The History Of Aa From The Inside (Press, 26 August 1989)

In her book "Getting Better: Inside Alcoholics Anonymous," published in 1989, Nan Robertson provides an insightful history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), drawing from her insider perspective. The narrative balances respect for AA's founders while acknowledging their human imperfections. Icons of the movement, like the coffee pot owned by Dr Bob's wife, are noted for their symbolic significance in meetings. Robertson traces the historical backdrop of alcoholism in America, which entered an era of significant consumption by the late 18th century. In 1784, Dr Benjamin Rush examined the effects of alcohol, marking the beginning of sustained temperance efforts alongside heavy drinking. Bill Wilson and Dr Bob Smith built upon existing temperance movements, creating a support network where sober individuals aimed to help those still struggling with alcohol addiction. This approach arose after National Prohibition failed, with temperance advocates adopting Dr William Duncan Silkworth's view of alcoholism as a legitimate illness. The philosophical foundation of AA also stems from the Oxford Group, founded by Rev. Frank Buchman, which promoted concepts like surrendering to God's will, moral inventories, public confession, and making amends. Despite Buchman's controversial legacy, his group's ideas were pivotal in shaping AA's recovery philosophy. As of 1989, AA had nearly two million members across 63,000 groups in 114 countries, with the United States housing about half of these participants. The programme, articulated by Wilson four decades prior, remained consistent, focusing on its core literature, recovery methods, and the 12 steps and traditions. Historically, AA's demographic was predominantly white, male, middle-class, and middle-aged, but there has been a notable shift with increasing representation of younger members, alongside a growing number of women now making up one-third of North American membership. Interestingly, many newcomers were found to be addicted to alcohol and other drugs, reflecting changing patterns of addiction. In the 1980s, AA's expansion included organisations catering to teenagers and partners of alcoholics, as well as groups for "Adult Children of Alcoholics," highlighting the ripple effects of alcoholism on families. It is estimated that 28 million people in the United States are impacted by having at least one alcoholic parent. Robertson argues for the efficacy of AA, suggesting that while it may seem anti-science and emotionally driven, the philosophy and community support it provides play a crucial role in recovery. She notes the complexities faced by medical professionals regarding diagnosing alcoholism and the ineffectiveness of treatment without a supportive approach like that of AA. Overall, Robertson's book is a revealing exploration of the journey and success of Alcoholics Anonymous, showcasing her insights as both a journalist and a devoted member of the organisation.

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