Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international organization that is dedicated to helping alcoholics find and retain sobriety through education and support. It was founded in 1935 in Akron, Ohio and has since spread worldwide. The program uses meeting attendance and a comprehensive 12-step program as a structure for reaching the goal of alcohol abstinence. The program also advocates the use of the "Big Book" which is a guide and source of support in the goal of sobriety. Anonymity (non disclosure or identification of members) is a major component of this program. Associated with AA are Ala-non and Ala-teens which are support organizations for the family members of alcoholics. Alcoholics Anonymous has also served as a model for Narcotics Anonymous (NA or Narcanon), an organization for individuals who are trying to abstain from addictive drugs.