Alcoholics Anonymous

The definitive history of writing and producing the"Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous, told through extensive access to the group's archives. Alcoholics Anonymous is arguably the most significant self-help book published in the twentieth century. Released in 1939, the “Big Book,” as it’s commonly known, has sold an estimated 37 million copies, been translated into seventy languages, and spawned numerous recovery communities around the world while remaining a vibrant plan for recovery from addiction in all its forms for millions of people. While there are many books about A.A. history, most rely on anecdotal stories told well after the fact by Bill Wilson and other early members—accounts that have proved to be woefully inaccurate at times. Writing the Big Book brings exhaustive research, academic discipline, and informed insight to the subject not seen since Ernest Kurtz’s Not-God, published forty years ago. Focusing primarily on the eighteen months from October 1937, when a book was first proposed, and April 1939 when Alcoholics Anonymous was published, Schaberg’s history is based on eleven years of research into the wealth of 1930s documents currently preserved in several A.A. archives. Woven together into an exciting narrative, these real-time documents tell an almost week-by-week story of how the book was created, providing more than a few unexpected turns and surprising departures from the hallowed stories that have been so widely circulated about early A.A. history. Fast-paced, engaging, and contrary, Writing the Big Book presents a vivid picture of how early A.A. operated and grew and reveals many previously unreported details about the colorful cast of characters who were responsible for making that group so successful.

The author visited the archives of the headquarters of A.A. in New York, and discovered new communications between Carl Jung and Bill Wilson. For the first time this correspondence shows Jung's respect for A.A. and in turn, its influence on him. In particular, this research shows how Bill Wilson was encouraged by Jung's writings to promote the spiritual aspect of recovery as opposed to the conventional medical model which has failed so abysmally. The book overturns the long-held belief that Jung distrusted groups. Indeed, influenced by A.A.'s success, Jung gave "complete and detailed instructions" on how the A.A. group format could be developed further and used by "general neurotics".Wilson was an advocate of treating some alcoholics with LSD in order to deflate the ego and induce a spiritual experience. The author explains how alcoholism can be diagnosed and understood by professionals and the lay person; by examining the detailed case histories of Jung, the author gives graphic examples of its psychological and behavioural manifestations.

Marty Mann was the first woman to achieve long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, and she inspired thousands of others, especially women, to help themselves. The little-known life of Marty Mann rivals a Masterpiece Theatre drama. She was born into a life of wealth and privilege, sank to the lowest depths of poverty and despair, then rose to inspire thousands of others, especially women, to help themselves. The first woman to achieve long-term sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, Marty Mann advocated the understanding that alcoholism is an issue of public health, not morality. In their fascinating book, Sally and David Brown shed light on this influential figure in recovery history. Born in Chicago in 1905, Marty was favored with beauty, brains, charisma, phenomenal energy, and a powerful will. She could also out drink anyone in her group of social elites. When her father became penniless, she was forced into work, landed a lucrative public relations position, and a decade later was destitute because of her drinking. She was committed to a psychiatric center in 1938-a time when the term alcoholism was virtually unknown, the only known treatment was "drying out," and two men were compiling the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Marty read it on the recommendation of psychiatrist Dr. Harry Tiebout: it was her first step toward sobriety and a long, illustrious career as founder of the National Council on Alcoholism, or NCA.In the early 1950s, journalist Edward R. Murrow selected Marty as one of the 10 greatest living Americans. Marty died of a stroke in 1980, shortly after addressing the AA international convention in New Orleans.This is a story of one woman's indefatigable effort and indomitable spirit, compellingly told by Sally and David Brown.

It was once taken for granted that peer-assisted groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous had no “real” value in recovery from addiction. More recently, evidence-based medicine is recognizing a spiritual component in healing—especially when it comes to addiction. The newest edition of Recent Developments in Alcoholism reflects this change by focusing on the 12-step model of recovery as well as mindfulness meditation and other spiritually oriented activity. More than thirty contributors bring together historical background, research findings, and clinical wisdom to analyze the compatibility of professional treatment and nonprofessional support, day-to-day concepts of relapse prevention, the value of community building in recovery, and much more. Among the topics covered: (1) How and why 12-step groups work. (2) The impact of the spiritual on mainstream treatment. (3) The impact of AA on other nonprofessional recovery programs. (4) AA outcomes for special populations. (5) Facilitating involvement in 12-step programs. (6) Methods for measuring religiousness and spirituality in alcohol research. Whether one is referring clients to 12-step programs or seeking to better understand the process, this is a unique resource for clinicians and social workers. Developmental psychologists, too, will find Volume 18—Research on Alcoholics Anonymous and Spirituality in Addiction Recovery a worthy successor to the series.

