Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a voluntary self-help group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, where members support each other in their pursuit of sobriety based on a philosophy known as the Twelve Steps. Founded in the United States by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1935, the organization’s primary goal is to help maintain sobriety and support others in the same struggle. AA operates in at least 170 countries, and as of 2013, there were over 114,000 groups with more than 2 million members. A key element of AA is the anonymity of its participants, which protects their privacy and enables open sharing of experiences. AA groups do not register participants, conduct research, provide therapy, or engage in professional addiction-related activities. Instead, they focus solely on how their members navigate life without alcohol, encouraging individual support through sponsorship, where more experienced members guide newcomers. AA promotes a "one day at a time" approach, emphasizing the present rather than future risks or past drinking experiences. The history of AA in Poland began in the 1950s, with the first group established in 1974, marking the start of the Polish sobriety movement. Since then, the organization has grown dynamically, with the first national convention held in 1984 and the publication of the magazine "Zdrój." The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions form the foundation of AA groups, emphasizing spiritual growth and mutual support. Interestingly, AA does not offer medical or therapeutic services, focusing exclusively on the personal experiences of its members, making it a unique form of support community.