Alcoholics Anonymous® started as the Oxford Group which was a non-denominational religious movement popular in the early 20th century.  

The 12-step groups practice a formula of self-improvement by: 

Performing self-inventory, Admitting wrongs, Making amends, Using prayer and meditation, and Carrying the message to others. 

The tenets are based on the “Four Absolutes”: 

Honesty, Purity, Unselfishness, and Love; with an emphasis on One-on-One Sharing and Guidance.