Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 by two men, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, in Akron, Ohio, USA.
Both men had struggled with alcoholism and had attempted to quit on their own, but were unsuccessful. They found that they were able to stay sober by talking to each other and sharing their experiences with one another. This led them to believe that helping others who also suffered from alcoholism could help them stay sober as well.
Together, they formed a group called Alcoholics Anonymous, with the goal of helping each other stay sober by following a 12-step program. The program was based on spiritual principles, which Wilson and Smith believed could help alcoholics overcome their addiction.
The first meeting of AA was held in Akron, Ohio, on June 10, 1935. The group grew rapidly and soon spread to other cities and states in the United States. Today, AA has become a global organization with millions of members worldwide.
AA’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety, and to provide support to those who are struggling with addiction. The organization is known for its emphasis on anonymity, which allows members to share their experiences without fear of judgment or stigma.