The Story of Alcoholics Anonymous: Origins and Influence

Tolly Merrick has been a humanities teacher since 1994, working with high school and middle school students in New Mexico, California, and Virginia. He currently teaches US History and US Government at the Peabody School in Charlottesville. Prior to his career in education, Mr. Merrick obtained a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and served as a substance abuse counselor in his home state of Maryland. He is excited to merge these two areas of history and alcoholism treatment, and present on the origins and history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
To learn more about The Center, visit www.thecentercville.org
Presentations are provided for educational use only and do not replace the judgement of individuals or independent professionals. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the participants individually and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion or position of The Center or its sponsors. With the exception of self-produced content, The Center does not endorse, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy, or completeness of the information presented. Attendees should note that sessions are recorded and may be published in various media.

[@Vaudvillain]

This was great thank you! I just purchased a copy of AA "Comes of age" to get a thorough breakdown of how AA started. Today by the grace of my higher power am 44 days sober. 1 moment at a time

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

Congratulations! I suggest getting a copy of Dr. Bob and the good Oldtimers also. It's about the origins of the original Akron, Ohio AA program. It's where the vast majority of the success was happening.

[@Vaudvillain]

@@rodneyjohnson7327 thank you! I most definitely will.. I'm 123 days sober today, not that anyone is counting.. have a beautiful day!

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

@@Vaudvillain Great. Let me know what you think.🙂

[@brandonlaragirl]

Keep going! You got this.

[@Vaudvillain]

@brandonlaragirl thank you brother! 618 days sober/clean and things are getting better 1 day at a time.

[@robgaughan]

Roland Hazard --> Ebby Thatcher --> Bill Wilson (Bill W) --> Dr. Robert Smith (Bob) --> AA begins.

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

Yes, but technically, AA did not begin in June 1935 after Bill met Bob. They were the Oxford group then. Bill left the Oxford group around the summer of 1937 but had not called his little 3-man group AA yet. Clarence Snyder left the Akron, Ohio Oxford group that Dr. Bob was leading about two months after the Big Book was released in April 1939. He called his Cleveland contingent group of about 9 or 10 recovered alcoholics Alcoholics Anonymous. Dr. Bob didn't leave the Oxford group for approximately another year or so.

[@michaelsmith3172]

No Hank, no book. Hank drank so he gets forgotten. So did Ebby.

[@James-re6co]

@@rodneyjohnson7327 But technically, it did. The day of Dr. Bob's last drink is celebrated as Founders Day and "the beginning of AA" because that is when the magic first happened, i.e., one alcoholic sharing his experience, strength and hope with another. They both worked the informal, not-yet-codified version of the steps, both had a spiritual awakening, and then figured out that the best way to hang on to what they got was to help another alcoholic who is still suffering - for free. And it worked. Label it whatever you want but that right there is the heart and soul of Alcoholics Anonymous.

[@jasononthetrail6356]

I don’t believe Mr. Merrick is a member, but damn he really knows his stuff well. This is tremendous. He was excellently organized, clearly understands it, and had spot-on context to a lot of this weird stuff.

[@ballsmahoney8385]

Recently a new member but let me say to another who sees this show up be present and sober it will change you’re life

[@brandonlaragirl]

How is it going? You said this a year ago? I hope the best for you.

[@mikespencer4922]

Bill W was aware that alkies had other issues. He refered to "that mythical beast, the pure guzzler". But he also said AA works because it was "Singularity of purpose". "One alcoholic talking to another alcoholic.".

[@debrahjohnson1279]

I will forever be grateful for Alcoholics Anonymous. Thank you for the history of AA.

[@yavarnikanjam7954]

thank you! needed most

[@michaeljohns8817]

GREAT HISTORY LESSON , THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH !!!!!!!!! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@ElkoJohn]

Big Jess (my alcoholic dad) used to razz me about going to AA: ' 'the difference between us drunks and you alcoholics is I don't have to go to meetings' '

[@patricklena9307]

The big book was initially titled ' The way out' But it was changed. This program absolutely Save my life. It is an absolutely amazing program and I encourage anybody thinking about it to give it a decent try of it.

[@angelag2662]

If someone has to ask what a blackout is, they are blessed not to have experienced one. Very scary. Great question! Alcoholism is a demon. So grateful for AA and it's brave determined founders. Thank you for this. Loved it. The movie Bill W is also very informative. You learn a lot about how AA started and Bill W.

