Phoenix AA Meetings for Sober Support

Our Favorite AA Meetings Near Me in Phoenix and Across the Valley

Alcoholics Anonymous is a valuable support group for men and women who have quit drinking and are in ongoing recovery from alcoholism. The fellowship found at the meetings creates a trusted peer network where individuals find strength and hope. They can also become a fail-safe when members are struggling with sobriety.

While AA is an excellent tool for staying sober, it is usually most effective after someone has received the required professional help at a treatment center.

Changes Healing Center, located on Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, specializes in inpatient and outpatient care for mental health, including alcohol and drug addiction.

We’ve helped many from Phoenix and nearby cities. Phoenix AA meetings are in almost every community: Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun Valle, Glendale, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Mesa, Cave Creek, Surprise, and more. Phoenix AA meetings are available both in-person and online to cater to different preferences.

We advise our program graduates recovering from alcohol use disorder to find local AA meetings and start attending ASAP.

Keep reading to learn more about AA meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, and beyond. And remember, for additional sober support, you can make the confidential call today to get help at Changes Healing!

Alcoholics Anonymous: What Are 12-Step Meetings?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) helps people recover from alcoholism. Statistics indicate they have over 1.9 million members around the world.

The group provides a structured program following their “Big Book,” a manual of the twelve steps.

An Overview of the 12 Steps of the AA Program

Here is a brief overview of the Twelve Steps, with our own interpretation and not a word-for-word repetition:

1. Admit Powerlessness: Recognize that you are powerless over alcohol. Because of your alcohol addiction, your life has become unmanageable.
2. Hope in a Higher Power: Believe that a Higher Power exists, and you need its strength to restore your well-being.
3. Faith: Turning your will and your life over to the care of this Higher Power.
4. Inventory: Take a fearless and honest moral inventory of yourself.
5. Admit: Admit to yourself, your Higher Power, and another person the nature of your wrongs.
6. Ready: Be ready to ask your Higher Power to remove the character defects you identify in #5.
7. Humbly Ask: Humbly ask the Higher Power to remove your shortcomings.
8. List and Make Amends: List all people you have harmed during alcohol abuse and be willing to make amends to them all.
9. Direct Amends: When possible, make direct amends to those people, except if doing so would injure them or others.
10. Continue Inventory: Continue to take personal inventory. Have the courage to admit when you are wrong.
11. Seek Through Prayer and Meditation: Seek to improve your relationship with your Higher Power through prayer and meditation.
12. Carry the Message: As a result, you’re now spiritually awake. Try to carry this message to other alcoholics and practice these principles in all your affairs.

Even if you stop drinking by attending the best alcohol rehab center around, you still have much work to do afterward. You may have court obligations, loved ones who feel hurt, or friends to reconnect with.

The Twelve Steps provide a clear pathway to making things right, renewing your purpose, and recommitting to staying clean and sober.

A Sampling of the Benefits of Attending an AA Meeting in Phoenix, AZ

Now that you know a little about the steps, here are a few benefits of attending a 12-step meeting:

1. Peer Support: AA offers a nonjudgmental space where you can connect with others who understand your struggles. Supportive people can be crucial for maintaining motivation and commitment to sobriety.
2. Structured Program: The 12 Steps of AA provide a clear framework for you to follow. Much like the structured setting of a recovery center, it can help you in ongoing recovery.
3. Accessibility: You’ll find AA meetings worldwide. From open meeting spaces to online Phoenix groups, you can connect with a community both in-person and online.
4. Anonymity: AA maintains confidentiality; you can share openly without fear of stigma or judgment.
5. Ongoing Support: AA is a lifelong support network. Their groups offer continual reinforcement of the 12 steps.
6. Wheelchair Access: AA strives to be inclusive of all, including those who need wheelchair access. To ensure wheelchair access, they often host meetings in a community center or church.

It is also worth mentioning that Alcoholics Anonymous is a non-profit organization. They don’t charge you to attend the groups. They will likely pass around the hat and ask for donations – if you can help – but don’t pressure you. That’s key for those who are recovering and trying to find a job or may have delicate finances.

Keep in mind that many of the descriptions of meetings for AA are similar to those of NA meetings in Phoenix, though our separate resource on that topic (linked to above) will provide more specific insights

Finding the Right Meeting for You

Finding the right meeting for your recovery journey can be a crucial step in achieving and maintaining sobriety. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider your needs and preferences when selecting a meeting.

