Substance Abuse :: Health
Twelve Step :: Substance Abuse
Twelve Step :: Support Groups

A List of A.A. History Sites - History sites and resources compiled by writer Dick B.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholics Anonymous Links - Alcoholics Anonymous with Dick B., a cured alcoholic coming from aa meetings, alcoholics anonymous meetings, who talks about alcoholism treatment and signs of alcoholism. Also, the 12 Steps, aa 12 Steps, Dr. Bob, Bill W., Oxford Group, Christian Recovery and aa history. ]

A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous - 1940 - A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous From AA Group No. 1, Akron, Ohio, 1940 - Dr. Bob's Home Group
Meta Description: [ A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous From AA Group No. 1, Akron, Ohio, 1940 - Dr. Bob's Home Group ]

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.

A.A. History Buffs - A discussion group for those interested in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. (Was replaced by AA History Lovers.)
Meta Description: [ aahistorybuffs: AAhistorybuffs ]

A.A. History by Mitchell K. - A collection of articles by historian and archivist Mitchell K. on the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Meta Description: [ A list of previous article written by historian and archivist Mitchell K. on the history 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.
Meta Description: [ AAHistoryLovers: AAHistoryLovers ]

A.A. in Regular Magazines - Complete text of several articles in general circulation magazines. From the History Lovers archive. [NextPrevious scrolls more]
Meta Description: [ AAHistoryLovers: AAHistoryLovers ]

A.A. in Religious Magazines - Complete text of several articles in religious magazines. From the History Lovers archive. [NextPrevious scrolls more]
Meta Description: [ AAHistoryLovers: AAHistoryLovers ]

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]
Meta Description: [ AA Grapevine Digital Archive ]

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.
Meta Description: [ AAHistoryLovers: AAHistoryLovers ]

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.
Meta Description: [ A Sober Web Site for recovering alcoholics. Questions and answers on Alcoholics Anonymous history, AA History, and other FUN for members of Alcoholics Anonymous and their friends. ]

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

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

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 Anonymous Historical Data - The Birth of A.A. and its growth in U.S. and Canada. By the AA General Service Office.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholics Anonymous Official Web site ]

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

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.

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.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholics Anonymous history with illustrated bibliography. Old spiritual books early aa's read ]

404 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)

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 1955
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404 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.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Main Page - An information rich site for alcoholism recovery + alcoholics + health, AA, A.A., aa, a.a., Alcoholics Anonymous, recovery, Recovery, 12 step program, alcohol, health, meetings, events, aa, AA, Baltimore, Maryland ]

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.

404 Big Book Original Multilith Manuscript - This multilith draft of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was distributed to members and others for review.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Main Page + A. A. + alcoholism + health, AA, A.A., aa, a.a., Alcoholics Anonymous, recovery, Recovery, 12 step program, alcohol, health ]

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

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.
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404 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.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous + A. A. + alcoholism + recovery + health, An information intensive site for recovering alcoholics, their families and friends. Origional Graphics, super AA related links and complete meeting listings for the entire state of Maryland ]

404 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.

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

Dallas, Texas, AA History - Esther E. (A Flower of the South) introduced AA to Dallas in 1943. Includes an interview with oldtimer Searcy W.
Meta Description: [ Official homepage of the Alcoholics Anonymous Central Office in Dallas, Texas ]

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.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholics Anonymous History Links - Alcoholics Anonymous with Dick B., a cured alcoholic coming from aa meetings, alcoholics anonymous meetings, who talks about alcoholism treatment and signs of alcoholism. Also, the 12 Steps, aa 12 Steps, Dr. Bob, Bill W., Oxford Group, Christian Recovery and a... ]

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.

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.
Meta Description: [ Yahoo! Groups offers free mailing lists, photo & file sharing, group calendars and more. Discuss hot topics, share interests, join online communities. ]

404 Gresham's Law in Alcoholics Anonymous - This 1976 article from 24 Magazine argues that weak A.A. is squeezing out strong A.A. practices.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous + A. A. + alcoholism + recovery + health, An information intensive site for recovering alcoholics, their families and friends. Origional Graphics, super AA related links and complete meeting listings for the entire state of Maryland ]

History in Photos - A photographic journey through the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Founders, friends, and memorabilia.
Meta Description: [ Alcoholic Anonymous: a photographic journey through its history. ]

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

404 How AA Came to Baltimore - Traces the history of the first groups. Includes text of local newspaper articles during that time.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Main Page + A. A. + alcoholism + health, AA, A.A., aa, a.a., Alcoholics Anonymous, recovery, Recovery, 12 step program, alcohol, health ]

404 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.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Main Page + A. A. + alcoholism + health, AA, A.A., aa, a.a., Alcoholics Anonymous, recovery, Recovery, 12 step program, alcohol, health ]

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.

How It Works - Text of How It Works chapter as it was in the draft manuscript.
Meta Description: [ alcoholics anonymous help page ]

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.

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

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.
Meta Description: [ If you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get ]

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

404 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.

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 in
Meta Description: [ An Interwoven web of the People mentioned in Alcoholics Anonymous Literature, who they are and how they fit in ]

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.

404 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.
Meta Description: [ West Baltimore Group of Alcoholics Anonymous + A. A. + alcoholism + recovery + health, An information intensive site for recovering alcoholics, their families and friends. Origional Graphics, super AA related links and complete meeting listings for the entire state of Maryland ]

404 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.

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

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.
Meta Description: [ alcoholics anonymous help page ]

Searcy's Book 1 - Offers a book on My Alcoholism Recovery since 1946 and a history of how early A.A. groups started.
Meta Description: [ Alcohol Information Center Dallas Texas. ]

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.
Meta Description: [ Book reviews about alcoholism and addiction ]

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.
Meta Description: [ A Sober WebSite for Fun In Sobriety! Q & A About AA History and Other Fun Facts! ]

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

404 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)

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.
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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.

500 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.
Meta Description: [ Area 64 Archives of Alcoholics Anonymous. Our main purpose is to carry the message to the still suffering Alcoholic located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee our CentralOffice is in Nashville. ]

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.

404 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.

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.

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.

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.

500 The Devil and Bill Wilson - Looks at problems Bill Wilson had with his sobriety. Contrasts it to Doctor Bob's approach.
Meta Description: [ The website of the There Is A Solution group of Alcoholics Anonymous who meet in Hornchurch, Essex. We aim to spread the good news that it is possible to recover from alcoholism by using the spiritual tools outlined in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. ]

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

The Lord's Prayer - Letter from AA co-founder Bill W about the custom of using this prayer to close an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Meta Description: [ Yahoo! Groups offers free mailing lists, photo & file sharing, group calendars and more. Discuss hot topics, share interests, join online communities. ]

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.

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 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.

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.
Meta Description: [ The Serenity Prayer, sometimes referred to as the ]

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.
Meta Description: [ 1472. Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971). Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations. 1989 ]

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

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.

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.

404 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]

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.
Meta Description: [ The history of 12 Step Recovery, beginning with AA is important to know. ]

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.

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.
Meta Description: [ Information on and readings from American psychologist and philosopher William James ]

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.
Meta Description: [ Most of the ideas and wording in the A.A. book came from other writers. ]