An extraordinary reproduction of the original working manuscript of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, with an introduction and notes by a panel of celebrated AA historians. The many changes that were made in black, green, and red on each page are show. An extraordinary reproduction of the original working manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous, with essays and notes by a panel of celebrated AA historians.The Book That Started It All offers fresh insights into the history and foundation of the revolutionary Alcoholics Anonymous program. Reproduced in this elegant gift edition with essays and notes by a panel of celebrated AA historians, the original working manuscript is the missing link in our understanding of what transpired between AA founder Bill Wilson's first draft of Alcoholics Anonymous and the first published edition. In January 1939, Wilson and other AA founders distributed 400 copies of his typescript to everyone they could think of "who might be concerned with the problem of alcoholism," to test out the program. As the loan copies were returned, suggestions for revision were considered and written out in colored pencil on one master copy that was eventually submitted for publication.The many changes made in black, green, and red on page after page are shown here in their original form, revealing the opinions, debates, and discussions that went into making the Big Book.

This well researched, painstakingly documented book provides detailed information on the right-wing evangelical organization (Oxford Group Movement) that gave birth to AA; the relation of AA and its program to the Oxford Group Movement; AA's similarities to and differences from religious cults; AA's remarkable ineffectiveness; and the alternatives to AA. The greatly expanded second edition includes a new chapter on AA's relationship to the treatment industry, and AA's remarkable influence in the media.

The History of Gay People in Alcoholics Anonymous documents and honors the ways thousands of LGBT people have carried Alcoholics Anonymous' message. This illuminating chronicle includes interviews and documents that detail the compelling history, recovery, and wisdom of gay people in AA. The book examines the challenges AA faced as the fellowship endeavored to become a more inclusive and cohesive community. The first-person accounts narrate the important work of influential gay and straight AA members that led key events in AA’s history. The author includes material on the steps and traditions of AA, and on becoming an ally to LGBT people on the road to recovery. Topics in The History of Gay People in Alcoholics Anonymous include: the gay origins of AA’s Third Tradition a comparison of treatments for alcoholism and homosexuality compelling portraits of sober gay life in the 1950s and 1960s the debate in AA over meetings for gay alcoholics interviews with members and co-founders of the first gay AA meetings the history of the first gay AA/Al-Anon conference interviews with pioneering gay addiction professionals the history of AA pamphlet “AA and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic” Alcoholics Together, and why a parallel AA organization for gay alcoholics formed in southern California strategies AA’s gay members developed to make their meetings simultaneously safe and public—and why some of them are still necessary today much more The History of Gay People in Alcoholics Anonymous is an enlightening book for members of the LGBT and heterosexual recovering community, alcoholism and addiction professionals, as well as physicians, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, clergy, historians, sociologists, educators, students, and anyone interested in learning more about AA or this aspect of the community’s history.

A fascinating, account of the discovery and program of Alcoholics Anonymous, Not God contains anecdotes and excerpts from the diaries, correspondence, and occasional memoirs of AA's early figures. The most complete history of A.A. ever written. Not God contains anecdotes and excerpts from the diaries, correspondence, and occasional memoirs of A.A.'s early figures. A fascinating, fast-moving, and authoritative account of the discovery and development of the program and fellowship that we know today as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Pioneer Stories in Alcoholics Anonymous: God's Role in Recovery Confirmed! by Dick B. and Ken B. presents many quotations from the 29 personal stories included in the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Those stories by many of A.A.'s pioneers testify to roles played by God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible in early A.A.'s astonishing successes with "medically-incurable" alcoholics.

An exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry—and how a failed addiction-treatment model came to dominate America. AA has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5–10 percent success rate—hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program’s overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA’s rise, from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. The Sober Truth includes true stories from Dr. Dodes’s thirty-five years of clinical practice, as well as firsthand accounts submitted by addicts through an open invitation on the Psychology Today website. These stories vividly reveal the experience of walking the steps and attending some of the nation’s most famous rehabilitation centers. The Sober Truth builds a powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and explodes the myth that these programs offer an acceptable or universal solution to the deeply personal problem of addiction. This book offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem.

