The two men began work with other alcoholics at the City Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and one patient became sober right away. Together these men made up the first group of A.A., and shortly thereafter groups formed in several different locations.

Early in 1939, the Fellowship published its basic textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous. The text, written by Bill, explained A.A.'s philosophy and methods, the core of which was the now well-known Twelve Steps of recovery. The book was also reinforced by case histories of some thirty re

There are several different types of meetings. There are 2 types of open meetings. One is open speaker meetings which are open to both alcoholics and nonalcoholic. In this type of meetings the members of A.A. share their stories, their problems with alcohol, what brought them there, and how their life has modified since attending A.A. The other type of open meeting is discussion meetings. A member discusses briefly their experiences with alcohol, and then leads a discussion on recovery or another alcohol related problem brought up by someone at the meeting. Closed discussion meetings are the same as open discussion meetings, but are for alcoholics and prospective A.A. members/ people who may have drinking problems only. There are also step meetings, which are normally closed. At these meetings one of the Twelve Steps are discussed.

A Brown university study conducted research about "how actively the patient is "working" the program; the extent to which he or she is incorporating A.A. concepts into daily living; and the degree of attendance and participation in A.A. (AA/Brown University)." According to this study, by researching A.A. procedure variables it will "help clinicians and researchers investigate why A.A. works for some patients and not others, and may be able to help develop individualized treatment goals (AA/Brown University)." Although there may be some hesitance at first, I believe that it is a logical conclusion that a person who is an active participant in a meeting, and shares their story will be better helped that a person who does not.

Alcoholics Anonymous has expanded its locations to include holding meetings in both correctional, and treatment facilities. By doing this they are able to extend help to people who are in need, but unable to go to meetings. Obviously people in jail or prison cannot leave to attend regularly scheduled meetings. Patients in treatment facilities are also helped by these meetings. They are in treatment and recovering, but also are receiving counseling and/or therapy along with being able to attend meetings. The Alcohol Safety Action Project (A.S.A.P.) and Driving While Intoxicated (D.W.I.) may have Alcoholics Anonymous members conducting informational meetings as part of their programs. These are not regular A.A. group meetings, but informational meetings about A.A.

We decided to attend an open meeting that was for women only. The meeting started, and a women stood up and introduced herself. She stated her name and that was an alcoholic, but had been sober for a little over a year. Recently, she said she has had a strained relationship with he teenage son. They have a good relationship, but he knows how to lay guilt trips. Before she was sober her sons got their way all the time, and did as they pleased. He is becoming more independent and at 16, and getting a drivers license. She has set boundaries, but he does not readily accept this. It is also difficult she realizes that he mother he knew growing up is a different (sober) person now. Another women in the group has a boy the same age, and she said they have spoken about their similar problems, and it is good to know she is not the only one goi

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