What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free peer support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The program operates in cities across the United States, including Jefferson County, Louisville, Kentucky, with more information available at https://www.wfmh.org/aa/kentucky/jefferson/louisville. AA meetings are held regularly and are open to anyone seeking help with alcohol-related issues. These meetings are led by recovering alcoholics and provide a supportive environment where members can share experiences, receive encouragement, and work toward lasting sobriety.
The Healing Place
715 East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Meetings are held daily at 8:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. These in-person meetings focus on the 12-step recovery process and provide a structured environment for members to discuss their challenges and progress with others who understand their journey.
Calvary Episcopal Church
821 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40203
Meetings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at noon. These in-person gatherings follow an open discussion format, allowing attendees to share their stories and listen to others in a welcoming and non-judgmental setting.
Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church
4936 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY 40222
Meetings are held virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM. The virtual format allows participants to join from anywhere, and the open discussion style encourages honest sharing and mutual support among members.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a set of guiding principles designed to help members achieve and maintain sobriety. These steps are used in AA meetings across Kentucky, Jefferson County, and Louisville to motivate positive change and foster personal growth.
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages members to acknowledge their addiction and accept the need for help.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members are invited to find strength in a higher power, whatever that may mean to them.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step involves surrendering control and trusting in a higher power for guidance.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect on their past actions and behaviors to identify areas for improvement.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step promotes honesty and accountability by sharing personal shortcomings.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Members prepare themselves to let go of negative traits and embrace positive change.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step involves actively seeking help to overcome personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Members identify those affected by their actions and commit to making things right.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. This step encourages members to take responsibility and repair relationships.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Members commit to ongoing self-reflection and honesty.
- 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. This step emphasizes spiritual growth and connection.
- 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 experiences and apply the principles of AA in their daily lives.
Getting Started with AA in Kentucky, Jefferson, Louisville, USA
People seeking AA meetings in Kentucky, Jefferson County, and Louisville can search for local meetings on wfmh.org. This site provides up-to-date information on meeting times, locations, and formats. Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are available in most areas, making it easy for individuals to find support that fits their needs.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Kentucky, Jefferson County, and Louisville are categorized as open or closed. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in learning about AA, while closed meetings are for those who identify as having a drinking problem.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open | Available to anyone interested in learning about AA, including friends, family, and professionals. |
| Closed | For individuals who identify as having a drinking problem and are seeking help. |
Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new local member. Sharing your experiences is encouraged if you feel comfortable, but it is not required. At your first meeting, you will receive a welcome keychain tag to mark your milestone in recovery.
- 30 days: Recognizes one month of continuous sobriety.
- 60 days: Celebrates two months of sobriety.
- 90 days: Marks three months of sobriety.
- 6 months: Honors six months of continuous sobriety.
- 9 months: Recognizes nine months of sobriety.
- 1 year: Celebrates one year of sobriety.
- 18 months: Marks 18 months of continuous sobriety.