[@jamie.777]

I finally went to a AA MEETING 4 days ago. After 29 years of hell.. I was guzzling a fifth of vodka and 4 hard seltzer in the morning, so far I been sober for 21 days. AA meetings daily, it helps being with fellow alkies.... I went in blind, didn't even realize there 😅are sponsors. I am taking my time , finding a sponsor. At least I have a place to go and socialize. Basically my entire life revolved around being drunk and high, I can't do anything old hobbies sober 😮, bad depression. I hope my brain can heal. I am VERY GREY now, I FEAR the spring and summer ☀️, that's my time of debauchery.. I will go to a meeting Tommorrow, that's all I know now

[@MrVolunteergary]

Thanks for this video.

[@garagelifeink8331]

Thank You 👊

[@atomicman1038]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing

[@sum2automation]

Yup! It works when you work it, so do as they did and get what the got. From 1976 to today and at the end of my life, it still works! Thanks for sharing your work! Nice message and a wonderful way to live a life! Truly amazing.

[@AA100011]

Thanks!

[@56pjr]

The "Higher Power" has a Name. JESUS CHRIST

[@cedricmccoy4825]

That’s absolutely true! Before AA, the Oxford Group

[@TheSwach]

Good Watch

[@lynntoytrainmuseum8973]

Thank you for posting this content. Very informative for us as we launch the next paradigm of residential mental health treatment in Massachusetts. 🚂

[@thecenteratbelvedere-charl1711]

Thank you for the feedback. Best wishes.

[@ShannonFreng]

@@thecenteratbelvedere-charl1711Here's some other feedback: What is your response regarding the myriad of sordid facts regarding AA's history, as well as that of Bill Wilson? These videos, such as yours, seem to not want to acknowledge this, but only sing the praises of AA. And the few times these allegations do get answered, it's almost virtually in a dismissive, diluting manner, always trying to downplay any suggestion of iniquity. Why is this? At the very least, others can see what I posit and as well, my claims being likewise ignored.

[@larryc7209]

@@ShannonFreng Bill did many sordid things, that is known. However, the organization he cofounded has saved millions of lives.

[@larryc7209]

what is your affiliation? I'm also in Massachusetts, south shore

[@ShannonFreng]

@@larryc7209And can that figure be substantiated? You lot seem too given to both not wanting to speak of Wilson's less than stellar behavior (after starting AISH), and uttering obviously inflated, claims, which you cannot substantiate. Usually faced with questions/claims such as these, you merely resort to avoiding the question and ad hominem, attacks (I'm not saying you personally).

[@JamesRomero-ym4rp]

Interesting post...love the Bill w movie

[@gurdineramsaroop7235]

Thanks

[@juanboanergeriveravelasque4266]

One day at a time. Its a very difficult process for an addict but when you realize is one day only 24 hours you don't have to worry about changing for 1 year etc. If you follow the steps it works. Bottomline you have to surrender and admit that you have an alcohol problem in order to make it happen

[@jenniferashleysnow9685]

Fantastic video that’s absolutely fascinating. I often wonder about why alcohol is so embedded within American culture and considered acceptable by societal standards/norms when it kills people every day. The answer is simple - look back on the history behind alcohol worldwide and in America. Thank you so much for all this very educational video. A dear loved one of mine passed away recently from alcoholism and I’m trying to wrap my head around why they weren’t able to stop drinking.

[@rick-be]

Alciset

[@rick-be]

SLC alcoholism is a addiction

[@FAITHFULANDPROUD2GOD]

It's a spiritual disease. That only a spiritual solution can be solved. That is what the 12 steps do for us. They're called a paradox. Because you don't know how they work, but they do. The thing is only the person who has the disease can make the decision that they are actually an alcoholic and that there is no way that they alone can beat this thing. That there is no amount of human willpower on their own that will. It is only then that they can truly begin to work the steps. Them just admitting they have a problem and need help is enough to get them into the rooms of AA. From there, all you can do is hope and pray it clicks.

[@ToshaMiller-ql1zu]

is there somewhere i can download the slides from this powerpoint to use to facilitate me own group

[@rick-be]

The Saturday Evening Post is still published in paper and online.

[@markp5762]

I love the way he chuckles at some of this shit..

