AA Ballarat celebrated 59 years at the Eureka Hall on Saturday with visitors attending from all over the state.

AA member Dave said that in the past three years the number of weekly meetings available in Ballarat had grown from five or six to 13, as well as one in Daylesford.

Dave, who has been sober for three years, said AA has no heirarchy or chairman but is run by ex-sufferers and volunteers.

A member of AA in Ballarat for 35 years, Russell said the essence of AA is older members help newer members, but this help goes both ways.

"We're all here to share our experience, strength and hope," Russell said.

The AA program is known as the 12 steps which provide a framework for self-examination and road to recovery.

"The AA 12-step program is the most successful treatment program for alcohol addiction," Russell said.

"It works as sufferers get one-on-one contact with people who have been there and understand the disease."

While many of the people who attend AA tell tales of sadness and heartbreak, Russell said weekly meetings frequently produce everyday miracles.

"Evangelist Billy Graham once said if you want to witness a miracle you just need to go look around the corner at the AA meeting _ it's full of miracles," Russell said.

Twelve months ago, AA Ballarat set-up a 24-hour helpline.

"The helpline has had a huge response with over 100 calls made to it, and from that we have had 35 people come to our meetings," he said.

If you would like to know more about the work AA is doing in the community look at aaballarat.roxer.com or phone the helpline on 5364 2915.