How Alcoholics Anonymous Found Its Footing in Mexico's Cultural Landscape

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began in 1935 as a support network for people struggling with alcohol. Founded by William Griffith Wilson and Robert Holbrook Smith, the organisation has since spread worldwide. Its core mission remains helping members achieve sobriety through shared experiences and mutual aid. The group’s 12-step program was first published in 1939 in the Big Book, a guide still used today. This structured approach encourages personal accountability and recovery through peer support. The only condition for joining is a desire to stop drinking—no fees, membership dues, or formal entry requirements exist.

AA reached Mexico between 1946 and 1960, initially through American members visiting the country. The first lasting group, the *Mexico City Group*, formed in the Agrícola Oriental neighbourhood. Over time, local chapters developed their own interpretations of the Twelve Steps. Disagreements over how to apply the program led to divisions within Mexican AA. Some groups integrated Catholic traditions, like Masses and rosaries, into their meetings. Others pushed for a return to the original principles outlined in AA literature. These differences resulted in varied approaches across the country.

AA continues to operate as a free, open fellowship for anyone seeking sobriety. Its methods, rooted in the 12-step program, have adapted to local cultures while maintaining the original focus on mutual support. The organisation remains a key resource for those addressing alcohol dependency in Mexico and beyond.