Alcoholics anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (often referred to as AA) is an international fellowship of individuals who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

History

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio. The organization grew out of a meeting between the two men, where Wilson was able to help Smith control his alcohol addiction. This led to the formation of a group dedicated to helping others achieve and maintain sobriety.

Program

The core of the AA program is the Twelve Steps, a set of principles intended to guide individuals in recovery from alcoholism. These steps involve admitting powerlessness over alcohol, making a moral inventory, making amends for past wrongs, and seeking help from a higher power. AA also uses the Twelve Traditions, which provide guidelines for the organization's operation and management.

Meetings

AA meetings are the backbone of the AA program. They are gatherings of AA members, where individuals share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other. There are two types of meetings: open meetings, which are open to anyone interested in AA, and closed meetings, which are for AA members only.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of AA in treating alcoholism is a subject of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that AA can be effective, particularly when combined with other forms of treatment. However, the organization's emphasis on anonymity and its lack of formal record-keeping make it difficult to measure its success rate.

Criticism

AA has faced criticism for its emphasis on spirituality and its requirement that members admit their powerlessness over alcohol. Some critics argue that this approach can be harmful to individuals who do not subscribe to a spiritual worldview or who may benefit from a more empowering approach to recovery.

See also

• Twelve-step program
• Al-Anon/Alateen
• Narcotics Anonymous