Lena Savoie
What is Alcoholics Anonymous? is a book by Dr. Marc Galanter, a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and a Senior Editor of the Journal Substance Abuse. The book provides an in-depth overview of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a popular and established recovery movement that is poorly understood by many. With his expertise in addiction studies and treatment, Galanter integrates the latest research in psychology, cultural history, and clinical science with first-person accounts of experiences with AA. The book offers a thorough investigation into what AA is, how it works, and how it can be utilised by healthcare professionals and individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Marc Galanter |
| Author's Qualifications | Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Senior Editor of the Journal "Substance Abuse", Co-editor of the American Psychiatric Association's "Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment", Addiction Psychiatrist, Master Clinician, Scholar, and Educator |
| Book's Purpose | To provide an in-depth overview of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a popular and established yet poorly understood recovery movement |
| Book's Focus | AA's origin and evolution, controversies, the AA experience, AA as part of addiction treatment, the role of rehabs, and the program's effectiveness |
| Book's Intended Audience | Individuals with substance abuse problems, family and friends of addicts, and health professionals |
| Book's Key Features | First-person accounts of experiences with AA, latest research in psychology, cultural history, and clinical science, expert assessment of AA's effectiveness, step-by-step overview of the AA experience |
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What You'll Learn
AA's origin and evolution
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the "Big Book," was first published in 1939. It was written by a group of 100 members who had "recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body" and had lost "the power of choice in drink." The book's purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 members of Alcoholics Anonymous got sober.
The book has since been updated with new editions, reflecting the increasing diversity and global reach of Alcoholics Anonymous. The second edition of the book was written in 1955 and introduced the Twelve Traditions for the first time. The third edition does not seem to have a specified publication date. The fourth edition was written in 2001 and was published in 44 languages, with online meetings also being held.
The book is considered the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous and has been translated into over 70 languages. It includes personal accounts of people in and out of recovery, a diverse set of experiences that shed light on how Alcoholics Anonymous works in practice.
The book is written by Dr. Marc Galanter, a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and a Senior Editor of the Journal "Substance Abuse." He has also co-edited the American Psychiatric Association's "Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment." He has written three books, "Cults: Faith, Healing, and Coercion," "Network Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Abuse," and "Spirituality and the Healthy Mind," and has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles.
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Controversies and the role of God
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship with two million members worldwide. However, despite its popularity, it remains a mystery to most people and is even viewed by some as a cult or a religion.
Dr. Marc Galanter, a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and a Senior Editor of the Journal "Substance Abuse," has written a book titled "What is Alcoholics Anonymous?" to address this gap in understanding.
The book is described as a "balanced, highly researched investigation into what Alcoholics Anonymous is, how it works, and who it might help." It integrates findings from the latest research in psychology, cultural history, and clinical science with diverse first-person accounts of experiences with AA.
One of the controversies surrounding AA is the role of God or a higher power in the recovery process. AA has been described as a Twelve Steps program of recovery that centres on turning one's will over to a higher power. This has been a point of contention for some, as not everyone is comfortable with the idea of submitting to a higher power or considering addiction as a spiritual issue.
In his book, Dr. Galanter presents a thorough and objective perspective on this issue. He includes personal accounts of people in and out of recovery, shedding light on how AA works in practice and how individuals navigate their spiritual beliefs within the program.
While some critics argue that AA overpromises or imposes a specific religious perspective, Dr. Galanter's work provides an accessible and engaging overview of AA, allowing readers to form their own conclusions about the role of God or a higher power in the program.
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The AA experience
In his book, "What is Alcoholics Anonymous", Dr. Marc Galanter, a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and a Senior Editor of the Journal "Substance Abuse", provides an in-depth overview of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a popular and established yet poorly understood recovery movement. With his expertise in addiction medicine, Dr. Galanter explores the steps involved in the AA experience, including sponsorship and spiritual awakenings.
Through his research and experience, Dr. Galanter offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of the AA program. He includes diverse first-person accounts from individuals in and out of recovery, shedding light on the impact of AA on their lives. These personal testimonies showcase the power of shared experiences and the sense of community that AA fosters. The book also addresses some of the controversies surrounding AA, such as the role of God or a higher power, and whether addiction is a disease.
Dr. Galanter's book serves as a comprehensive guide to the AA experience, providing a balanced and well-researched perspective. It offers hope and practical advice for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction, as well as their loved ones and the healthcare professionals supporting them. By demystifying the AA experience, the book helps break down barriers and encourages those struggling with addiction to seek help.
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AA as part of addiction treatment
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the "Big Book", is a program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, its purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 members of Alcoholics Anonymous got sober. Now translated into over 70 languages, it is still considered the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous.
In his book, "What is Alcoholics Anonymous", Dr. Marc Galanter, a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU and Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, provides an in-depth overview of Alcoholics Anonymous. He integrates findings from the latest research in psychology, cultural history, and clinical science with a diverse range of first-person experiences with AA.
The book is divided into three parts. Part I discusses AA's origin and evolution, and controversies—particularly about the role of God or a higher power—and whether alcoholism is a disease. Part II examines the AA experience, including the steps, sponsorship, and spiritual awakenings. In Part III, Galanter considers AA as part of addiction treatment, the role of rehabs, and the overall question of the program’s effectiveness.
Galanter's book is an important contribution to the field of addiction treatment. It is a practical and eloquent resource for both those affected by addiction and healthcare professionals seeking to provide guidance to patients in recovery. It is also a valuable tool for mental health clinicians working with patients who suffer from alcohol use disorder.
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AA's effectiveness
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship with two million members worldwide. In his book, "What is Alcoholics Anonymous?", Dr. Marc Galanter, a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, provides an in-depth, objective, and accessible investigation into what AA is, how it works, and how it might be considered and used by healthcare professionals and anyone affected by addiction recovery.
The book offers a step-by-step, thorough overview of the AA experience, integrating the latest research in psychology, cultural history, and clinical science with diverse first-person experiences with AA. It is written for three audiences: people with substance abuse problems who wonder if AA can help, family and friends of addicts, and health professionals who want a clear explanation of the AA fellowship.
The book has been praised for its accessibility and ability to engage a wide range of audiences, including those seeking help from alcohol-related problems, affected family members, and helping professionals, especially those working on the front lines of addiction treatment.
While the book provides an expert assessment of AA's effectiveness, it is important to note that the effectiveness of AA as a treatment program has been debated and scrutinized. Some sources indicate that AA is considered effective in helping those struggling with addiction, while others question the safety and effectiveness of such programs, calling for more rigorous evidence and research.
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Frequently asked questions
Marc Galanter is a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, a Senior Editor of the Journal "Substance Abuse", and co-editor of the American Psychiatric Association's "Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment".
"What is Alcoholics Anonymous" provides an in-depth overview of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a popular and established yet poorly understood recovery movement. The book investigates what AA is, how it works, and how the organisation might be considered and used by both healthcare professionals and anyone affected by the pursuit of recovery.
The book is written for three audiences: people with substance abuse problems who are considering AA; family and friends of addicts; and health professionals who want a clear explanation of the AA fellowship.
The book covers AA's origin and evolution, controversies, the AA experience, steps, sponsorship, spiritual awakenings, and the role of rehabs. It also includes personal accounts by people in and out of recovery.
The book has been well-received, with reviewers describing it as a "masterpiece", "engaging", "impressively well-researched", and "important". It is praised for its accessibility, objectivity, and integration of research and first-person experiences.
