Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith were the founders of the AA way back in 1935. By 1937 these two men believed they had cured at least 40 people of their alcoholic tendencies. In 1939 the society had about 100 members. By 2001 the membership count had skyrocketed to an estimated 2 million people. Now in 2009 the society seems to keep growing, making it one of the most successful organizations all over the world. The 12 step medallions sold at Recovery-Gifts.net are a good way to remember all the good done by these two men. The AA encourages more than a mere change in alcoholic drinking habits. Members of the fellowship are encouraged to make a complete moral and psychological change, not simply a lowering in the levels of alcohol consumption. Men and women who take part in the twelve step program begin a journey that leads to a form of spiritual re-awakening. Complete sobriety can only be achieved completes the process one day at a time, each day becoming more spiritually strong. Owning 12 step medallions will remind a person of the lengthy process that they are required to get through before becoming truly sober. The Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship views alcohol addiction as a sickness, not merely a small day to day issue. The AA makes use of this concept to explain to chronic, compulsive drinkers that they cannot remain in a state sobriety by willpower alone. Dr William Silkworth proposed his theory to the founders of the organization in the 1930's. He believed that alcoholism is a disease caused by an obsession to drink alcohol and a form of 'allergy'. This so-called 'allergy' was the inevitable compulsion to continue drinking more and more after the first drink. Recovery-Gifts.net's 12 step medallions help recovering alcoholics to understand that a lengthy step by step process is the only way to put this illness behind them for good.