The story of Alcoholics Anonymous begins with two desperate alcoholics meeting in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. What started as a conversation between Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob Smith, an Akron surgeon, would grow into the most influential recovery movement in history.

The Founding (1935-1939)

Bill W. had achieved sobriety through a spiritual experience and the Oxford Group, a Christian fellowship. On a business trip to Akron, he felt the urge to drink and realized he needed to talk to another alcoholic. He was connected to Dr. Bob, and their meeting on June 10, 1935, is considered AA’s founding date.

Together with early members in New York and Akron, they developed the program that would become the Twelve Steps. In 1939, they published Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), which laid out the program and included personal stories of recovery.

Growth and Tradition (1940s-1950s)

A 1941 Saturday Evening Post article brought AA into the national spotlight, and membership surged. By 1950, AA had 100,000 members. The Twelve Traditions were adopted in 1950 to guide the fellowship’s organizational principles — including anonymity, self-support, and non-affiliation with outside organizations.

AA Today

AA now has an estimated 2 million members in over 180 countries, with more than 120,000 groups worldwide. The program has been adapted by dozens of other fellowships, including Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Visit aa.org to learn more about the fellowship’s history and mission.

Need Help Finding Recovery Support?

Whether you’re looking for treatment providers, community meetings, peer support, or harm reduction services, Red Door Recovery Network can help. All services are free to search and access.

Visit Red Door Recovery Network   Find a Meeting Near You

Find Meetings Near You

Explore More Recovery Resources