Alcoholics Anonymous Origins: Bill W. and Dr. Bob S. Found AA in Akron, 1935

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in Akron, Ohio, on June 10, 1935 — the date of Dr. Bob's last drink.

The Founders

• Bill W. (William Griffith Wilson): New York stockbroker, chronic alcoholic. Found sobriety through Oxford Group principles and a spiritual experience (Dec 1934).
• Dr. Bob S. (Robert Holbrook Smith): Akron surgeon, secret drinker. Met Bill W. through Henrietta Seiberling (Oxford Group). Bill's sharing of his story and the "12 Steps" helped Dr. Bob achieve lasting sobriety.

Early Growth

• First group: Akron "Number One" (Dr. Bob's home).
• Second: New York (Bill's home).
• Third: Cleveland (1939).
• Alcoholics Anonymous (the "Big Book") published 1939 — codified the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions.

Core Principles

• Admission of powerlessness over alcohol.
• Belief in a Higher Power (as understood individually).
• Moral inventory, amends, service to other alcoholics.
• Anonymity, non-professionalism, self-support, no affiliation.

AA's peer-support model has inspired countless 12-step programs and remains the most widely accessed recovery resource globally.