[@liontrevfisher3049]

I'm in aa n I'm 12 years of continuous soberity

[@larry1824]

I joined to get sober and i got sober. 37 years

[@FAITHFULANDPROUD2GOD]

Thank you for a really great presentation of a program that has and is saving my life. I am about 14 months sober. Good amount of the information you gave I was already aware of. What really intrigued me. Was the first 20 minutes. I go on a deeper spiritual way than some members. I never had a hard time believing in God. My problem was just not feeling worthy enough of His grace and mercy. This is how my malady attacks me. Besides the regular selfish, self-centered, and egotistical ways, it attacks others. For me to see how alcohol was a serious issue in America was intriguing. I believe in God and the Devil. To me, I can't see how anyone can accept a Higher Power and not a lower one. In the scriptures, it speaks of being of sober mind quite often. Then, when you look at the name " spirits," that was and is still used for alcohol. The fact that when I drink, I make my own personal hell. I can't not accept the fact that this malady I have comes from something evil. The fact that as soon as the colonist arrive here, they go straight to planting stuff to make this alcohol poison. It goes on to destroy families and ppls lives. Which is not what God wanted for His children. When you see how all these different ppl came into play to how Alcoholic Anonymous came into action is pretty amazing. The Devil poisons us, and God comes with a great offense. Now, others may not believe this. That's totally fine. However, AA works for them is great as long as it does. Ik I went into a rant. I am just in awe on how I am able to understand some things deeper just from them 1st 20 minutes. Thank you

[@CrabbyPattydelight]

What about his experiences that lead to his actions, kinda important major kife changing details

[@antmac2545]

Nothing worse or more sickening than hearing a share in AA when they lust over Bill and Bob like they are deities. There is a lot of good i. AA but a lot of seedy manipulative people with a passion for control. It will get you Sober but chose your meetings and people very carefully.

[@manmeetsingh4736]

❤

[@katashajervis5820]

Did it take Bill Wilson three or four times to get sober? In the big book he said 3! Can anyone please let me know

[@manmeetsingh4736]

A A is everything for me

[@catherinecooper8370]

Shouldn't your higher power be?

[@rick-be]

Blachout:"Loss of memory"induced by alcohol.

[@rick-be]

As a fallen Catholic and nominal Christian,I prefer"Higher Power"somewhat more inclusive.

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

It might or might not be more inclusive. But God works. I'm not sure that higher power works.

[@rick-be]

@@rodneyjohnson7327Itdoesforme.

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

Actually. There are many mistakes in this video. When I have time, I will point out many of them.

[@Philip-zp8fx]

Indeed!

[@markp5762]

😆😅🤣😂

[@rick-be]

Since man first crushed grapes...

[@Gyh373]

Get right with god, clean house and help others.

[@billsimpson8337]

Bill Wilson had less than 2 years sobriety when he wrote chapter 5 do you know anyone with 2 year sobriety that could write ch.5? I have a copy of what Bill wrote the first night before the evil one rewrote it

[@shannonwilliams1636]

Abraham was the first to make wine

[@melissaSBz]

These comments are just terrible. Sounds like a bunch of people resenting AA or just not real alcoholics. I hope to God nobody struggling is reading these.. this is why the 11 tradition is important.. if you don’t know if that is look up. Anybody struggling out there please go to a meeting reach out to people do the steps I promise you it works. ❤

[@catherinecooper8370]

So you are offended that people can find other things that work for them? Like SMART, The Freedom Model, Naltrexone ect. Have you even heard of other treatmwnt models or researched them? Better do a fourth step before you catch a resentment and drink. Let people do what they want and not be fear mongered into staying in a cult they don't want to be a part of.

[@robinsonglen435]

Don’t Drink

[@MisanthBrig]

very dry information

[@markp5762]

43:58 I've heard, doorknob, coffe cup, ashtray as higher powers. 🤪🤪

[@Mike-tw4jf]

As an organization, AA has never endorsed having a doorknob, light bulb, etc. as a Higher Power. However, the Big Book, in the chapter, 'Bill's Story', has a simple suggestion that is easily accessible to anyone seeking God. That suggestion is: Why don't you choose your own conception of God? The reader will note the entire chapter turns 180 degrees from that point on. Peace.

