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'''Alcoholics Anonymous''' is an organization created to help alcoholics on the path to recovery from [[alcoholism]].  Founded on June 10th, 1935 in Akron Ohio by William (Bill W.)Wilson and Dr. Robert (Dr. Bob) Smith, it utilizes a [[twelve step program]] to help those suffering from [[alcoholic drink|alcohol]] [[addiction]] to overcome their addiction, relying on [[faith]] in a "higher power".  Both Wilson and Smith were members of the [[Oxford Group]], a Christian reform movement started by Lutheran minister [[Frank Buchman]], until about 1939 when the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" was published.  The organization itself takes its name from the title of the book.   

'''Alcoholics Anonymous''' is an organization created to help alcoholics on the path to recovery from [[alcoholism]].  Founded on June 10th, 1935 in Akron Ohio by William (Bill W.)Wilson and Dr. Robert (Dr. Bob) Smith, it utilizes a [[twelve step program]] to help those suffering from [[alcoholic drink|alcohol]] [[addiction]] to overcome their addiction, relying on [[faith]] in a "higher power".  Both Wilson and Smith were members of the [[Oxford Group]], a Christian reform movement started by Lutheran minister [[Frank Buchman]], until about 1939 when the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" was published.  The organization itself takes its name from the title of the book.

 

One of the goals of Alcoholics Anonymous is to promote the idea that alcoholism is not a [[moral weakness]].<ref>{{cite web|title=http://books.google.com/books?id=p9pp8Nv05lUC&pg=PA77&lpg=PA77&dq=alcoholism+moral+weakness&source=web&ots=NUswFo3Ico&sig=uvCDl3DO5sA0ZVe_G3xJDhiU1Dw#PPA77,M1Z|title=Alcoholic Thinking: Language, Culture, and Belief in Alcoholics Anonymous}}</ref> This is at odds with the opinion of 63 percent of Americans, who believe that alcoholism is a moral weakness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-136837521.html|title=See more articles from AScribe Health News Service: Stigma Persists Despite Scientific Evidence That Alcoholism Is Not a Moral Weakness}}</ref>

== The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous ==

== The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous ==

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

==The Success of 12-Step Programs==

==The Success of 12-Step Programs==

The inclusiveness and support of 12-step programs has led to the model being extended to other addictions, such as narcotics, gambling, and sex.

The inclusiveness and support of 12-step programs has led to the model being extended to other addictions, such as narcotics, gambling, and sex.

==External Links==

==External Links==

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

[[Category:Organizations]]

[[Category:Organizations]]