William Griffith Wilson (November 26, 1895 – January 24, 1971), also known as Bill Wilson or Bill W., was the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
AA is an international mutual aid fellowship with about 2 million members worldwide belonging to approximately 150,000 fellowship groups of alcoholics helping other alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. The 12 Step Program of Recovery has been implemented by over 70 other fellowships including Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, amongst just a few. Following AA’s Twelfth Tradition of anonymity, Bill Wilson is commonly known as “Bill W.”
Wilson’s sobriety from alcohol, which he maintained until his death, began December 11, 1934. In 1955 Wilson turned over control of AA to a board of trustees. Wilson died of emphysema complicated by pneumonia from smoking tobacco in 1971. In 1999 Time listed him as “Bill W.: The Healer” in the Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century
He met Dr Bob Smith *Smithy* in Akron, Ohio in 1935 and immediately a fellowship was formed!
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking . There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.“”
AA – Preamble
Below is his story from the 2012 film “Bill W – A Gift of Hope” by Page 124 Productions
