held regularly in various cities, offering diverse meeting formats to suit different needs. These sessions are accessible without charge and emphasize anonymity, acceptance, and encouragement as core principles.

Jackson, Tennessee

First United Methodist Church
200 S Church St, Jackson, TN 38301

Meeting Times and Methods:

• 10:00 AM – 10 and 6 Group (Closed Meeting): This meeting is restricted to individuals who identify as having a drinking problem and desire sobriety. It focuses on intimate discussion sessions, giving members a confidential space to share personal struggles and coping strategies in a supportive atmosphere.
• 6:00 PM – Came to Believe Group (Open Meeting): Open to anyone interested in the AA program, this meeting promotes an inclusive environment where newcomers and long-time members discuss the spiritual principles of recovery through interactive participation and personal testimonies.

Nashville, Tennessee

1015 W Kirkland Ave 402, Nashville, TN 37216

Meeting Times and Methods:

• 8:00 PM – Nuevo Sendero (Open, Spanish Language): This discussion meeting welcomes Spanish-speaking members and focuses on sharing experiences in a conversational format. Participants explore AA literature and cultural perspectives to enhance understanding and engagement.
• 7:00 PM – Women’s Speaker Meeting (Online, Open): Specifically for women in recovery, this meeting features speakers who share their personal journeys. It offers motivation and insights through live presentations, fostering connection and empowerment in a virtual setting.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Suburban Club, 2002 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Meeting Times and Methods:

• 8:00 PM Tuesday – 1515 Group (Open): This in-person group convenes to facilitate mutual support through shared stories and guided discussion. The session encourages questions and compassionate feedback to reinforce commitment to sobriety.

The 12 Steps of AA

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. Recognizing addiction’s control is the first step in accepting help and beginning recovery.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step introduces spiritual awakening and hope for healing beyond personal effort.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Participants commit to trust and seek guidance from a higher power in their recovery journey.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Open self-examination helps identify character defects and harmful patterns needing change.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing weaknesses and mistakes cultivates honesty and humility essential for progress.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Readiness to change makes it possible to let go of past behaviors that fuel addiction.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Acceptance and prayer facilitate the development of healthier traits and attitudes.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Taking responsibility opens the path to reconciliation with others.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Repairing relationships supports healing and restores trust.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness helps maintain sobriety by catching relapse triggers early.
11. 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. Daily spiritual practice grounds members and strengthens resolve.
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. Members share their experience to support others and integrate recovery principles fully into life.

This process aims to encourage sustained positive changes and empower members across Tennessee to rebuild lives free from alcohol dependence.

Getting Started with AA in Tennessee, USA

The recommended way to find local AA meetings in Tennessee is by searching on wfmh.org. This platform provides the most accurate and regularly updated listings of meetings near you. Most areas across Tennessee offer both in-person and virtual meetings, catering to various preferences and schedules.

Attending Your First Local AA Meeting

Understanding meeting types is important when attending for the first time. AA meetings in Tennessee are generally divided into open and closed sessions.

Meeting Type	Description
Open Meeting	Anyone interested, including non-alcoholics and family members, may attend. These meetings foster openness and education about recovery.
Closed Meeting	Restricted to individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. Closed meetings emphasize peer support in a confidential setting.

• Arrive early to acclimate and introduce yourself as a new member.
• Share your personal experiences during the meeting if you feel comfortable, though sharing is not mandatory.
• Receive a welcome keychain tag as a symbol of your commitment upon attending your first meeting.

Keychain Tag Milestones

Milestone	Description
30 Days	Recognizes the achievement of one month of continuous sobriety, reinforcing early recovery success.
60 Days	Symbolizes sustained effort and adjustment to a sober lifestyle during critical early months.
1 Year	Marks a significant year-long commitment to sobriety, reflecting dedication and growth.
Multiple Years	Continued sobriety is celebrated with tags for each additional year, encouraging perseverance and inspiring others.