History

See also:

• Shopping: Health: Substance Abuse  (128)
• Shopping: Health: Substance Abuse: Twelve Step  (36)
• Society: Support Groups: Twelve Step  (33)

AA Basics: A Study - - One writer's view of the Twelve Steps and their relation to Bible verses such as in James, Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount), and 1 Corinthians 13.

AA Grapevine Digital Archives - - Trace the history of Alcoholics Anonymous through the news and views of members over the years. Every "AA Grapevine" magazine article since the first issue. [Subscription.

AA Grapevine on Early Groups - - Collection of articles 1944-48 about activities of groups as they formed. Complete Grapevine text. From the History Lovers archives.

A.A. History and Archives at Indiana University - - Development of spiritual aspects of the A.A. program. Consists of articles and resource material formatted for easy printing.

AA History and Trivia - - A sober web site for recovering alcoholics. Questions and answers on AA History and other fun for members of Alcoholics Anonymous and their friends.

A.A. History Buffs - - A discussion group for those interested in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. (Was replaced by AA History Lovers..

A.A. History by Mitchell K. - - A collection of articles by historian and archivist Mitchell K. on the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.

AA History from Cybriety.org - - Scores of articles, letters, and pictures about the development of Alcoholics Anonymous.

A.A. History Lovers - - A discussion group for those interested in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Replaced the earlier History Buffs group.

A.A. in Regular Magazines - - Complete text of several articles in general circulation magazines. From the History Lovers archive. ["Next" "Previous" scrolls more.

A.A. in Religious Magazines - - Complete text of several articles in religious magazines. From the History Lovers archive. ["Next" "Previous" scrolls more.

The Akron Manual from 1940 (Part 1) - - Historic pamphlet given to newcomers in the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Akron Manual from 1940 (Part 2) - - Conclusion of historic pamphlet given to newcomers in the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics and God - Liberty Magazine - - September 1939 Liberty magazine had the first major article about Alcoholics Anonymous after publication of the Big Book. Includes the magazine cover.

Alcoholics and God - Liberty Magazine - - The September 1939 Liberty Magazine article on Alcoholics Anonymous. First national coverage of AA.

Alcoholics Anonymous Historical Data - - The Birth of A.A. and its growth in U.S. and Canada. By the AA General Service Office.

Alcoholics Anonymous in Bristol and the West of England - - Brief history of how AA came to Bristol, England, and spread from there.

Angel of Hope - - Offers a video biography of Sister Ignatia who provided medical care for many early members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Archives International Documenting Early A.A. Roots and History - - A history of Alcoholics Anonymous beginning's from 1925 to 195.

Articles, Letters, and Pamphlets from Early AA - - A collection of newspaper and magazine articles important to the growth of Alcoholics Anonymous. More history from old letters, brochures, and pamphlets. Compiled by the West Baltimore Group.

Australian AA History - - Tells of the start and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous in Australia (1942 thru 1999).

Big Book Early Manuscript - - This early draft of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was written before the manuscript that was distributed for review.

Big Book Original Multilith Manuscript - - This multilith draft of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was distributed to members and others for review.

Bill W: Brooklyn's Most-Quoted Humanitarian - - Excerpt from "Bill W." by Robert Thomsen summarizes the influence of the Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder.

Bill W Obituary - - New York Times News Service article on the passing of A.A. co-founder Bill W on Sunday, January 24, 1971.

Bill's Original Story - - This early draft of Bill's Story differed substantially from the final version that appeared in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. [PDF.

Biographies of the Authors of the Big Book Stories - - The short biographies of the various authors of the stories in the back of the book - Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Care of Alcoholics - - A 1951 article by Sister Ignatia about how she and Dr Bob and other A.A. members worked together at St Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio. One ward was dedicated to the work of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Changed by Grace - V. C. Kitchen, the Oxford Group, and A.A. - - Formation of Alcoholics Anonymous in relation to the Oxford Group as described in 'I Was a Pagan" and religious views of the time. Complete text of a book by Glenn Chesnut.

Christian or Occult Roots? - - The authors suggest that AA did not originate in Christianity since it has never required members to believe in Christ crucified.

Circle and Triangle Logo - - What happened to the triangle in the circle? History of why this symbol was removed from Alcoholics Anonymous publications in 1993.

Clarence Snyder - Home Brewmeister - - A biography of the man who started AA in Cleveland, Ohio. This was the first group to be called Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous - - Articles about and talks by Bill W and Doctor Bob S. Includes memorial service talk by Bill in memory of Bob. Some recordings available in Real Audio.

Commentaries about Alcoholics Anonymous - - Articles on the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Includes magazines and other resources that were important in the origins of AA.

The Common Sense of Drinking - - This 1931 book by Richard Peabody was influential in the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Complete text is available as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file.

