AA Meetings near Des Moines, Iowa

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in Des Moines, Iowa provide a supportive community for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. Whether you're new to recovery or have been sober for years, Des Moines's AA community welcomes you with open arms.

There are currently 330 AA meetings listed in and around Des Moines, making it one of the most active recovery communities in Iowa. According to AA's General Service Office, there are over 67,000 weekly AA meetings across the United States, and Des Moines contributes meaningfully to that network.

Des Moines is home to approximately 214,000 residents, with AA meetings distributed across the Des Moines metropolitan area to ensure accessible support throughout the community. That's approximately 154 meetings per 100,000 residents, reflecting Des Moines's commitment to accessible recovery support.

Local meetings in Des Moines are coordinated through the Des Moines Central Office. Visit Des Moines Central Office for the most up-to-date meeting information and local contacts.

Types of AA Meetings Available in Des Moines

Open Meetings: Anyone interested in learning about AA can attend, including family members, friends, and those curious about the program.

Closed Meetings: Reserved for individuals who have a desire to stop drinking. These meetings offer a more intimate setting for sharing.

Speaker Meetings: One or more members share their experience, strength, and hope with the group.

Discussion Meetings: Members discuss a topic related to recovery, with everyone having an opportunity to share.

Big Book/Step Study: Focused study of AA literature including the Big Book and the 12 Steps.

Beginner Meetings: Specifically designed for newcomers who may be attending their first meetings. These groups provide extra guidance on how AA works, the 12 Steps, and getting a sponsor.

Online/Virtual Meetings: Participate from anywhere via video or phone. Online AA meetings have grown significantly since 2020 and now represent approximately 30% of all meetings nationwide, providing critical access for those who cannot attend in person.

Finding the Right Meeting in Des Moines

Use the filters above to find meetings that fit your schedule and preferences. Meetings are available throughout Des Moines metropolitan area including neighborhoods such as Downtown, East Village, Sherman Hill, Beaverdale, Drake, West Des Moines (nearby).

Getting to AA Meetings in Des Moines

Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) provides city bus service; Des Moines International Airport serves national flights. The MyMeetings app shows the exact address for every meeting location so you can plan your route in advance—no matter how you're getting there.

Recovery Resources in Des Moines

In addition to AA meetings, Des Moines residents can access recovery support through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provides a national helpline (1-800-662-4357) and treatment locator. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers evidence-based research confirming that consistent participation in peer support groups like AA significantly improves long-term sobriety outcomes.

Need Help Getting Started?

Download the MyMeetings app for the best experience finding and tracking AA meetings in Des Moines. Save your favorite meetings, track your attendance, get reminders, and access meeting information offline. MyMeetings indexes meetings across all 50 states and 300+ cities, making it the most comprehensive AA meeting finder available.