The Early History of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the largest self-help organization in the world with meetings virtually everywhere on the planet. AA was founded by two men in the 1930s in Akron Ohio: Bill Wilson, a stockbroker and Dr. Bob Smith, a physician. Both men were alcoholics who discovered that by helping one another and by helping other alcoholics, sobriety could be achieved and maintained.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide affiliation of men and women from all walks of life who share their experiences, strengths, and aspirations with one other in the hope that they may solve their mutual problems and assist others in their quest to recover from alcohol dependence. In fact, when many people think of Alcoholics Anonymous traditions such as the 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the AA meetings, the one conclusion they reach is that with Alcoholics Anonymous, help is always close by and available for people who are concerned about their drinking behavior. Indeed, due to the vast number of Alcoholics Anonymous locations throughout the world, a person can literally find an Alcoholics Anonymous group almost anywhere in the world. The only condition for Alcoholics Anonymous membership is a desire to quit drinking alcohol. Therefore, total abstinence from alcohol is advocated by the organization.

Members make a conscious effort to refrain from drinking and they accomplish this "one day at a time." Sobriety is achieved through mutual support as members share their hopes, their strengths, and their experiences. In fact, the Alcoholics Anonymous support groups is one of the more cohesive aspects of the organization. The view that the personality of an alcoholic exists before the onset of the disease is most strongly articulated by those who advocate a concept known as the "addictive personality."

According to supporters of this theory, the addictive personality is a distinct psychological trait that predisposes particular people to addictions.There are no fees or dues for AA membership. Alcoholics Anonymous is self-supporting through its own member contributions. AA is neither aligned with any religious denomination or sect nor associated with any political institution or organization. Moreover, AA does not wish to involve themselves in anything that is controversial and sanctions nor opposes any causes. The major purpose of AA members is to remain sober and help other alcoholics to attain sobriety.In addition to alcohol-related pancreatitis, heart disease, cancer, and liver disease, excessive drinking over time is also associated with the following health conditions: infertility, irritated stomach lining and bleeding from stomach ulcers, obesity, nerve damage, vitamin deficiency, skin problems, muscle disease, sexual problems, epilepsy, and loss of brain cells