Tips and Considerations for Choosing the Best Fit

1. Location: Consider the location of the meeting and whether it’s easily accessible for you. Some meetings may be held in churches, community centers, or other public spaces. For instance, you might find a meeting at Christ United Methodist Church at 7:00 pm or at a Lutheran Church at 6:00 pm.
2. Time: Think about the time of day that works best for you. Meetings can be held at various times, including morning, afternoon, and evening. For example, a Presbyterian Church might host a meeting at 8:00 pm.
3. Format: Decide what type of meeting format you prefer. Options include open speaker meetings, discussion meetings, step meetings, and more. Redeemer Lutheran Church offers a step meeting that might be just what you need.
4. Size: Consider the size of the meeting. Some people prefer smaller, more intimate meetings, while others prefer larger meetings with more attendees.
5. Wheelchair Access: If you have mobility issues, look for meetings with wheelchair access. Many meetings are held in accessible locations to accommodate everyone.
6. Online Meetings: If you’re unable to attend in-person meetings, consider online meetings. Many meetings are now offered online, making it easier to attend from the comfort of your own home. Daily reflections can be a great way to stay connected and focused on your recovery.

AA in AZ: Phoenix Discussion Group Formats

AA meetings in Phoenix follow the same steps but sometimes have different formats. This section covers the meeting types you might discover as you discover AA information. You will also find greater Phoenix, Arizona, meetings in each format.

You can find a more comprehensive list of AZ Phoenix Discussion Groups on the AA website. You’ll also find both in-person and online Phoenix AA meetings for whenever it is impossible to attend in person.

Closed Meetings (Discussion Meeting Offering Meaningful Connections)

Closed meetings are open only to community members who struggle with sobriety. They don’t permit observers, family members, or others in these discussion groups. The closed format allows the person struggling to stay sober a feeling of safety, and it empowers participants to have more honest discussions.

Let’s imagine a young woman named ‘Hannah.’ Like many adults, she struggled with alcohol addiction in silence, fearing the stigma in her family. One night, she drove home from the bar after several drinks.

She was pulled over on Broadway Rd., in Mesa, Arizona, for drinking and driving and received charges of DUI. She attended AA meetings after finishing an outpatient program at Changes Healing Center.

She chose closed meetings because she still struggled with the shame of the DUI – she is not ready yet to share her story at the beginning of her steps.

• Easy Does It Group: Monday 12:00 pm | 1933 E. University Dr., #24, Mesa, Arizona.
• GIT Group: Wednesday 8:00 pm | Palm Court #105 & #106, 393 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, Arizona.
• Simply AA Group: Friday 6:00 pm | United Methodist Church | 1515 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande, AZ.

Finding a closed meeting can be a wonderful experience, especially if you are not sure you’re ready to open up in early recovery.wonderful experience, especially if you are not sure you’re ready to open up in early recovery.

Open Meeting Format to Achieve Sobriety

An open meeting is available to anyone who wants to attend. This can include Alcoholics Anonymous members and their families, friends, or a loved one who wants to learn how to support them. The goal of an open meeting is to give more insight into the AA meeting process and offer support to the greater community.

For instance, Gavin finished a recovery program after a decade of excessive drinking. His best friend since childhood, Lucy, had stuck with him through all of it. Most people called Lucy his biggest enabler. Because Gavin’s driver’s license was suspended, Lucy agreed not only to drive him to the AA meeting but to attend with him so she could continue to help him in the coming months and learn how not to enable his alcoholism.

She also plans on attending Al-Anon meetings going forward, which is a great source of support for loved ones of alcoholics and their concerned family members.

There are many open meeting sessions available around the Phoenix, Arizona area. Here are just a few:

• Eye-Opener: Sunday 6:45 am | First Presbyterian Church, 702 E. Cottonwood Ln., Casa Grande, AZ.
• D3 Women: Monday 6:00 pm | GRHCC Conference Room, 483 W. Seed Farm Rd., Gila River, Arizona.
• Rock Solid: Tuesday 6:00 pm | Rock Shadows RV Park, 600 S. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, Arizona’
• Maricopa Group: Friday 7:00 pm | Mountain View Community Church, 50881 W. Papago Rd., Maricopa, AZ

An open meeting can be a wonderful way to meet new friends and get to know them better.

