about alcoholics anonymous
History of AA
A.A. had its beginnings in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, as the outcome of a meeting between Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S., an Akron surgeon. Both had been hopeless alcoholics. Bill had gotten sober after discovering the Oxford Group, which was a nonalcoholic fellowship that emphasized spiritual values in daily living. Bill had found that working with other alcoholics, he was able to maintain his sobriety. When Dr. Bob and Bill finally met, the effect on the doctor was immediate. This time, he found himself face to face with a fellow sufferer who had made good. Bill emphasized that alcoholism was a malady of mind, emotions and body. Though a physician, Dr. Bob had not known alcoholism to be a disease. Responding to Bill's convincing ideas, he soon got sober, never to drink again. The founding spark of A.A. had been struck. Learn more about the History of A.A. here.
Attending Meetings
At the core of A.A. is attending meetings. A.A. meetings can be found across the globe, both in-person and online. To view meetings in the District 13 area, please visit Meetings. Meetings typically last 1 hour and have varying formats. Meeting formats may fit into the following categories:
Open - anyone interested in learning about A.A. may attend
Closed - those interested in a desire to stop drinking may attend
Women's Only - open to anyone that identifies as female
Men's Only - open to anyone that identifies as male
Agnostics & Athesists - open to those that do not identify with God as a Higher Power
Readings
Each meeting will start with readings from various sources. Some common readings include A.A. Preamble, How it Works, The Promises, The Twelve Traditions and The Serenity Prayer. There are also two primary books that are used in the A.A. program: Alcoholics Anonymous (also known as "The Big Book") and Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions. As an attendee, you may be asked to do a reading during the meeting.
Sponsorship
If you are new to A.A., one of the first things that may be asked in a meeting is "do you have a sponsor." A sponsor is a member of A.A. that has been sober usually for at least a year. Sponsors help you navigate A.A., answers questions and assists you on working on A.A.'s 12 Steps. A sponsor understands what you have gone through and holds you accountable for staying sober. A sponsor is not a therapist or someone that is going to fix all your issues. They are there to guide you through your recovery and support you when and where needed throughout your journey.