Former drinking buddy and later sponsor and inspiration to AA founder Bill W.Bill W., formally known as William Griffith Wilson, is a name that resonates deeply within the realms of addiction recovery and self-help. As one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Bill W.'s life journey and struggles with alcoholism are meticulously detailed in the Big Book of AA, a f... More, Ebby Thatcher pioneered major elements of the 12-steps. It was Thatcher who inspired Bill W. to remain soberIn 12-step programs, an individual is sober when they are no longer partaking in the behavior or substance to which they are addicted and living a better life following the program. Both are necessary to achieve sobriety. More and his visits to the founder inspired the social support element of the fellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding. More.