Dallas, Texas, AA History - - Esther E. ("A Flower of the South") introduced AA to Dallas in 1943. Includes an interview with oldtimer Searcy W.

The Detroit Pamphlet - - "An Interpretation of the Twelve Steps" is a historic pamphlet used in early Alcoholics Anonymous. Steps are arranged in four topics of Admission, Spiritual Phase, Inventory and Restitution, and Active Work.

The Devil and Bill Wilson - - Looks at problems Bill Wilson had with his sobriety. Contrasts it to Doctor Bob's approach.

Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence - - Formal definitions of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence are updated over time. This paper follows them from Jellinek's 1941 work to today's DSM-IV criteria.

Dick B Articles on A.A. History - - This prolific writer focuses on the Christian and Bible influences on early Alcoholics Anonymous. Several articles here. Links to other sites with even more.

Dr. Robert Smith Archives at Brown University - - The collection of correspondence, meeting notes and books of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Dr. Robert H. Smith has been acquired by Brown University and will be made available to researchers interested in the origins of 12-step recovery programs.

The Emmanuel Movement and the Jacoby Club - - Traces AA to the 1906 Emmanuel Movement of Boston. Spirituality and lay psychotherapy helped alcoholics. Courtenay Baylor became Rowland Hazard's therapist in 1933. Hazard worked with Ebby Thatcher and Ebby gave it to Bill Wilson who then became co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The First Forty Members (1934 - 1938) - - These people were A.A. members when Bill and Bob "counted noses" in 1937. [PDF file] [PDF.

For Drunks Only - - Preface to "For Drunks Only" gives history of that book as well as the popular "Twenty-Four Hours a Day" meditation book.

Gresham's Law in Alcoholics Anonymous - - This 1976 article from "24 Magazine" argues that weak A.A. is squeezing out strong A.A. practices.

History in Photos - - A photographic journey through the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Founders, friends, and memorabilia.

History of AA in Ireland - - About the people who first brought Alcoholics Anonymous to Ireland.

How AA Came to Baltimore - - Traces the history of the first groups. Includes text of local newspaper articles during that time.

How AA Came to Maryland - - Starts with Maryland native Sam Shoemaker a pre-founder of AA. Follows others who brought the fellowship to Maryland and the development of early groups there.

How it Worked - - The story of Clarence S and the early history of Alcoholics Anonymous in Cleveland, Ohio. Complete text available free on-line. His was "Home Brewmeister" story in the Big Book.

I Was a Pagan (1934) - - Some ideas in early AA came from "I Was a Pagan" by Victor Kitchen, an Oxford Group member. Complete text in PDF format. [PDF.

ICYPAA History - - International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous. Presently limited to the location of their conventions 1958 to present.

An Illustrated AA Bibliography - - Articles about important figures in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Some Oxford Group material. Links to pages with some audio clips.

In AA's First Five Years - - An AA Grapevine article from 1967 by Lois W. A bit of Alcoholics Anonymous history including how Al-Anon was started.

An Interpretation of the Twelve Steps - - "First printed in September 1944" according to the first page. Steps are broken into four discussion topics. Also known as The Detroit Pamphlet. (PDF requires Acrobat Reader.

The Jack Alexander Article - - "Alcoholics Anonymous" by Jack Alexander, Saturday Evening Post, March 1, 1941. This resulted in a major growth of AA.

A List of A.A. History Sites - - History sites and resources compiled by writer Dick B.

The Lord's Prayer - - Letter from AA co-founder Bill W about the custom of using this prayer to close an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous - 1940 - - A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous From AA Group No. 1, Akron, Ohio, 1940 - Dr. Bob's Home Grou.

Minneapolis A.A. Beginners Classes - - This instructor's outline for the Minneapolis A.A. Beginners Classes was used in 1942.

Northern Illinois Area - - How AA developed from the first intergroup in Chicago to what NIA is doing now. By Area 20 of Alcoholics Anonymous. (PDF requires Acrobat Reader.

Old School A.A. - - Books about the Christian techniques of the early A.A. fellowship.

Original "How It Works" - - Text of "How It Works" chapter as it was in the draft manuscript.

The Oxford Group Connection - - An article about the Oxford Group and its influence in the early history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Focuses on events from 1908 through the founding of AA in 1935.

The Oxford Group Connection - - Many spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous came from the Oxford Groups, an early 20th century religious movement. This article traces that part of AA history.

Oxford Group Pamphlets Reprinted - - Thirteen complete Oxford Group pamphlets. Most of AA spiritual principals were drawn from this group's writings.

People in AA History - - An anterwoven web of the people mentioned in Alcoholics Anonymous literature, who they are and how they fit i.

