In Akron, Ohio, Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith, two
recovering alcoholics, founded Alcoholics Anonymous,
also known as "A.A.," a 12-step rehabilitation program
that eventually helped countless people cope with
alcoholism.

Based on psychological techniques that have long been
used in suppressing certain personality traits, members
of the strictly anonymous organization control their
disease through guided group discussion and
confession.

As of 2021, AA estimated it is active in 180 countries with
an estimated membership of nearly two million—73% in
the United States and Canada.

Other addiction support groups patterned on A.A. include
Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous.