What is AA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking, and there are no dues or fees for membership. AA offers a structured, peer-supported program and regular meetings in communities throughout the USA, including Tampa, Hillsborough, and Florida. Members gather in a safe environment to support each other in recovery, guided by a program that emphasizes shared experience and collective wisdom.
Tri-County Central Office
Address: 18125 US-41, Land o’ Lakes-Lutz-Odessa-Trinity, FL (Serving the Tampa Area)
The Tri-County Central Office acts as a hub for AA resources in Tampa Bay, providing information on meeting times, literature, and support. It coordinates services for Hillsborough and East Pasco Counties and hosts board and council meetings. The office facilitates connections to in-person and online meetings and serves as an access point for those seeking help with alcoholism.
The Club
Address: 3333 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL
The Club is a popular AA meeting venue in Tampa, offering multiple gatherings throughout the day and evening. It regularly hosts open meetings, literature-based discussions, and newcomer orientation sessions. The venue is accessible and known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a supportive space for those at any stage of recovery.
The Meeting Place Group
Address: 1628 N Dale Mabry Hwy 109, Tampa, FL
The Meeting Place Group provides convenient access to AA meetings for Tampa residents and those in nearby areas. Meetings focus on AA literature (such as the “Grapevine”) and open sharing, offering a valuable opportunity for connection and fellowship among individuals committed to recovery.
The 12 Steps of AA
- 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 Florida, Hillsborough, Tampa, USA
To find current, local AA meetings, utilize the Tampa Bay AA meeting search, which offers up-to-date details about in-person and online sessions across Hillsborough County and Tampa. Numerous venues—including churches, community centers, and specialized clubs—host meetings throughout the day, making it accessible for anyone to start their journey at a convenient time.
Attending Your First Local AA Meeting
AA meetings in Florida, Hillsborough, and Tampa are either open or closed. Open meetings invite anyone interested in learning about AA, including friends and loved ones, while closed meetings are exclusively for those who express a desire to stop drinking. Newcomers are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to introduce themselves and get oriented. Sharing during meetings is voluntary, and all are treated with respect and confidentiality. New attendees may receive a keychain tag to commemorate their entry into the AA community, with additional tags awarded for sobriety milestones.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to all, including non-alcoholics, friends, and family members. These meetings provide support and information about AA and allow broader participation and observation. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to those with a desire to stop drinking. These meetings offer a more intimate, private space for sharing and support among recovering alcoholics. |
- 30 Days – Sobriety tag awarded to mark the first month of recovery.
- 60 Days – Milestone tag for two months of sobriety.
- 1 Year – Tag for achieving one year of continuous sobriety.
- Additional Milestones – Special tags are available for each year of sobriety, honoring long-term commitment and recovery progress.