Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Alcoholics Anonymous
Cooperation with the Professional Community
(CPC) Committee
How Did A.A. Start?
What is A.A.?
How Big is A.A.?
What Does A.A. Do?
What A.A. Does Not Do
The 12 Traditions of A.A.
A.A.
How Did A.A. Start?
The Birth of A.A. and its growth in the U.S. & Canada had its
beginnings in 1935 at Akron, Ohio, as the outcome of a
meeting between Bill W., a New York stock analyst, and Dr.
Bob S., an Akron surgeon.
When Dr. Bob and Bill finally met, through the assistance
of a clergyman, the effect on the doctor was immediate.
This time, he found himself face to face with a fellow
sufferer who had made good. Bill hammered home that
alcoholism was a malady of mind, emotions and body. He
had learned this all-important fact from Dr. William D.
Silkworth of Towns Hospital in New York, where Bill had
often been a patient.
LONERS
Some 214 men and women living in isolated areas throughout the
world (or in areas where it has not been possible to form a local
group) are listed at the General Service Office as Lone Members.
Many achieved sobriety solely through study of A.A. literature.
They correspond with G.S.O. and with their counterparts in other
sections of the world. In a number of cases, notably U.S. military
installations overseas, Loners have been responsible for
establishing local groups.
How Did A.A. Start?
What is A.A.?
How Big is A.A.?
What Does A.A. Do?
What A.A. Does Not Do
The 12 Traditions of A.A.
A.A.
What Does A.A. Do?
– Set up a meeting between the A.A. member and the individual with
difficulties related to alcohol (an exchange of phone numbers is
usually adequate).
– If you are not familiar with experienced A.A. members in your area,
contact Richmond A.A., by e-mail (publicinfo@aarichmond.org) or
phone (804-355-1212) and we will put you in contact with a
member in your area who has done a lot of 12th Step work.