The phrase “early A.A.” refers to the early fellowships and meetings held in Akron, Ohio. These meetings took place between 1935 and 1939 when Alcoholics Anonymous was an integral part of “A First Century Christian Fellowship” (Pitman 56). A.A. was the outcome of a meeting between Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S., an Akron surgeon. Both had been hopeless alcoholics (Fingarette 14).
Before this time, Bill and Dr. Bob had each been in contact with the Oxford Group, a mostly nonalcoholic fellowship that emphasized universal spiritual values in daily living(Fingarette 15). During this period, the noted episcopal clergyman, Dr. Samuel Shoemaker, headed the group. Under this spiritual influence, and with the help of an old time friend, Ebby T., Bill had gotten sober and had then maintained his recovery by working with other alcoholics, though none of there had actually recovered (Wekesser 23) . Meanwhile, Dr. Bob’s Oxford Group membership at Akron had not helped him enough to achieve sobriety. When the doctor met Bill, he found himself face to face with a fellow sufferer who had made good (Pitman 62). Bill emphasized that alcoholism was a malady of mind, emotions and body. Though a physician, Dr. Bob had not known alcoholism to be a disease. Due to Bill’s convincing ideas, he soon got sober, never to drink again. The founding spark of A.A. had been struck (Wekesser 26).
Both men immediately set to work with alcoholics at Akron’s City Hospital, where one patient quickly achieved complete sobriety (Pitman 69). In the fall of 1935, a second group of alcoholics slowly took shape in New York. A third appeared at Cleveland in 1939. It had taken over four years to produce 100 sober alcoholics in the three founding groups. That same year, the Fellowship published it’s basic textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous. The text, written by Bill, explained A.A.’s philosophy and methods, the core of which was the now well-known Twelve Steps to Recovery (Pitman 75 & 76). The book was reinforced by case histories of around thirty recovered members. From this point on, A.A’s development was rapidly growing (Wekesser 36).
One milestone in A.A’s history was in 1939. The Cleveland Plain Dealer carried a series of articles about A.A. supported by warm editorials. The Cleveland Group,...
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...d without its host of well wishers who have since given their time and effort A.A. could never have grown and prospered. The Fellowship records its constant gratitude (Fingarette 72).
It was on January 24, 1971, that Bill, a victim of pneumonia, died in Miami Beach, Florida, where he had delivered at the 35th Anniversary International Convention what proved to be his last words to fellow A.A.s: “God bless you and Alcoholics Anonymous forever” (Pitman 120). Since then, A.A. has become truly global. This has revealed that A.A.’s way of life can today transcend most barriers of race, creed and language (Wekesser 87). A World Service Meeting, started in 1969, has been held biennially since 1972. Its locations alternate between New York and overseas. It has met in London, England; Helsinki, Finland; San Juan del Rio, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Munich, Germany and Cartagena, Colombia. These meetings and their locations have gone to show the global impact A.A. has achieved. The Akron A.A. team of Dr. Bob, Bill, and Anne has never been equaled in personal, spiritual recovery outreach. It was truly the heart of A.A.’s spiritual beginnings (Pitman 124).
Robinson, David. From Drinking to Alcoholism: A Social Commentary. London: John Wiley and Sons, 1976.
Alcoholism is as prevalent in my family, as blood is in our veins. When previously asked to observe 12-step groups, I ritualistically flocked to Alcoholics Anonymous, without consideration of the possibility that other groups had any potential to make an impact on me. I always pride myself in my ability to identify as an individual that is not ensnared in alcoholism, but unfortunately am an individual that was highly tormented by alcoholism. Through observation of the group and how it processed, as well as identifying how I felt as a new attendee, I was able to understand why self-help, support groups are so vital for individuals in recovery. I finally realized, I too am in recovery.
A major question that has been asked ever since the creation of AA, people have questioned Bill Wilson’s theory on Alcoholism; whether it’s a disease or a spiritual problem. In addition to the question of the origins of alcoholism another question is if the “Big Book” and 12 step program about alcohol or about finding God. This paper is about Alcoholics Anonymous and how the organization treats alcoholism as a disease that it impossible to cure unless the individual finds God. I believe that AA operates in a fashion similar to that of a cult because of what the book teaches and the message that AA members are instructed to carry out.