Open Speaker Meetings ( An Open Meeting Variation)

Most open-speaker AA meetings in Phoenix are available to those who struggle and their supporters. A subset of the open meeting, these offer a discussion led by a speaker who shares a personal story of alcoholism and recovery. The format is inspiring and gives those who attend a greater vision of how they, too, can overcome alcohol use disorder for good – for themselves or a loved one.

Thomas, whose wife ‘Mary’ had completed recovery at Changes in Phoenix, Arizona, shares how much open speaker meetings inspired him. He was unsure if Mary would continue to make good progress to better health and felt discouraged, especially after a recent relapse.

After hearing a speaker-led discussion and an open meeting, he learned how addiction can sometimes cause slip-ups, even in recovery. Thomas felt more inspired than ever to continue to support his wife.

• Recovery Thru the Maze: Monday 7:00 pm | Lehi Community Center, 1231 E. Oak St., Mesa, AZ
• Dr. Bob’s Nightmare: Thursday 8:00 pm | Lutheran University Church, 340 E. 15th St., Tempe, AZ

Remember that these Phoenix, Arizona sessions could be closed or open meeting formats, so check each opportunity carefully if you have a preference.

Discussion Meetings (May Be Open or Closed Meeting Formats)

A Phoenix discussion meeting might be open or closed. Participants have conversations centered on specific recovery topics each week. Many enjoy Phoenix discussion groups because they encourage active participation and ask the men and women who attend to engage in a discussion of their personal alcohol addiction stories.

As her therapist had advised, Destiny attended the Central Ave Phoenix Discussion Meeting the week after leaving the outpatient program at Changes. She felt very shy during the first few weeks and remained silent, observing the 12-step meeting and reading the literature. In her third week, she bought the Big Book and read it.

By week 4, Destiny felt ready to talk about her life in Glendale and how alcohol had impacted it. The open meeting allowed her to progress at her own pace. Destiny is staying sober and has even tried an open meeting.

• Sunday Evening Serenity: Sunday 7:00 pm | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 251510 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona
• Sober Today: Friday 3:00 pm | Fellowship Hall, 8910 N. 43rd Avenue, Glendale, AZ
• Sobriety R Us: Wednesday 7:00 pm | Wittman Assembly of God Church, 32358 N. Center St., Wittmann, AZ

Whether a close dor open meeting, these are great opportunities to connect with others who share your struggles in the Phoenix, AZ community.

Candlelight Meetings (Open Meeting or Closed Discussion)

A candlelight meeting might also be a closed or open meeting. Held in low lighting, the meeting may focus on spiritual reflection. It provides a calm environment that can deepen self-reflection and support mental health. The meeting is also more relaxing and may incorporate mindfulness practices through guided meditations.

Meet Xavier, who had attended rehab and was ready to attend Alcoholics Anonymous. Xavier had started meditating to manage his anxiety and alcoholism. The candlelight meeting allowed him to focus on his inner healing, reinforcing the tools he’d learned at Changes Healing Center.

• Miracle House Group: Friday 7:30 pm | Miracle House, 204 E. 3rd St., Casa Grande, Arizona

As of this writing, this candlelight meeting is the only one published; check back often, as Alcoholics Anonymous does an amazing job at updating meeting times.

Backyard Group (Phoenix Discussion Meeting in an Informal Setting)

A backyard group is an informal meeting in a private setting—usually in an outdoor setting, as the name suggests. The atmosphere is relaxed and encourages people to open up. These AA members often support each other outside of the formal open discussion meetings.

• Willing to Grow Along Spiritual Lines: 10:00 am | 4012 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona
• Backyard Group: Tuesday 12:00 pm | 4012 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona

One drawback is that some backyards lack wheelchair access – be sure to check with the host before you go if that’s a concern for you.

In Arizona, Phoenix Discussion Meetings Are Vital After Rehab

Phoenix, AZ, is the largest metro area in Arizona. Finding an in-person or online meeting, Avondale to Wittman, will be an excellent way to get the ongoing help you need. Whether you prefer a closed or open meeting doesn’t matter.

The main thing is to get to any Phoenix discussion group and become familiar with the Big Book and the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Connect with Changes for a Firm Foundation in Sobriety

If you struggle with alcohol or other mental health concerns, Changes Healing Center can help. We have helped countless people around Phoenix, Arizona, achieve sobriety using evidence-based methods.

Our inpatient or outpatient services include detox, medication-assisted treatment, and counseling. We’ll help connect you with your local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting as part of your aftercare plan, setting you up for ongoing success.

Ready for that alcohol-free life? Make the confidential call and let’s connect today.