How Akron Became the Birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous with the Help of Two Women

AKRON, OH — While Alcoholics Anonymous has been widely recognized as a transformative force in the field of addiction recovery, the contributions of two women who played a crucial role in its founding have remained largely unknown. Lois Burnham Wilson and Anne Ripley Smith stood beside their husbands, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, in the most challenging of times, pioneering a movement that would go on to help millions.

Despite enduring years of hardship as the wives of men who described themselves as chronic alcoholics, Lois and Anne’s steadfast commitment to their marriages laid the foundation for what would become the modern addiction recovery movement. Their work, however, has received little public recognition, with no awards, commemorations, or official honors in their names.

A recently published study based on eight years of research delves into the crucial roles Lois and Anne played in co-creating Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), Al-Anon Family Groups, and the broader addiction recovery framework. Researchers Joy Jones and Tom Adams meticulously examined primary source documents from the Stepping Stones Foundation in Katonah, New York, the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services archives, and historical materials on Dr. Bob and Anne Smith’s home and library in Akron, Ohio. Their findings reveal that without the dedication of these two women, A.A. and the countless recovery programs that followed might never have taken shape in the way they did.

Anne Smith, born March 3, 1881, was a key spiritual mentor to her husband and Bill Wilson. Through her daily spiritual practices, she introduced them to concepts of faith, quiet reflection, and developing a relationship with a Higher Power. Her home in Akron became a refuge, where she welcomed alcoholics and their spouses, offering them a rare sense of safety and understanding. Anne’s approach to recovery emphasized spiritual transformation, setting the groundwork for the Twelve Steps. She passed away in 1949, but her influence on the A.A. model endures.

Lois Wilson, born in 1891, stood by Bill Wilson as he battled alcoholism and helped support early A.A. members, including the first women to seek recovery within the program. Her experiences led her to recognize the unique struggles faced by the spouses and families of alcoholics. In 1951, she co-founded Al-Anon Family Groups, an organization built on Anne’s teachings and the shared experiences of those who had suffered alongside addicted loved ones. She played a pivotal role in adapting the Twelve Steps for families and spent decades advocating for their use beyond addiction.

One of the defining moments of Lois Wilson’s personal transformation occurred when, in a moment of frustration, she threw a shoe at her husband. This seemingly small act led to a deeper realization that she, too, needed to apply the principles of recovery to her own life.

At a time when addiction continues to devastate individuals and families worldwide, the contributions of Lois and Anne hold renewed significance. Their commitment to healing not just the individual but the family unit as a whole remains a cornerstone of addiction recovery efforts today.

The book A Marriage That Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement tells the story of these women through the lens of their marriages, shedding light on their essential role in shaping a movement that has saved countless lives.

For additional details, including press materials, visit thadams.com/the-wilson-book.

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