[@wigglyziggly]

10:00

[@smoknjoe73]

Good talk but wrong on quite a few facts especially that the Oxford group was "self improvement". Neither the Oxford group nor aa is self improvement. God is mentioned 300 times in the big book. P 62 says SELF is the problem and rhat ONLY GOD can help. Oxford group was men living as 1st century Christians. Long before church hierarchy. I cant... GOD CAN I will let Him Steps 1 2 3

[@matthewrousseau2982]

the aa book was mostly written by a team psychoanalyst at Towns hospital. They just attributed it to Wilson

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

Dr. Silkworth from Townes Hospital wrote the Doctors opinion chapter in the Big Book. But I've never read anything about a team of psychoanalysts writing the Big Book before. The Reverend Sam Shoemaker, Rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Manhattan, NY, had much influence on Bill. You can see Rev. Shoemaker teachings, Oxford group teachings, and Holy Scripture teachings all throughout the Big Book.... AA is a spiritual program of recovery. The cure has nothing to do with psychology or medicine.

[@user-dw9lh1rq9h]

where did you hear this ?any sources?

[@billsimpson8337]

The original piece of paper that will Wilson road 12th steps on chapter 5 and how it works was directed by God it was written in the first person as god speaking never have I seen a person fail who has certainly followed with my direction diretions

[@juliewillis9539]

Perhaps u can present current things. But sure u love the A A. Wrong

[@daleclark4750]

Wow ...........funny how your Egos tell you that you are so intelligent and know so much and you think others know so little.....others have experienced their own experiences... You have no humility and don't seem to believe in any spiritual experience anyone else can have. How about you try to simply admit you don't know and allow for the endless possibilities. With a Higher Power it'll open up so many possibilities.

[@catherinecooper8370]

Let me guess, you are an staunch AA member. You sound like a brainwashed cult member. I was once like you. I highly recommend The US of AA by Joe Miller. Btw, I have faith in God before and after the 12 step cult. I

[@larryc7209]

@@catherinecooper8370 oh so you had a bad personal experience with a few people and now the whole organization is evil?

[@tomrhodes1629]

The biblical prophet Elijah has returned, as prophesied, and testifies: I can help, especially concerning the "Higher Power" aspect of AA, which is actually most important but is a hurdle for many. And I know something very important about the origins of AA that very few know... I was raised in the Catholic Church and went to Catholic schools, and that was a very good foundation for understanding that there is much more to life than this limited world. But it eventually became clear to me that too much of it didn't make sense. For example, a schizophrenic GOD who is angry, jealous and wrathful in the Old Testament, but "is love" in the New Testament - and the insane belief that GOD's Son had to die as a "sacrifice for our sins." And so I became agnostic for many years - until GOD made Itself known to me directly. As it turns, my becoming agnostic was due to WISDOM. Because, FEAR causes people to cling to beliefs that don't make sense. And wisdom automatically comes as fear is overcome. Wisdom and fear are inversely proportional. And the Bible serves many purposes, including a fear/wisdom test that doesn't give you Truth until you're ready for it! (Prioritize "the words in red" and discount conflicting statements and you'll get it!) Few know where AA truly originated, like I do. It originated from a particular channel, one of two that were invaluable in my own GOD-given education. AA wasn't the brain-child of some man or men. It came from THE Higher Power Itself - The Mind That is GOD - through a channel named Edgar Cayce. The work of Edgar Cayce and Helen Schucman ("A Course in Miracles") are two bona-fide works of GOD given through the Holy Spirit in the 20th Century and stand apart from all other channeled works. When you discover what GOD is and what Jesus Christ ACTUALLY teaches, you discover that the organized religions have butchered the "good news" of Jesus Christ ("The Kingdom of GOD is within you") beyond recognition, into its OPPOSITE (judgment and sacrifice for "sin"). And that's why I was sent as GOD's witness at the end of this cycle of time, to re-state and clarify the "good news" that Jesus Christ brought some 2000 years ago. Can you see that the Book of Revelation is currently being fulfilled before your eyes? It will get very bad in the short term. But the "good news" is that it will get very good in the long term! "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." "He who overcomes will inherit all things." - JC The fact is that EVERYONE will overcome, in time, for that is time's GOD-given purpose and guarantee! "GOD our Savior...will have all men to be saved and come unto knowledge of the truth." (1Timothy 2:3-4) When you learn exactly what GOD is (The limitless Mind that is ALL), exactly what YOU are ( the "son" of GOD, a limitless Thought in the Mind that is GOD, given the ability to think WITH that Mind), exactly what satan is (the selfish human ego), and exactly why you are here (we partook of an irrational idea, symbolized by the "tree of knowledge of Go(o)d and (d)evil"), and how we will get back Home (by rejecting that irrational idea and overcoming the ego) THEN EVERYTHING MAKES PERFECT RATIONAL SENSE! As Max Planck indicated in his 1944 Florence Italy speech ("On the Nature of Matter"), scientists who pay attention to the quantum physics data can see that this world (of limitation) is a simulation in A Great Mind. GOD has revealed to me WHY we are experiencing it. And Jesus Christ tells you how to leave it behind, and guarantees that you will succeed! "Judge not and you will not be judged, condemn not and you will not be condemned, forgive and you are forgiven." By forgiving others we effectively forgive ourselves and free ourselves from our prison of ignorance, guilt and fear. THIS IS WHAT SALVATION IS. And this is why it is KEY to know that GOD is the Mind that is ALL Because, it is then possible to forgive others as well as yourself, because you know that all is of GOD and all is for good...and the evil devil is just an irrational idea! Want to know more? Seek and ye shall find...

