I attended an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. The focus of AA is a non-discriminatory, non-denominational, free membership group for those who wish to stop drinking alcohol. As stated by one of the members in the group I attended, “we are here to help other people stop drinking just like others have all helped us.” The main goal is to allow people to attend this meeting anonymously and not be judged and feel welcomed and comfortable admitting they need help and they are ready to stop drinking. For those who have maintained sobriety focus on discussing how they have been able to do so and share it with others. Another member told me “we don’t discuss what goes on in the outside world when we are here.” Originally, the group was formed in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio and their original focus was and still is “AA's stated "primary purpose" is to "stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety.” In 1939 the Big Book was published. This book is the basic text for its members. …show more content…
The traditions tell its members why the program works; basically the “rules” if you will. Summarized, the Twelve Traditions state the members will pay their own way, they will not accept outside affiliations and they will put aside all and any personal ambitions and make willing sacrifices for the group. The Twelve Steps tells the members how the program works. I learned at the meeting that these steps are what each member follows; starting at number 1 and working their way down to 12 to complete their journey to sobriety. And that leads me onto my experiences of the meeting I