Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) had inauspicious beginnings in 1935 in
Akron, Ohio. A successful surgeon, Robert Smith, and a successful
stockbroker, Bill Wilson got together informally to talk about what they
felt was a problem with alcohol. The group grew to over 100 members as
Wilson and Smith realized talking about their problems helped them stay
sober, and they shared their ideas with other. In 1939, the book
“Alcoholics Anonymous” was published, and the word spread. One text
states, “From this limited beginning, AA has grown to be the single most
influential organization in history that specializes in helping alcoholics
recover from alcoholism. There are over 1 million alcoholic members in
different groups in the United States and other parts of the world”
(Wilcox, 1998, p. 11). AA was the first group to recognize alcoholism and
other related addictions were diseases, and treat them as such. The 12-
step program, pioneered by AA, has become a model for treating other
addictions, including drugs, smoking, and even overeating. The 12-step
program exists for a number of reasons, but primarily, it helps members of
the program deal with their disease, while helping them become more self-
reliant and realize more self-control. This helps add to their self-esteem
and self-confidence, and helps them continue their lives as sober and
productive citizens. The 12-step program is in essence a behavioral
modification program that members can participate in every day for the rest
of their lives, taking it “one day at a time.” Thus, the 12-step program
supports them throughout their lives as they continue to fight against
their addiction, and gain control over their lives.
These programs, such as the AA 12-step program are successful for
several different reasons. These programs change the way people look at
themselves in relationship to others. As participants begin to prac…