The phenomenon of gaining sobriety through membership in Alcoholics Anonymous
Loading...
Date
2007
Authors
Samuel, Tom A
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2007
Abstract
This project is devoted to explaining the phenomenon of gaining sobriety through
membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. While there are many ways in which a person
can achieve freedom from an alcohol addiction, by far the predominant tool in North
American society is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Historically the alcoholism treatment
system and AA developed simultaneous and symbiotically. In other parts of the world
AA came later, and is being viewed suspiciously by some, antagonistically by others and
cooperatively by many. AA is growing exponentially in Europe and Asia and continues
to grow significantly in North America. AA would not be what it is today without the
alcoholism treatment industry, and the alcoholism treatment industry would not be the
same without AA's influence.
This study uses four sources to provide a partial exposition of the how and why
AA works for some, but not for others: (1) the alcoholism literature, (2) the story of Tom,
an alcoholic who gained sobriety primarily through treatment resources maintained it
through work as an addictions counsellor, (3) the story of Bill whose initial sobriety came
from both treatment resources and AA, and (4) the story of Bob whose initial sobriety
came from intense immersion in AA. The three stories provide a rich source for reflection
on the process of achieving sobriety, supplemented by the author's comments.
The results of the study indicate a number of common features: (1) a life centered
on alcohol, (2) a later awareness of drinking patterns other than their own. (3) feelings of
uniqueness and aloneness. (4) loss of control, over both life and alcohol use, (5) the
tendency to exaggerate drinking experiences in an effort to fit into AA, (6) a basic knowledge of organized religion, (7) the influence of friendship both before and after
sobriety, and (8) the significance of helping others.
The study notes that there are specific general areas common to most members
who choose to maintain AA affiliation for life: (1) spirituality, (2) affiliation, and (3) a
program of living. The intriguing question is whether cultural universals of AA will
emerge as world wide AA continues to grow and is researched.
Description
ix, 137 leaves ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Alcoholics Anonymous , Alcoholism , Alcoholics -- Rehabilitation