What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship dedicated to helping people recover from alcohol addiction through mutual support, camaraderie, and a structured 12-step program. AA is available in cities across the United States, including Kentucky, Jefferson County, and Louisville, and offers free weekly meetings at hundreds of locations throughout the region.
Meeting Locations in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY
Highland Community Ministries (1st 164 Group)
Location address: 1140 Cherokee Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
The 1st 164 Group at Highland Community Ministries is the closest AA meeting to the city center, just 1.7 miles away. Meetings are held on Mondays at 6:30 PM and are open to all seeking sobriety. These gatherings focus on the foundational text of AA (the “Big Book”) and encourage personal sharing in a supportive, confidential environment. The group’s atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers, and regular attendees often emphasize the importance of fellowship and accountability.
Token III Club
Location address: 2812 Hess Lane, Louisville, KY 40217
Token III Club hosts multiple AA meetings throughout the week, including Gratitude Group (general meeting), Monday Morning Ladies Group (Big Book, closed to women), Stepping Stones Women’s Group, and men’s step meetings. Meetings at this club are held at various times, with Monday offerings including an afternoon step group, a men’s step meeting, and a women’s group, all designed to address specific needs and aspects of recovery. The club provides a safe, neutral space for discussion, step work, and building a sober community network.
Pigeons Roost
Location address: 3828 Pigeon Roost Way, Louisville, KY 40218
Pigeons Roost is home to several AA meetings, including the Fresh Start Group, Ladies Nite Out Group, and Monday Night Mens Group. Meetings are open discussion format, encouraging participants to share their stories, challenges, and achievements in a non-judgmental setting. The venue’s variety of meetings caters to different demographics, including women-only and men-only groups, as well as general discussion meetings for all attendees.
The 12 Steps of AA
- Admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step is about recognizing addiction and its impact, marking the beginning of the recovery journey.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Here, members open themselves to hope and the possibility of change beyond personal willpower.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. This step emphasizes surrendering control and trusting a higher power.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members honestly assess their behaviors, choices, and character.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Sharing the inventory with another person fosters accountability and healing.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step is about preparing for personal growth and change.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Members seek help to overcome personal flaws and harmful patterns.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. This step focuses on acknowledging harm done to others.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Making amends is part of repairing relationships.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. This step encourages 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. Spiritual growth is a continual process.
- 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 are encouraged to give back and help others in recovery.
Getting Started with AA in Kentucky, Jefferson, Louisville, USA
To find local meetings, AA’s World Service Meeting Resource suggests searching wfmh.org for the most up-to-date directories and meeting information. This platform allows users to filter meetings by location, day, time, and type—ensuring you find the right fit for your needs.
Both in-person and online/virtual meetings are widely available in Louisville and surrounding areas, providing flexible options for participation regardless of schedule or health concerns.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Louisville are generally categorized as “open” (welcome to anyone, including non-alcoholics) or “closed” (for those with a desire to stop drinking only). Newcomers are encouraged to arrive early to get comfortable, introduce themselves, and ask questions before the meeting begins. Sharing personal experiences is voluntary, but participation is valued in building trust and support.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to alcoholics and non-alcoholics, such as family or friends seeking information. |
| Closed Meetings | Reserved for those who have a desire to stop drinking; provides a focused, confidential setting. |
At your first meeting, you may receive a welcome keychain tag, and as you progress, you can collect additional tags marking milestones in your recovery:
- 30 Days: Celebrates your first month of sobriety, recognizing a critical early achievement.
- 60 Days: Acknowledges continued commitment and progress after two months.
- 1 Year: Marks a significant milestone of sustained recovery, often celebrated by the group.
These tags serve as tangible reminders of progress and encouragement throughout the recovery journey.