Alcohol Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship worldwide consisting of over one hundred thousand men and women who are alcoholics, banded together in solving a common problem and in helping fellow alcohol users in their recovery from alcoholism. A.A.'s twelve steps are considered a list of principles which are spiritual in their nature, and if practiced as a way of life by members, can help significantly in expelling a member’s obsession to drink, and enable a holistic awareness. Step one is when the member admits they are powerless over the use of alcohol, resulting in an unmanageable life. No one wants to admit defeat, but admitting powerlessness over alcohol is the first step in becoming liberated. Step two is having a belief that the almighty power can restore their sanity. Step three is making the decision to turn their will and life over in the protection of the almighty God, which is the key to willingness of change as noted by the Twelve Steps of recovery. Step four is...
I have never experienced what it would be like to be a part of an AA meeting. The only time I have had seen or heard someone mention meetings for alcoholics has been TV shows and movies, which would portray these meeting as a circle of strangers just deliberating stories of their life and how this disease has changed them forever. Therefore, I had no idea what to expect. I felt intimidated and had a sense of nervousness, so I decided I would not go alone and brought a friend. My expectation upon entering this meeting was to see beat up people with bad hygiene and a homeless appearance. As a matter of fact, the expectations I had upon walking towards this place was that I was going to get hit on and even get kidnapped. As crazy as it sounds, all these thoughts came through my mind particularly because of the type of environment I expected it to be. For the most part, I was wrong. I was actually surprised at what I witnessed and I came to realize that I was over-reacting. Upon arrival, there were people spread out; some talking together and some sitting alone. The room was nothing like I imagined. It wasn't an auditorium or a gym like they showed on TV. This place which I had imagined to be a dreadful enclosed surface with maniacal individuals turned out to be a small room with sofas and tables to make guests feel welcomed, with regular looking men and women appearing to be middle-aged. I thought "There has to be something wrong, I can’t be convinced that all these people who seem normal to me have an addiction problem with alcoholism". My friend and I took a seat by the door just in case we wanted to make a quick exit.
Alcoholic Anonymous Subculture is characterized by a certain characteristic that all members share the same goal. In this subculture there are dedicated members who need to share their experience, strength and hope for each other, and need to free themselves from their drinking problem. Even though, these people are coming from different cultures, religions, and places, their goal are the same to stay away from an excessive drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous subculture was found the first time in 1935 by two Americans Robert Smith and Bill Wilson (Emily,2012, p.1). This subculture is based on the people who have had a drinking problem. However, in this group there are no age, gender, education, religion or race requirement, so any person who has
“My name is Michael and I’m an alcoholic.” “Hi, Michael.” The 60 years old man’s life story was very crazy and amazing that my heart was ached and wrenched. Listening to Michael, I was sure that he had to believe in the higher Power. He ended his story with “No matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, just show up to this meeting. You just show up! That’s all you need to do.” I agree with what Michael said. It was all about you show up and being available. This is very simple yet, very hard commitment. After Michael’s life sharing, it was followed by comments from the audience about how they could relate and include into their own story. The members shared their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. I heard several people said, “I came here and know that I’m not alone.” I learned that AA meeting does not promise to solve his or her alcohol problem but the member can teach and support each other how to spend the day without alcohol. AA meeting is not about a healing or a bandage to cover the pain of being an alcoholic. It helps people to recognize who they are and what they have done and how to overcome that. AA meeting is a team support that proves the power of the group is greater than the individual alone. After listening to the members’ stories, I support Alcoholics Anonymous one hundred percent. Throughout the meeting, I felt that AA
Upon arriving at the meeting, Tom H., the apparent leader of the meeting, came up and introduced himself to me and asked if I was a student. I don’t know if I stuck out or it was the notebook I held that gave me away. There were eighteen people in attendance, which I thought was a pretty large group. There were nine women and nine men. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Serenity Prayer. The Serenity Prayer was first adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1941 when it appeared in the New York Herald-Tribune Newspaper, and reads: “God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change things I can,
Connecting is part of this wonderful Fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strengths and hope of a better, sober life. The philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous is that alcoholism is a disease and no one is “cured” even if they stop drinking. The members of this informal group focus on staying sober “one day at a time”. And, anyone who desires to stop drinking is welcomed into the
For Adult Children of Alcoholics, surviving their families becomes the point of existence. The fortunate may be able to draw support from a supportive adult, and may emerge with fewer difficulties than their brothers and sisters. The majority, however, have to “make do.” Some spend lonely hours in their rooms wishing only to vanish behind the woodwork. Others attempt to rescue the foundering vi...