Photographs from AA History - - A collection from the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous with a few more recent pictures.

Plain Dealer - - Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper articles on Alcoholics Anonymous. Elrick Davis, 1939. Took AA beyond mere word of mouth.

Pre-Manuscript of Bill's Story - - This is the first printed draft of the Big Book which was mailed to various individuals for their comments and also as a fund raising tool.

Preserving the History of Alcoholics Anonymous - - Describes the Kirk Collection on AA at Brown University. Includes history of colonial and revolutionary temperance movements, Prohibition and repeal, and more modern studies of alcohol and alcoholism that emphasize Alcoholics Anonymous.

Readings from A.A. History - - Several articles about Alcoholics Anonymous history collected by the Midland (Michigan) Intergroup.

The Real Oxford Group Connection to A.A. - - Summary of Dick B's writings on the Oxford Groups as related to AA as of 2002.

The Rockefeller Dinner for A.A. - - Digest of proceedings at dinner given by Mr. John D. Rockefeller Jr., in the interest of Alcoholics Anonymous at Union Club, New York City, February 8, 1940. [PDF.

Rowland Hazard - - Rowland Hazard met briefly with Carl Jung but sobered through the Emmanual Movement and then the Oxford Groups. Review and excerpt of "The Road to Fellowship: The Role of the Emmanuel Movement and the Jacoby Club in the Development of Alcoholics Anonymous" by Richard Dubiel.

Searcy W - - Interview with early Texas AA member who was 54+ years sober at the time.

Searcy's Book 1 - - Offers a book on "My Alcoholism Recovery since 1946" and a history of how early A.A. groups started.

The Serenity Prayer - - A 1992 article from "Box 4-5-9" on the origins of the Serenity Prayer and how it came to Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Serenity Prayer - Origins In England and Germany - - The Serenity Prayer is often attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr. This article in "Respectfully Quoted" traces it to 14th England and 18th century Germany.

Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery - - Book review and summary. Follows alcoholism seen in America as an illness from Surgeon General Benjamin Rush in 1784 to present treatment centers. Follows mutual support groups from Native Americans in 1772 to Alcoholics Anonymous and other fellowships of today.

Some Early Sobriety Mementos - - Photos of some early tokens marking various periods of sobriety in AA. These led to the chips that some groups still use today.

Soul Surgery (1919) - - Some ideas in early AA came from "Soul Surgery" by Howard Walker, an Oxford Group member. Complete text in PDF format. [PDF.

Sponsorship Pamphlet from 1944 - - "A.A. Sponsorship... Its Obligations and Its Responsibilities" by Clarence S. was first published by Cleveland Central Office. (PDF requires Acrobat Reader) [PDF.

Success Rates in Early A.A. - - Alcoholics Anonymous still works for alcoholics who want to stop drinking and who really try. Numbers look different because early AA prescreened candidates. Examples.

Sue Smith Windows Memorial Book - - Obituary and funeral card of the daughter of Doctor Bob, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. February 15, 1918 to February 9, 2002.

Ten Years of A.A. in Cuba - - A report by someone who attended the tenth anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous in Cuba.

Tennessee Archives - - This site is Tennessee State Archives of Alcoholics Anonymous in Area 64. The main purpose is to carry the message to the still suffering Alcoholic.

The Third Step and Your Prayer - - Examples of prayers in use prior to publication of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Time Line on Development of the Twelve Steps - - Traces the Twelve Steps of AA from 19th century revivalists through the Oxford Groups and Alcoholics Anonymous to multiple views of today.

Timeline of AA History, A Narrative - - Traces alcoholism and the development of Alcoholics Anonymous. Names and dates including the origin of many of the Big Book stories. [Requires Acrobat Reader] [PDF.

Tombstone at Winchester Cathedral - - Photograph of the tombstone which is quoted on Page 1 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Twelve Step History - - Several articles about AA and the Twelve Steps collected by Serenity Found.

The Varieties of Religious Experience - - In 1938, a future founder of Alcoholics Anonymous read "Varieties of Religious Experience" by philosopher and psychologist William James. Some of these ideas were important in the history of A.A. principles. Complete text.

An 1878 View of The Washingtonians - - Article from book "The Temperance Reform and its Great Reformers." The Washingtonians was an early predecessor of AA which faded away.

What is the Oxford Group? (1933) - - Some ideas of early AA came from "What is the Oxford Group? by The Layman With a Notebook, an anonymous Oxford Group member. Complete text in PDF format. [PDF.

William James - - "Varieties of Religious Experience" by William James was important in early history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Complete text of many of James' writings (including Varieties) along with related summaries and commentaries.

Writing The Big Book - - Most of the ideas and wording in the A.A. book came from other writers. An essay by archivist and historian Mitchell K.