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Today In History with The Retrospectors
The Birth of Alcoholics Anonymous
May 12, 2021
Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, share their remarkable journey in creating one of the world's largest support networks. They discuss the pivotal meeting that started it all and the challenges they faced with the initial low success rates. The significance of the '12 steps' in recovery and its lasting impact are explored, alongside the rising trend of mindful drinking among millennials. They also touch on the intriguing cocktail that ensnared Wilson and the evolving habits of younger generations in their relationship with alcohol.
11:24
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Quick takeaways
- The initial collaboration between Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, despite its low success rate, ultimately led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous and its lasting impact on addiction recovery.
- The podcast highlights a contemporary shift in drinking habits among millennials and Gen Z, driven by appealing non-alcoholic alternatives and changing social norms.
Deep dives
The Founding of Alcoholics Anonymous
Bill Wilson and Bob Smith's first meeting in Akron, Ohio, marked the inception of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Bill, who struggled with alcoholism, had undergone a profound transformation after a hallucination during treatment, where he believed he was guided by a higher power to stop drinking. Inspired by the Oxford Group's teachings, which viewed alcoholism as a disease, Bill sought the help of Bob, a local doctor, leading them to live together for a month. This collaboration ultimately resulted in the development of a recovery plan and the writing of the AA book, although they were aware their success rate was low, at around 5%.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode