Alcoholics Anonymous’s Sobriety Circle and Triangle Symbol consists of a triangle contained within a circle. The triangle depicts unity, rehabilitation, and service in response to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of alcoholism’s disease. The enclosing circle indicates completeness or unity, as well as tranquilly and perfection.
The origins of the symbol can be traced to various native civilizations, when priests and medicine men viewed the triangle enclosed by a circle as a means of warding off evil spirits. Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, picked the emblem to represent the power of the mind and body in repelling the evil spirits that lead to addiction.