Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr.
Bob Smith as a response to their struggles with alcohol addiction.
The organization emerged from their realization that mutual support among individuals facing similar challenges could be a powerful tool for recovery.
The Twelve Steps were developed during this time as a framework for personal transformation and accountability principles that remain central to AA's mission today.
Historically, AA has played a significant role in changing societal perceptions of alcoholism from a moral failing to a recognized illness requiring treatment and support.
Over the decades, the organization has expanded globally, with thousands of groups established worldwide.
The success of AA has inspired numerous other self-help programs based on its model, further solidifying its impact on addiction recovery practices throughout history.