A Brief History of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) began in 1935 when two men—Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon from Akron, Ohio—met and discovered that by sharing their experiences, they could help each other stay sober. That simple connection sparked a movement that would grow into a global fellowship.

Both men had struggled with alcoholism for years. Their meeting was arranged through a mutual acquaintance in the Oxford Group, a spiritual organization that emphasized personal change through honesty, confession, and service. Inspired by these principles, Bill and Dr. Bob began reaching out to others who were struggling, and soon a small group formed around their shared goal: staying sober and helping others do the same.

In 1939, the group published its foundational text, Alcoholics Anonymous—now known as the “Big Book.” It outlined the Twelve Steps and shared personal stories of recovery. The book helped spread A.A.’s message across the United States and eventually around the world.

Today, A.A. includes millions of members in over 180 countries. Though the fellowship has evolved, its core remains the same: one alcoholic helping another.

You can explore the official history of Alcoholics Anonymous on their website at aa.org/aa-history.