We, of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as Bill. Nearly all have recovered. They have solved the drink problem.
We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck when camaraderie, joyousness and democracy pervade the vessel from steerage to Captain’s table. Unlike the feelings of the ship’s passengers, however, our joy in escape from disaster does not subside as we go our individual ways. The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined.
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism.
Chapter 2 ~ AA Big Book
Founded in 1935 by Bill W (Bill Wilson) & Dr. Bob (Dr. Robert Smith), AA quickly became a solution for hopeless alcoholics, when all else seemingly failed.
Bill W sobered up in the hospital after what he refers to as “a spiritual awakening”, in the early days of his sobriety, he met with Dr. Bob who was quite certain his condition was beyond any hope whatsoever. However, just the opposite was true.
After that first meeting, both Dr. Bob & Bill W never found it necessary to take another drink of alcohol. In fact, the more they shared their experience, strength & hope with other desperate alcoholics, the more the world was taken aback as the number of “sober alcoholics” climbed at warp speed.
Many of us were absolutely defeated when we walked into the rooms of AA, and now, most would not trade their worst day sober for their best day drinking!
“The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking, there are no dues or fees for AA membership, we are self-supporting through our own contributions.”
In other words, our only goal is to help others achieve the same gift of sobriety that was so freely given to us.
Please call us if you’re up against a drink call 928-537-7800 or find a meeting near you.
