Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, requested three shots of whiskey on his deathbed after 37 years of sobriety, but it was denied. He maintained his sobriety until his death in 1971 and was instrumental in forming AA’s worldwide board of directors. AA has groups in every continent except Antarctica.
After 37 years of sobriety, Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, was dying of pneumonia. His last wish was for three shots of whisky. According to a 2004 Washington Post article, Wilson biographer Susan Cheever discovered this wish and its subsequent denial from medical records maintained by Wilson’s nurses. So whether he likes it or not, Wilson maintained his sobriety from the time he had his last drink in 1934 until his death in 1971. Seven months before his death, Wilson gave a speech at the 35th International Convention Alcoholics Anonymous Anniversary in Miami Beach, Florida. He concluded his speech with the words: “God bless you and Alcoholics Anonymous forever.” He was instrumental in forming the General Services Conference – AA’s worldwide board of directors – so that all AA groups would be accountable to a single body. Alcoholics Anonymous and subsequent 12-step groups have followed this pattern ever since.
Read more about Alcoholics Anonymous:
The only requirement for membership in any Alcoholics Anonymous group is a desire to stop drinking.
AA literature is distributed in over 250 languages.
AA groups meet on every continent except Antarctica, in countries as far away as Vanuatu, Indonesia and Nepal.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
