Alcoholics Anonymous facts for kids

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide group that helps people stop drinking alcohol and stay healthy. It is a place where adults can meet and share their experiences. They support each other to recover from problems with alcohol and live a sober life. AA believes that alcohol problems are like an illness that can be managed, but not fully controlled.

AA was started in 1935 by Bill Wilson and his doctor, Bob Smith. By 1939, it had grown to include a few more groups. That same year, Bill Wilson wrote a book called Alcoholics Anonymous. This book explained the group's ideas and how it helps people. Today, these ideas are known as the 12 Steps of recovery. Over time, other groups have used the 12 Steps to help people with different challenges, like Gamblers Anonymous.

How AA Helps People

AA helps people by giving them a safe place to share their stories. Members learn from each other and find strength in their shared experiences. The main goal is to help members live without alcohol.

The 12 Steps Program

The 12 Steps are a set of guiding ideas that help members on their journey to recovery. These steps encourage members to:

• Admit they have a problem with alcohol.
• Believe in a power greater than themselves that can help them.
• Make a list of their past mistakes.
• Make amends to people they have harmed.
• Help other people who are struggling.

These steps provide a path for members to change their lives and stay sober.

Meetings and Support

AA meetings are where members come together. These meetings are usually informal and welcoming. Members can talk about their challenges and successes. They listen to others and offer support. This shared experience helps members feel understood and less alone.

• Meetings are held in many places, like community centers or churches.
• Members can choose to share or just listen.
• The group focuses on helping each other stay sober one day at a time.

History of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous began with two men, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. They both had struggles with alcohol. They found that by talking to each other and sharing their experiences, they could stay sober. This idea grew into the worldwide organization it is today.

Founding Members

• Bill Wilson: He was a businessman who struggled with alcohol. After finding a way to stay sober, he wanted to help others.
• Dr. Bob Smith: He was a surgeon who also faced challenges with alcohol. He was the first person Bill Wilson helped.

Their friendship and shared goal led to the creation of AA. They believed that helping others was key to their own recovery.

Images for kids

• 

  A Sobriety token or "chip," given for specified lengths of sobriety. The back has the Serenity Prayer. Green is for six months of sobriety; purple is for nine months.

• 

  A regional service center for Alcoholics Anonymous.

• 

  A building for a Spanish-speaking AA group in Westlake, Los Angeles.

See also

In Spanish: Alcohólicos Anónimos para niños