History of Alcoholics Anonymous

From a kitchen table in Akron, Ohio to a worldwide fellowship — the story of Alcoholics Anonymous.

How AA Began

The history of Alcoholics Anonymous is a story of hope, persistence, and the power of one alcoholic helping another. What began with two men in 1935 has grown to more than 2 million members in over 180 countries.

  1. 1935

    The Founding

    On June 10, 1935, Bill Wilson (Bill W.) and Dr. Robert Smith (Dr. Bob) had their first meeting in Akron, Ohio. This date is recognized as the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Their conversation — one alcoholic talking to another — proved that sobriety was possible through fellowship and mutual support.

  2. 1939

    The Big Book

    AA published its primary text, Alcoholics Anonymous, informally known as "the Big Book." It contained the Twelve Steps of recovery and the personal stories of early members. The book gave the growing fellowship a common program and language.

  3. 1941

    Rapid Growth

    A Saturday Evening Post article by Jack Alexander brought national attention to AA. Membership surged from around 2,000 to over 8,000 within months. AA groups began forming across the United States and Canada.

  4. 1946

    The Twelve Traditions

    Bill W. published the Twelve Traditions in the AA Grapevine. These principles, ratified at the First International Convention in 1950, guide how AA groups function, ensuring AA remains unified, self-supporting, and free from outside influence.

  5. 1950

    Dr. Bob Passes

    AA co-founder Dr. Bob Smith passed away on November 16, 1950, sober for the last 15 years of his life. He sponsored over 5,000 alcoholics personally. His legacy of quiet, selfless service remains a cornerstone of AA's Twelfth Step work.

  6. Today

    A Worldwide Fellowship

    Today, Alcoholics Anonymous has more than 2 million members in approximately 180 nations, meeting in over 120,000 groups. In Shreveport, AA Central Office serves the Northwest Louisiana region, connecting the still-suffering alcoholic with local meetings, members, and the timeless message: it works if you work it.

Want to learn more about AA's history? Visit AA.org or contact Central Office for the book Pass It On — the story of Bill Wilson and how the AA message reached the world.

AA History at AA.org Contact Central Office