Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held every day in nearly every town in America. The group was started in 1935 when Bill Wilson decided his alcoholism had cost him enough. Wilson had a promising career in finance when he lost his job due to constantly being under the influence. He sought out a former drinking buddy who had kicked the habit thanks to a Christian organization called the Oxford Group. He then underwent treatment at a local hospital where he had a spiritual experience and became a believer in God.

Later he was on a business trip when the urge to drink became overwhelming. To combat the desire Bill sought out another reformed alcoholic, Dr Bob Smith to help him. Together they formed what is now known as Alcoholics Anonymous and the official founding date became the day Smith took his last drink.

Over the years, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings have spread over the entire country. The 12-step program has been so successful that people who end up in the court system are often ordered to go to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Meetings

Alcoholic’s Anonymous meetings are just that anonymous. They are set up in this manner so that all participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences with the group.

In most places, there is an AA meeting every day of the week and sometimes multiple times per day. In the beginning, it is suggested that an alcoholic attend meetings everyday for 90 days. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are governed by a few guiding principles:

This is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, hopes and strength with one another.
The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking; there are no dues or fees involved.
AA is not involved with any particular religious denomination, political alliance or institution and does not wish to engage in controversial ideas.
The overall purpose of AA is to stay sober and help other people do the same.

One of the main reasons this program is so successful is that it focuses on today. There are no pressures about whether a person will be sober tomorrow or a year from now. They focus instead on staying sober today, and only today.

Alcoholic’s Anonymous meetings consist of two types open and closed. An open meeting consists of speakers who talk about how drinking affected their life and how AA helped them get and stay sober. Open meetings are open to friends, family and generally, anyone interested in the organization

Closed Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on the other hand are for alcoholics alone. At these types of meetings, alcoholics are encouraged to share their feelings and struggles from day to day. They are closed to outside people to encourage openness and honesty.

All Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are centered on the twelve-step program that was developed by the founders. People are taught how to use these steps in their day-to-day life in order to remain sober. AA is a great organization that has grown and is now in over 180 countries worldwide.

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Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

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