What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free support group designed to help individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It provides a structured program that encourages recovery through shared experience and mutual support. AA meetings are regularly held across cities in Texas, including Collin County and McKinney, with resources and schedules available through the World Forum for Mental Health to support members in finding meetings that suit their needs.
The program is open to anyone seeking assistance with alcohol dependence and fosters a safe, supportive community where individuals can work towards sobriety collectively.
McKinney Group
Address: 209 W. Louisiana St, McKinney, TX 75069
- Monday 8:00 PM (Closed Meeting): This meeting restricts attendance to people who identify as having a drinking problem, providing a confidential, supportive space for sharing personal recovery experiences.
- Tuesday 8:00 PM (Open Meeting): Open to anyone interested in the program, including family and friends, this meeting fosters community awareness and support for recovery.
- Friday 8:00 PM (Open Speaker Meeting): Features a member sharing their recovery story, followed by group discussion, which helps provide inspiration and motivation to attendees.
- Saturday 8:00 PM (Open Meeting): An informal setting for sharing and group support, welcoming new and experienced members alike.
New Freedom Group
Address: 604 N. Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069
- Sunday 6:00 PM (Closed Meeting): A confidential environment for members who have a desire to stop drinking, focusing on open sharing and support.
- Wednesday 8:00 PM (Closed Meeting): Supports members by providing a safe space for discussing challenges and progress with peers struggling with alcohol addiction.
Serenity Group
Address: 107 N. Kentucky St, McKinney, TX 75069
- Monday 12:00 PM (Open Meeting): Midday meeting encouraging members and interested individuals to join for group discussion and support.
- Thursday 12:00 PM (Open Meeting): Provides daytime access to meetings for those who prefer or require midday scheduling.
- Saturday 7:30 AM (Open Meeting): Early morning meeting designed to establish a sober start to the weekend with peer encouragement.
The 12 Steps of AA
- Admitting powerlessness over alcohol: Acknowledging that alcohol has caused a loss of control is fundamental to beginning recovery.
- Believing in a higher power: Recognizing that a greater force can restore sanity and offer guidance.
- Deciding to turn over control: Committing to entrusting one’s will to the care of this higher power for ongoing sobriety.
- Taking a personal moral inventory: Conducting an honest self-assessment to identify strengths, faults, and past behaviors.
- Admitting wrongs: Confessing mistakes openly to oneself, a higher power, and another person to relieve guilt and foster accountability.
- Being ready to remove defects: Preparing to let go of personal shortcomings that hinder recovery.
- Asking for removal of shortcomings: Seeking help to overcome character defects and improve behavior.
- Listing amends: Identifying those harmed and resolving to repair damage done to relationships.
- Making direct amends: Apologizing wherever possible except when it causes harm or difficulty to others.
- Continuing personal inventory: Maintaining ongoing self-awareness to promptly admit mistakes.
- Seeking spiritual awakening: Pursuing growth through prayer and meditation to deepen connection with the higher power.
- Carrying the message: Helping others struggling with alcohol addiction by sharing the program and experience.
This 12-step program aims to motivate individuals towards sustained positive change and sobriety across Texas, Collin, and McKinney communities.
Getting Started with AA in Texas, Collin, McKinney, USA
The best way to locate local AA meetings is through the meeting search function at wfmh.org. This site provides updated information on both in-person and online/virtual meetings available throughout Texas, Collin County, and McKinney.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Texas, Collin, and McKinney come in two types: open and closed. Understanding the distinction can help newcomers choose the right meeting for their comfort and needs.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meeting | Open to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous, including family members and the general public, allowing broader community support. |
| Closed Meeting | Restricted to individuals who identify as having a drinking problem, providing a confidential and judgment-free environment. |
- Arrive early to introduce yourself as a new local member, allowing time to acclimate and connect with fellow members.
- Share your personal experiences if comfortable; participation is encouraged but always voluntary.
- Receive welcome keychain tags at your first meeting, which track important sobriety milestones.
List of Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of continuous sobriety, marking the beginning of sustained recovery.
- 60 days: Acknowledges two months of commitment and growing strength in overcoming alcohol addiction.
- 90 days: Celebrates three months of sobriety, an important early milestone reinforcing motivation.
- 6 months: Recognizes half a year of consistent recovery efforts, indicating increasing stability.
- 9 months: Marks significant progress towards lifestyle change and boosts long-term confidence.
- 1 year (and beyond): Denotes a full year or more of sobriety, a major accomplishment celebrated enthusiastically within meetings.
These keychains serve as motivational symbols and reminders of progress, helping members stay focused on recovery goals. Meetings typically celebrate milestone tags with applause and encouragement.