why is it called alcoholics anonymous

Since its beginnings in 1935, the success of Alcoholics Anonymous has sparked interest. Members, professionals and the general public want to learn what does aa stand for alcohol more about A.A. And how it works to help alcoholics. Here we have collected historical information thanks to the General Service Office Archives.

Bill Wilson sober

Studies done nearly 100 years after Bill W. Met Dr. Bob have found the AA approach is nearly twice as likely to help people maintain sobriety than an unsupported “cold-turkey” effort. The earliest meetings took place with just three or four people, and when Bill W moved back to New York later the same year, he began hosting meetings at his home.

Spirituality

  • But we actually don’t know how successful it is.
  • All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team.
  • And ultimately, Bill Wilson and his cohorts decided to opt for anarchy and to basically say we’re going to make the 12 steps, and anyone can start a meeting based on the 12 steps pretty much at any time.
  • During this hectic ten-year period, Dr. Bob devoted himself to hospital care for alcoholics.

Then Jack Alexander wrote a feature article in the Saturday Evening Post and placed such a compelling picture of A.A. Before the general public that alcoholics in need of help really deluged us. The mushrooming process was in full swing. With the appearance of the new book a great deal began to happen. Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick, the noted clergyman, reviewed it with approval. Each inquiry was painstakingly answered; pamphlets and books were sent out.

Twelve Traditions

Was the ministration of friends-friends in medicine, religion, and the press, together with innumerable others who became our able and persistent advocates. Could have made only the slowest progress. Some of the recommendations of A.A.’s early medical and religious friends will be found further on in this book.

Nelson Mandela’s first major political statement from prison is published

Many people have very negative reactions to AA and drop out quite quickly. So we’re left with kind of a hazy idea of its efficacy. Brian(ph) Koerner joins us via Skype from his home in Harlem. He’s a contributing editor for Wired magazine and wrote a piece on AA for the July issue, and nice to have you with us today. Later in the program, one of the most prolific and most successful composers in the film business, Hans Zimmer, joins us.

why is it called alcoholics anonymous

AA literature

why is it called alcoholics anonymous

Has been helping alcoholics recover for more than 80 years. A.A.’s program of recovery is built on the simple foundation of one alcoholic sharing with another. If your drinking is out of control, A.A. At small meetings, the members knew one another and didn’t need to identify themselves. But in the large “public” meetings, where there was “witnessing” along the lines of an A.A. Talk today, personal identification became necessary.

A Brief History of AA

why is it called alcoholics anonymous

There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) is an international program focused on supporting people during alcohol recovery, with a goal of helping them achieve and sustain sobriety. Meetings cost nothing to attend and are available almost everywhere. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) addresses compulsions related to relationships, referred to as codependency. Hence the two men set to work almost frantically upon alcoholics arriving in the ward of the Akron City Hospital.

why is it called alcoholics anonymous