ABOUT BOB SMITH
Referred to as Dr. Bob, he co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous with Bill W.
He began drinking heavily while in college, and continued throughout his professional life, nearly flunking out of the medical program due to alcoholism.
His treatments for alcoholism proved ineffective until he met another struggling alcoholic, Bill Wilson, and so the two embarked on a novel attempt to treat addiction.
He was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, a New England village, and his parents' strict attendance of religious services formed his aversion to religion in his adult life.
He and Bill Wilson de-emphasized religion in the treatment of alcoholism and preferred concrete, practical steps.
