Dallas has plenty of options, from traditional speaker meetings to discussion-based formats where people share openly. There are even meetings geared toward specific demographics—young people, LGBTQ+, newcomers, and those who prefer a more structured step study. Some are held in churches, others in community centers, and some in dedicated recovery spaces. If walking into a room of strangers sounds intimidating, some meetings are available online, making it easier to ease in.
The best way to find AA Meetings in Dallas is to check online directories or visit local recovery centers that can point you in the right direction. But finding the location is only half the battle. The other half is showing up and giving it a chance.
First things first—nobody is going to single you out, demand that you spill your life story, or force you to participate. You can sit in the back, listen, and leave whenever you need to. That’s the beauty of AA—it’s there when you’re ready, without pressure or obligation.
At most meetings, you’ll see a few key things happening. Someone will likely open with a reading, followed by people sharing their experiences. Some meetings stick to structured topics, while others are more open-ended. One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is how much laughter is in the room. Sobriety isn’t all serious—there’s a lot of relief and connection in hearing people tell their stories with honesty, and sometimes, even humor.
And if you’re wondering whether you have to introduce yourself, the answer is no. If you want to, go for it. But there’s no rule that says you have to talk at all. Most people take a few meetings before they say anything, and that’s completely okay.
At some point, someone might hand you a phone number or invite you to coffee. That’s not a sales pitch—it’s how AA works. It’s people helping people. The first few days without alcohol can be tough, and having someone to call when the urge hits can be the difference between staying sober and convincing yourself one drink won’t hurt.
The hardest part of staying sober isn’t necessarily quitting drinking—it’s figuring out how to live life without it. In the beginning, everything feels raw. The emotions you used to push down are right there, front and center. That’s why people say getting sober is about more than just not drinking—it’s about relearning how to deal with life.
AA works because it doesn’t just tell you to stop drinking; it gives you a way to understand why you drank in the first place. There’s a reason people who thought they’d never get sober suddenly find themselves celebrating one year, five years, or even decades of sobriety. It’s not magic—it’s work. But it’s work that pays off.
When alcoholism takes over, it’s easy to believe there’s no way out. It makes you think you’re too far gone or that life without alcohol will be dull, lonely, or unmanageable. The truth? Sobriety doesn’t take anything from you—it gives you back the things drinking stole. Your relationships, your self-respect, your ability to wake up without regret. AA meetings are just the vehicle to get you there.
If you’re still not sure where to begin, here are a couple of well-known meetings in the Dallas area that newcomers often find welcoming:
The Belmont Group – Located in the Oak Lawn neighborhood, this is one of the longest-running meetings in Dallas. It offers a mix of open discussions, step studies, and speaker meetings throughout the week. It’s a solid place to start, especially if you want to hear from people with years of experience in recovery.
Clean Air North – If you prefer a smaller, more intimate setting, this group in Richardson might be a good fit. They focus heavily on discussion-based meetings, which can be helpful if you’re looking for connection and conversation rather than just listening.
No matter where you go, the important thing is to keep showing up. If one meeting doesn’t feel like the right fit, try another. The people who stick with it are the ones who find real change, and that change is worth it.
Nobody walks into AA feeling confident and ready. They walk in because something inside them knows it’s time to try something different. The people in those rooms? They’re not perfect. They’re just like you—people who struggled, who found help, and who now live a life they once thought was impossible.
At Turning Point, we know that finding the right AA Meetings in Dallas can feel overwhelming. But we also know what happens when people stick with it. Sobriety isn’t about being strong all the time—it’s about showing up even when you don’t feel ready. If you’re reading this, that means something inside you is ready. So take the step. Walk through the door. You won’t regret it.