Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings in Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA

What is AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship and support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Founded on the principle of mutual aid, AA operates in cities across the United States, including throughout Minnesota and Minneapolis, where organizations like the World Forum for Mental Health provide helpful information and resources for those seeking support. The program is free to join, requires no dues or fees, and is led by peers in recovery, not professional therapists or counselors. Regular group meetings are held throughout Minnesota, offering a supportive environment for members to share experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another.

Key AA Meeting Locations in Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas

Alano Society of Minneapolis

Address: 2218 1st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Meetings Time: 8:00 PM

This location is home to several AA groups, including the "Squad 15 Men's Group" at 7:00 PM and the "Garage Group" at 8:00 PM. The Alano Society of Minneapolis is a well-established hub for AA in the city, hosting both closed (men only) and open meetings; closed meetings are reserved for those with a desire to stop drinking, while open meetings welcome anyone interested in AA, including friends and family. The venue is centrally located and provides easy access for those in the downtown and southeast Minneapolis area, offering both discussion and step-focused formats.

Bear Creek Church, Rochester

Address: 1765 Restoration Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Meetings Time: 8:00 PM

The "Living Sober Group" meets here weekly, featuring open discussions and occasional speaker meetings. Bear Creek Church offers a welcoming environment for individuals seeking recovery, with a focus on sharing personal experiences and the practical application of the AA program. The meeting is open to all, including newcomers, and the venue is accessible, providing a supportive community for those in the Rochester area.

Bloomington Alano Club

Address: 9613 Girard Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431

Meetings Time: 8:00 PM

Multiple AA groups convene here, including the "Squad 52 Open Mixed AA" and the "Squad 55 Mens Into Action Group." The Bloomington Alano Club is known for its diversity of meeting formats, including open, discussion, and men's groups. The club provides a safe, substance-free environment for people of all genders and backgrounds, reinforcing the AA tradition of inclusivity and anonymity.

The 12 Steps of AA

We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. Members recognize their inability to control drinking and the negative impact it has on their lives. This first step is fundamental for beginning the recovery process in AA.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members acknowledge the need for help beyond themselves, which may involve spirituality, faith, or a supportive community. This step encourages openness to change and healing.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Members commit to seeking guidance from a higher power, as each individual defines it. This step emphasizes trust and surrender as part of recovery.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members conduct an honest self-assessment, identifying behaviors, thoughts, and actions that contributed to their addiction. This introspection lays the groundwork for personal growth.
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing the inventory with someone trusted helps release guilt and fosters accountability. This step strengthens honesty and humility.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members prepare themselves mentally and emotionally to let go of harmful traits. This readiness is crucial for transformation.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members seek help from their higher power to overcome personal flaws. The focus is on humility and willingness to grow.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Identifying those harmed by their actions, members prepare to make things right. This step encourages reconciliation and healing relationships.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Members take action to repair past wrongs, provided it does not cause further harm. This step promotes responsibility and integrity.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-reflection helps members recognize and correct mistakes promptly. This practice sustains recovery and personal growth.
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. Members cultivate a daily spiritual practice to stay connected to their higher power. This step supports ongoing guidance and strength.
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 with others and apply AA’s principles in daily life. Service to others is central to lasting recovery.

Getting Started with AA in Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA

People can search for local AA meetings by visiting the official AA website (wfmh.org) and using the meeting search tool, entering their city, state, or zip code to generate a list of meetings near them. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available throughout Minnesota, Minneapolis, and its suburbs, ensuring accessibility for everyone, regardless of location or mobility.

Attending Your First Local AA Meeting

AA meetings in Minneapolis are generally categorized as either "open" or "closed." Open meetings welcome anyone interested in AA, including friends, family, and observers, while closed meetings are reserved for those who have a desire to stop drinking or are current AA members. Arriving early to your first meeting can make the experience less intimidating; introducing yourself as a newcomer is encouraged, though not required. If comfortable, sharing your experiences with the group is optional but often helpful.

Meeting Type	Description
Open	Anyone interested in AA can attend, including family, friends, and observers.
Closed	Only those who have a desire to stop drinking or are current AA members can attend.

Many meetings offer welcome keychain tags to newcomers, symbolizing the start of their recovery journey. These tags are frequently given out at various milestones to recognize progress:

30 days: Marks one month of sobriety, a significant early achievement.
60 days: Celebrates two months of continuous recovery.
90 days: Recognizes three months, reinforcing the habit of sobriety.
6 months: Commemorates half a year of sobriety and resilience.
9 months: Acknowledges continued progress beyond the initial months.
1 year: Honors a full year of sobriety and dedication to recovery.

Collecting these tags can serve as a tangible reminder of personal growth and commitment to sobriety as you continue to attend meetings and work the AA program.