The story of A.A.'s birth at Dr. Bob's Home in Akron on June 10, 1935. It tells what early AAs did in their meetings, homes, and hospital visits; what they read; and how their ideas developed from the Bible, the Oxford Group, and Christian literature. It depicts the roles of A.A. founders and their wives, and of Henrietta Seiberling, and T. Henry & Clarace Williams. Foreword by John F. Seiberling Finally--a history that ties together the events in New York and Akron during A.A.'s formative years from 1931-1939. It tells of the Bud Firestone Miracle and the 1933 Oxford Group events in Akron. Then of the early meetings in New York and Akron. It details the specific contributions to A.A. that T. Henry and Clarace Williams, Henrietta Seiberling, Bill Wilson, and Dr. Bob and Anne Smith made at A.A.'s Akron birthplace. It covers the when, where and how of A.A.'s birth. There are details as to surrenders, hospitalization, meetings, literature, Bible study and prayer and meditation, and what the Akron people did in their homes. And there are precise traces from the Bible, the Four Absolutes, Christian writers, and the Oxford Group into the Twelve Steps and the Big Book. This book is about what Akron gave to A.A. and what A.A. can attribute to its Akron birthplace.

Defense of the Gospel None could deny that A.A. has taught hundreds of thousands of alcoholics to live in continuous sobriety. But a bigger question is, “By what means—and with what consequences—does A.A. accomplish this minor miracle?” Could we, for example, lay A.A. literature side by side with Scripture and conclude the two are in steady harmony? Or could it actually be possible that they contradict one another? And if that were the case, would we be wise to point to our continued sobriety as proof we have also been reconciled with God? By contrasting what Scripture has to say on the subject of addiction, this book will uncover A.A.’s teachings at great depth. Simultaneously it will help you to precisely diagnose the deception of Alcoholics Anonymous. Followers of Christ, A.A. members, and their families can ill afford to miss dozens of eye-opening revelations as David Simmons delivers his compassionate message of hope. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy… Colossians 2:8 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

Many people hurt and have suffered needlessly under the umbrella of Christianity. They have been prejudiced into believing false doctrines of a punishing, controlling, and absentee God who is waiting to zap you when you least expect it. These rubs always push people away. People know in their heart who God is and who He is not. Believing in a loving Father who doesn’t want to control your will makes sense to most. God wants us to make our own decisions. The atheist and agnostic would gladly follow biblical teachings if they heard the truth. Unfortunately, we all limit ourselves and God by unhealthy beliefs. God takes our pain, guilt, and fear when we search for a better way of life and find the path that allows us to go boldly before Him. Relief will come. The hole in the gut closes. Fear and anger vanish and the truth sets you free. The old timers of Alcoholics Anonymous had discovered a new outlook that today is lost. We too need to let go of past thinking patterns that hinder us and search for something that works by doing what Wilson instructed us to do: “Seek God.” This book doesn’t have all the answers. What it does is start people on the ultimate truth—through scripture—of what the Bible teaches and what God’s will is for our lives. Prove it out for yourself. Study to show thyself approved.

Do you think you may be developing an unhealthy lifestyle or may have an addiction? The knowledge contained within this book can help if you put it to use. You will need more than the traditional 12 Steps and that is what's at your fingertips. Where there is a will and hard work there is always a way. You won't just have hope but a REALISTIC HOPE. Do it for you. Invest this knowledge in you and get back on track because YOLO ( You Only Live Once )

After much thought and even more contemplation, I’ve decided to publish and circulate this book while honoring anonymity. With all due respect to Robert Fulghum, I don't really remember kindergarten, let alone the things I needed and maybe learned. At the age of twenty-seven, I would dare say that the place I started to learn what I really needed, was in the twelve-step program called Alcoholics Anonymous. Better late than never.

Seventeen years ago, Iam was on the verge of either dying or being locked up for a very long time. Instead, he became a very active member of AA and has stayed in the middle of AA ever since and has been sponsoring new members for over sixteen years. He loves AA so much that other members laugh when they hear him sing his favorite jingle: I am stuck on AA, cause AAs stuck on me! Today, Iam lives in southwest Florida with his wonderful Al Anon wife and their happy seven-year-old daughter and delightful eight-month-old baby boy, Iam Junior.