[@kenkitz-pl1cc]

Ahhh......no.

[@Atman89]

AA shames people and elevates alcohol to God status. The twelve steps devised by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob are excellent, but not necessarily original. They are however the core of the program and anyone struggling with any addiction or dependency can do the twelve steps and bring their findings to a qualified therapist and get help.

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

No therapy is needed. Actually, no 28 - or 60-day treatment centers are needed. 5 days in detox, then it's off to AA to immediately start the 12 steps in rapid fashion. That's all any alcoholic needs.

[@matthewrousseau2982]

AA IS A SINKING SHIP

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

Where do you get this crap?! No it does the opposite of shame which u get plenty everywhere else. Elevates alcohol to God status?? Man you sound ignorant as hell. They teach to be neutral to alcohol. It is not to be villianized as there are normal drinkers who can drink and stop with impunity, but in no way is it 'elevated.' lol that makes no sense at all.

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

​@@matthewrousseau2982it's growing and maybe bigger than it ever has been. Fully self supporting too so hardly a sinking ship.

[@staceymurray9644]

​@@matthewrousseau2982can I ask why you say that

[@davidjohnson4298]

AA is new age mysticism

[@melissadavis638]

I agree ...

[@Atman89]

It’s the fast food of fake spirituality for the masses of hardcore drinkers. It’s not for everyone. I have been in and out of the rooms and while it helps to stay sober it also makes most people totally codependent and many AAers are miserable.

[@ShogunateDaimyo]

It's a program to stop drinking and help the alcoholic to start living. There is no mysticism involved unless you would classify all forms of spirituality & religion as new age mysticism...?

[@leemackay888]

What's the matter David ? Tried it and it didn't work so your personal failure is now a mystical issue ? Nothing mystic about aa it's a simple program for living a better life without alcohol and reliance on God...

[@mstevens564]

Please define "new age mysticism"

[@ShannonFreng]

AA is the opiate of the primarily uneducated, lower classes. The only reason it, and its trite, 12-Step methodology, is propagated, as much as it is, is because it's profitable to do so. This sentiment was presaged by H. L. Mencken, nine years before AA's inception: “No one in this world, so far as I know - and I have searched the records for years, and employed agents to help me - has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.”

[@larryc7209]

millions attend AA today and it has definitely played a part in saving millions of lives. Is it perfect? Not by a long shot but it saves lives. I don't see the profit here at all. It costs nothing to belong

[@ShannonFreng]

@@larryc7209Ah, you people have been obviously irreparably brainwashed by your insidious cult, as you're only capable of uttering nebulously pat, preprogrammed, autonomic responses. I'm surprised you don't claim tens of millions have been supposedly saved, by AA. Ah well, your organization has about as much respect or credibility, as Scientology, or the Jehovah's Witnesses. It's hardly more than some drop-in centre for the socially deviant.

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

That's not true. The first three AA'S were a Stock broker, Medical doctor/surgeon and an Attorney. Dr. Bob was a graduate from an Ivy league University. Hank Parkhurst (AA #3 in NY) was a senior executive at Standard oil with 150 men under his charge. Many were blue bloods from wealthy North Eastern families. Like Ebby Thatcher, Shep Cornell, Rowland Hazard and Fitz Mayo. Yes, there were some working class in the AA #1 group in Akron, Ohio. But you are being misleading to say AA was primarily lower class, uneducated people. It's just not true. And what if it was/is? Does that make it wrong?

[@larryc7209]

@@rodneyjohnson7327 Amen to that

[@rodneyjohnson7327]

@@larryc7209 Amen brother.