Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization, rather than a person, but its founders are widely recognized as Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. For the purpose of this biography, we will focus on the history and development of AA.
Birth and Death Dates
Not applicable to an organization.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Bill Wilson (founding member): American, entrepreneur, stockbroker
Dr. Bob Smith (co-founder): American, physician
Early Life and Background
In 1935, two men struggling with alcoholism, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, met in Akron, Ohio. They shared a common goal of finding a solution to their addiction and, through mutual support, developed the principles that would become Alcoholics Anonymous.
Bill Wilson was born on November 26, 1895, in East Dorset, Vermont. He grew up with a passion for business and eventually became a successful stockbroker. However, his own struggles with alcoholism led him to seek help from Dr. William D. Silkworth, who introduced him to the concept of spiritual renewal as a path to recovery.
Dr. Bob Smith was born on November 15, 1879, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. As a physician, he understood the medical aspects of addiction but struggled with his own sobriety until meeting Bill Wilson.
Major Accomplishments
In 1935, Bill and Dr. Bob developed the 12-Step Program, which emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions, admission of powerlessness over addiction, and reliance on a higher power.
On June 10, 1935, Bill Wilson had his last drink, marking a significant milestone in the development of AA.
* The first AA meeting took place in Akron, Ohio, with Dr. Bob leading the group.
Notable Works or Actions
The Big Book, also known as _Alcoholics Anonymous_, was published in 1939 and outlines the principles of the program. It has since become a seminal work on recovery from addiction.
Impact and Legacy
Today, AA is one of the largest and most successful support groups for individuals struggling with addiction, with over 2 million members worldwide. Its principles have been adapted by various organizations and used in treatment programs around the world.
The 12-Step Program has become a cornerstone of recovery efforts, emphasizing personal responsibility, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. AA's impact extends beyond the individual, as it fosters a sense of community and support among those struggling with addiction.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Wilson's writings, particularly in _The Big Book_, offer insights into the human condition, the nature of addiction, and the path to recovery. His legacy continues to inspire and guide individuals seeking help for addiction.
Dr. Bob Smith's dedication to the program and his contributions as co-founder have ensured the continued success of AA.
Quotes by Alcoholics Anonymous
To me sobriety is a gift from God to me. If I drank, it would be giving the gift back.
We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.
I was self conscious and ill at ease most of the time, my health was at the breaking point, and I was thoroughly miserable.
For the first time in years I opened my box of paints and poured out an honest rage, an explosion of reds and blacks and yellows. As I looked at the drawing, tears of joy and relief flowed down my cheeks. In my disease, I had given up my art, a self-inflicted punishment far greater than any imposed from outside.
Second, I discovered that I was able to love someone else responsibly, with respectful and genuine concern for that person’s growth. Before that time, I had thought that my ability to care sincerely about another’s well-being had atrophied from lack of use.
In all these strivings, so many of them well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We had lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfactions were not the purpose of living.
Just an unstable woman, undisciplined, poorly adjusted, and filled with nameless fears.
Life at home was falling apart around me. Every time I turned around I’d done something to make my mother cry.