A Newbery Honor Book Winner of the Correta Scott King - John Steptoe for New Talent Author Award A Morris Award Finalist An NPR Favorite Book of 2019 A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 This deeply sensitive and powerful debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself. There are ninety-six things Genesis hates about herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list. Like #95: Because her skin is so dark, people call her charcoal and eggplant—even her own family. And #61: Because her family is always being put out of their house, belongings laid out on the sidewalk for the world to see. When your dad is a gambling addict and loses the rent money every month, eviction is a regular occurrence. What’s not so regular is that this time they all don’t have a place to crash, so Genesis and her mom have to stay with her grandma. It’s not that Genesis doesn’t like her grandma, but she and Mom always fight—Grandma haranguing Mom to leave Dad, that she should have gone back to school, that if she’d married a lighter skinned man none of this would be happening, and on and on and on. But things aren’t all bad. Genesis actually likes her new school; she’s made a couple friends, her choir teacher says she has real talent, and she even encourages Genesis to join the talent show. But how can Genesis believe anything her teacher says when her dad tells her the exact opposite? How can she stand up in front of all those people with her dark, dark skin knowing even her own family thinks lesser of her because of it? Why, why, why won’t the lemon or yogurt or fancy creams lighten her skin like they’re supposed to? And when Genesis reaches #100 on the list of things she hates about herself, will she continue on, or can she find the strength to begin again?

Robert Thomsen's biography describes the story of Bill W., a stirring spiritual odyssey through triumph, failure, and rebirth, with vital meaning for men and women everywhere. This is the story of a man whose discovery and vision have changed the lives of millions of people throughout the world. Robert Thomsen's biography takes readers through the events of Bill W.'s life, all the while detailing Bill's growing dependence on alcohol. Thomsen writes of the collapse that brought Bill to the verge of death and of the luminous instant of insight that saved him. This turning point led Bill to the encounter in 1935 with Dr. Bob and the start of what was to be a new beginning for countless others who despaired of finding rescue and redemption. Every night at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings around the world, a speaker says, "Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now." This describes the story of Bill W., a stirring spiritual odyssey through triumph, failure, and rebirth, with vital meaning for men and women everywhere.

Many thousands have benefited from "The Big Book" and its simple but profound explanation of the doctrines behind Alcoholics Anonymous, which was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. This original 1939 edition outlines the famous 12 steps, and offers counsel for those who wish to join the program but doubt the existence of a higher power. It also contains encouraging personal stories, in which AA members relate their experiences with alcohol and how they found the path to sobriety. "The Big Book" has gone through numerous editions and remains the most widely used resource for recovering alcoholics. Only this original 1939 edition includes all 29 stories of the program's pioneers, which share the details of their full journey, including initial recovery, sometimes followed by relapse and eventual success. This edition also features the key to the solution claimed by Bill Wilson: a vital spiritual experience that allows followers to rediscover, or discover, God. This realistic portrayal of the program as offered by its founders has been lost in subsequent editions of the work, and is presented here to serve as a reminder that success comes in many forms.

Alcoholism is a pressing challenge to the U.S. Hispanic communities. Current treatments are often outside of their economic abilities, or are not adapted to their specific cultures. Government and other outside funding of these treatments also may create a dependence on forces beyond the Hispanic community's control, just as an unhealthy dependency can be created between client and counselor. Alcoholics Anonymous, however, costs members nothing and insists on mutual aid, not professional dependence. It is a widespread phenomenon among Hispanics both in the United States and abroad. The question is whether this grandparent of the self-help movement, born among middle-class, Midwestern Anglophones, is truly adaptable and liberating for the Hispanic community. Primero Dios investigates this question specifically from the perspective of the Catholic, Mexican-descent male. A review of the literature disclosed that A.A. has quite a following and an impressive history among this group. This research also revealed conversion as a key concept in the treatment of A.A. Hence, the author looks at what the Mexican-descent community understands by conversion, and compares this meaning with the A.A. construct. Three key values are identified which help explain the inculturation of A.A. among this group: 1) respect for self and others; 2) a belief in a Higher Power and in destiny without fatalism; 3) suffering makes for strength. This theory was successfully piloted on a focus group of self-described pastoral agents of the Church. They are the native resource persons who can investigate the meaning-making milieu of these two groups and place each in a mutually beneficial dialogue with the other. Having demonstrated this point, Kenneth G. Davis posits that this same inculturation could occur between the Hispanic communities and other self-help groups (such as Parents Anonymous). With the support of the Church and others, many challenges now facing the Hispanic communities and likewise often not properly treated, could be approached by an inculturated use of similar groups. This book will make an important research tool as it makes an important contribution to our sensitivity, understanding, and ability to treat the Hispanic alcoholic from a compassionate, culturally sensitive perspective.