Overview of AA
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It provides a free program of recovery based on mutual support, helping individuals to overcome their dependency on alcohol through shared experiences and group discussions. AA meetings in Milwaukee offer a safe, welcoming environment where participants can connect with others who understand their struggles and find strength in community. These meetings are designed to be inclusive and anonymous, providing a space for individuals to share their journey and support one another in their recovery process. For more information on local meetings, visit AA meetings in Milwaukee.
Meeting Locations and Times
Main St Clinic
- Address: 123 Main St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:00 PM
- Meeting Type: Open Meeting – All are welcome, regardless of whether or not they have a drinking problem.
- Details: The meeting follows the 12-Step Program, offering shared experiences and group discussions focusing on recovery from alcohol addiction. The group aims to provide emotional support and a space for individuals to discuss their challenges.
Oak Ave Clinic
- Address: 456 Oak Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53204
- Meetings: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:30 PM
- Meeting Type: Closed Meeting – Only those who have a desire to stop drinking are welcome.
- Details: This meeting uses a discussion format, allowing participants to share their experiences and thoughts in a supportive and confidential environment. The group follows the 12-Step principles and provides a structured format for recovery.
Pine Clinic
- Address: 789 Pine St, Milwaukee, WI 53211
- Meetings: Saturdays at 10:00 AM
- Meeting Type: Step Study Meeting – Focus on working through the 12-Step Program.
- Details: This meeting offers an in-depth study of the 12 Steps, with participants working through the steps together. The format includes reading and discussing the steps, helping individuals to internalize the principles of AA in their journey of recovery.
The 12 Steps of AA
The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a set of guiding principles for members to follow in their recovery from alcohol addiction. Each step is designed to foster personal growth, accountability, and spiritual awakening, encouraging participants to make positive changes in their lives. These steps are central to the AA program and provide a structured approach to overcoming addiction across Milwaukee and beyond.
List of the 12 Steps
- We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- 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.
- 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.
Getting Started with AA in Milwaukee
Starting your journey with Alcoholics Anonymous in Milwaukee is easy and accessible. One of the best ways to find local meetings is by using the meeting search tool on methadone.org, where you can search for both in-person and online/virtual meetings. These meetings are available throughout Milwaukee, providing a range of options for individuals who prefer attending meetings from home or those who want to attend face-to-face sessions. No matter your preference, there are ample opportunities to connect with others in the recovery community.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
When attending your first AA meeting in Milwaukee, it’s important to understand the difference between open and closed meetings. Open meetings are available to anyone, whether they are dealing with alcohol addiction or just want to learn more, while closed meetings are reserved only for those who have a desire to stop drinking. This distinction helps create a supportive and confidential environment for participants in recovery.
| Meeting Type | Access |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Available to anyone, including friends, family, and newcomers interested in AA. |
| Closed Meeting | Only for individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. |
When you attend your first meeting, arrive early to introduce yourself as a new member of the local AA community. Sharing your experiences is optional but can be a great way to connect with others. At your first meeting, you will receive a welcome keychain tag to symbolize your participation in the recovery process. These tags mark significant milestones in your journey:
- 30 days – Acknowledging your first month of sobriety
- 60 days – Acknowledging two months of progress
- 1 year – Celebrating your first year of sobriety