What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It operates as a fellowship where members share their experiences, strength, and hope to help themselves and others maintain sobriety through programs supported by World Forum for Mental Health.
This free program provides regular group meetings that take place across cities throughout the United States, including in Georgia, Chatham County, and the city of Savannah, GA, offering a community-centered approach to recovery.
1802 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
Meetings time: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Details: The Downtown Group meets at The Collegiate Church of St. Paul the Apostle. This is an open Alcoholics Anonymous discussion meeting, meaning new participants and guests interested in learning about AA are welcome to attend and observe or share. Discussions typically focus on members’ personal experiences with alcohol addiction and recovery strategies.
3101 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404
Meetings time: Wednesdays at 8:00 PM
Details: The Broad Highway Group gathers at St. Michaels & All Angels Episcopal Church. This is an open AA discussion meeting that fosters a supportive environment where members exchange strength and hope through sharing stories and discussing the 12 Steps of AA.
1501 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
Meetings time: Multiple daily sessions (example: 8:00 PM Easy Does It Group)
Details: The 24 Hour Club hosts various AA meetings including Open Discussion, Big Book Study, and 11th Step meetings. Each session is designed to provide focused support on specific elements of AA recovery, such as the literature study or meditative reflection, to strengthen members’ sobriety journey.
The 12 Steps of AA
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step encourages acceptance of the reality and consequences of addiction as the foundation for change.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members learn to open themselves to hope and spiritual growth for recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step focuses on surrendering control and seeking guidance from a higher power.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members analyze personal behaviors and faults honestly to understand their addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This act of confession helps reduce shame and builds accountability.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Preparation to let go of harmful behaviors is key to sustained recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This is a prayer for help in overcoming personal flaws.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. This step promotes reconciliation and healing past hurts caused by addiction.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking action to repair relationships reinforces accountability and integrity.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Ongoing self-awareness prevents relapse and promotes growth.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him. Spiritual development supports emotional stability.
- 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 commit to helping others and living by AA values daily.
The 12 Steps aim to motivate positive change by fostering personal reflection, spiritual growth, and mutual support among members in Georgia, Chatham, and Savannah.
Getting Started with AA in Georgia, Chatham, Savannah, USA
The best way to find local AA meetings is to search on wfmh.org. This site provides an extensive and up-to-date directory of both in-person and online/virtual meetings available across Georgia, including Chatham and Savannah.
Most locations offer a mix of meeting options to accommodate different needs and schedules, ensuring accessibility to all seeking support.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting in Georgia, Chatham, or Savannah, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings and how to participate.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | These meetings welcome anyone interested, including non-alcoholics. Visitors, family, and friends can attend to learn more about AA and its recovery process. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to individuals who identify as having a desire to stop drinking. Closed meetings offer a more private environment focusing strictly on member recovery. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new local member; this helps facilitators and participants welcome you properly.
- Feel free to share your experiences if you feel comfortable; sharing is voluntary but often strengthens connection and recovery.
- At your first meeting, you will likely receive welcome keychain tags that mark important sobriety milestones.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Represents the first month of sobriety, encouraging continued commitment during early recovery.
- 60 days: Marks two months of sustained sobriety, reinforcing the progress and determination of the member.
- 1 year: Celebrates one full year of sobriety, a significant achievement showing long-term dedication.
- Additional tags may include milestones at 18 months, 2 years, and multiples of 5 years, each acknowledging ongoing recovery.