what is friends of bill w Related answers

“Friends of Bill W.” is a term often used to refer to individuals who are members of or associated with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The “Bill W.” part refers to Bill Wilson, one of the co-founders of AA. The term is commonly used in social or professional contexts to discreetly indicate someone is in recovery from alcoholism without explicitly mentioning AA or the 12-step program.
The phrase “Friends of Bill W.” helps maintain anonymity, a central principle in AA, and is used as a way of recognizing fellow members or supporters of AA in situations where discussing alcohol use or recovery may not be appropriate.
Here are some related terms and concepts:
1. Bill Wilson: Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and author of its foundational text, Alcoholics Anonymous (also known as the “Big Book”).
2. AA (Alcoholics Anonymous): A fellowship of individuals who help one another stay sober and share their experiences with overcoming alcoholism.
3. 12-Step Program: A set of principles guiding people in recovery from addiction, originally developed by AA, which includes admitting powerlessness over addiction, seeking a higher power, making amends for past wrongs, and helping others.
4. Anonymity: A core principle of AA, ensuring that members’ identities are kept private, creating a safe space for individuals to seek help.
5. Sober Community: A broader term referring to any group or network of individuals working together to maintain sobriety, including those in AA, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or other recovery programs.
6. AA Phrases (e.g., “one day at a time”): Common sayings or slogans used within AA and other recovery communities to encourage persistence and maintain a healthy perspective on sobriety.
“Friends of Bill W.” can also sometimes be used informally to identify people who are supportive of or connected to AA’s principles, even if they are not formal members of the fellowship themselves.