Most people think of alcoholics of being part of the homeless population or of lower class. I learned that anyone can be an alcoholic, even nurses and doctors. In an Ohio survey regarding addiction as a disease, the results of the survey found that statewide 59% think that an alcohol or drug addiction is a disease and 43% believe that alcoholism or addiction is a weakness (Ohio Survey, 2010, p. 7-8). However, these two believed facts are wrong; Alcoholism is a disease and not a weakness. I think by understanding this and that alcoholism is a disease that is not easily controllable, I am accepting to those struggling with alcoholism and inspired by those that choose a life of sobriety. Those suffering from alcoholism and are able to overcome the cravings and disease are some of the strongest people I know. Attending this meeting has been a life-changing experience that has impacted my personally and my future practice as a nurse. I hope to be a nurse that is more accepting, open-minded, and judgment-free to everyone, despite my morals, beliefs, and societal
Coming into the substance abuse meeting the student nurse was scared and nervous. She was scared of the reaction of the consumers and feared all the stereotypes she heard about typical alcoholics. Innervison gave the student nurse a new outlook on these types of consumers. She no longer looked at them as people who were just drunks and wanted to use AA as an excuse to make it seem like they are getting help. She never really looked at alcoholism as a true addiction; it seemed like more of an excuse to escape life’s problems. Sitting in and listening to these consumers gave the student nurse a dose of reality. The student nurse now understands alcoholism better and AA helped her realize recovery is truly a process that takes one day and one step at a time.
Doctors Peter Johnson and John Chappel believe that AA is not considered self-help and by contributing to the 12-step process as doctors the program experience will be enhanced. Self-help programs are considered to be a form of therapy used to better oneself without scientific research supporting the success rate and usually attended without a physician’s input. The support shown for programs like AA is attributed to the abundant success rate they found when a doctor takes some minimal preparation for the patient. These preparations include such tasks as locating the closest meeting and the type of meeting the patient would prefer. The person who is suffering normally takes on these tasks; if discouraged at this point faith in the program may be ceased. They state in the article, ”AA is more important over the long term than professional treatment.” (Johnson, Chappel.1994) The article shows effective guidelines for professionals in the treatment of addiction. We know that AA predates the American Medical Associations’ ruling that alcohol addiction (along with other addictions) is a disease. We know from experience, either personal or second-hand, that addiction can not be cured without intervention of some kind – with the help of a professional and others’ suffering it can. Is that enough of a scientific approach to rely on a group-help program? – Dr. Jarlais does not think so.
Conduction, convection and radiation are the three methods through which heat can be transferred from one place to another. The (www.hyperphysics.com) first method is the conduction through which heat can be transferred from one object to another object. This process is defined as the heat is transmitted from one to another by the interaction of the atoms and the molecules. The atoms and the molecules of the body are physically attached to each other and one part of the body is at higher temperature to the other part or the body, the heat begins to transfer. A simple experiment through which conduction can be understood easily is as follows. First of all, take a metallic rod of any length. Hold the rod in the hand or at any stand made up of the insulator so that the heat does not transfer to the stand. Heat up the one end of the rod with the help of the spirit lamp. After sometime, touch the other end of the end, the other end of the becomes heated too and the temperature of the other end of the rod has also increased. Although only one end of the rod is heated with the spirit lamp, but the other end of the rod has also been heated. This is represents that the heat has been transferred from one end of the rod to the other end of the rod without heating it from the other end. So, the transformation of the heat is taking place. This process is called the conduction. Conduction is a process which is lead by the free electrons. As the conduction happens occurs only in the metallic materials, the reason for it is that the metals has the free electrons and they can move freely from one part of the body to another part of the body. These electrons are not bounded by the nucleus so, they can move easily. And when the temperature of the ...
PepsiCo's mission listed on their website said as follows: "Our mission is to be the world's premier consumer products company focused on convient foods and beverages. We seek to produce finanical rewards to investors, business partners, and communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness, and intergrity." Their mission is done through programs with environmental care, activities that aid the society, and a commitment to build shareholder value. PepsiCo puts significant emphasis on shareholders throughout all aspects of the company.