Alcoholics Anonymous, usually referred to as AA, is a support group for people struggling from alcoholism. It was developed by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1935 in Akron, Ohio. The two men had the intention of staying sober themselves as well as helping other alcoholics achieve sobriety.
The fellowship revolves around a 12-Step program of recovery that encourages you to accept that you are powerless over alcohol, ask a Higher Power for help, and develop a spiritual connection that keeps you sober. Although the program is spiritual, it is not religious nor is it affiliated with any religious organizations. AA welcomes people with all beliefs–even agnostics and atheists.
The program is free to attend and is open to anyone who wants to stop drinking. All you have to do is go to meetings, get a sponsor, work the steps with your sponsor, and begin sponsoring other men or women.
What once started as a small group in Ohio is now a worldwide fellowship. There are AA meetings in nearly 180 nations and there are more than 123,000 AA groups in the world. The fellowship’s literature has also been translated into over 100 languages.[1]