American history includes many social movements that aimed to help people stop drinking. There was Prohibition, of course. But there was also the Anti-Saloon League, the American Temperance Society, the Washingtonian Temperance Society, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and more. Only one such movement survived -- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
AA not only survived, it spread across the world. Today, AA lists its membership at 2,160,013, with 100,766 groups in
AA began with the chance meeting of two people on May 12, 1935:
Perhaps the best introduction to AA principles is the "preamble" traditionally read at the beginning of a group meeting:
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
By focusing on one primary purpose, AA avoids the mistakes of temperance groups that took on a variety of political causes, splintered into factions, and died. "Our focus has prevented us from straying into areas that we don't have experience in," says a member who works in AA's General Service Office. "What we are is alcoholics helping other alcoholics. This has helped us maintain our unity."
AA members engage in a set of activities suggested by the Twelve Steps, such as:
Telling the truth -- that they are addicted and cannot stop drinking on their own.
Admitting and releasing resentments and fears.
Making amends to people they've harmed.
Engaging in prayer and meditation.
Sharing AA principles with others who want to stop drinking.
AA members describe their program as spiritual not religious. No creed or ritual is required, and from the beginning AA has welcomed atheists and agnostics. At the same time, members seek daily guidance from a Higher Power. That term is defined individually. For some members, it is the God of a church. Other members find their Higher Power in a friend, in nature, in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, in their AA group or any other source of outside help.
To find an AA meeting near you, look in your local phone book under "Alcoholics Anonymous."
Or, contact AA World Services. This office offers several free pamphlets, such as ‘A Newcomer Asks . . . and Is There an Alcoholic In Your Life?’ These publications and others are also offered on AA's web site.
From Hazelden
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