Reflections on Researching and Writing—The History of Gay People in Alcoholics Anonymous: From the Beginning: An Experience Report

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Audrey Borden
Keyword(s):  
Alcoholics Anonymous ◽  
Experience Report ◽  
History Of

Alcoholism: A Social Construct

1982 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Poikolainen
Keyword(s):  
Alcoholics Anonymous ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Loss Of Control ◽  
Disease Concept ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Basic Assumptions ◽  
Collective Control ◽  
History Of

Alcoholism as a specific disease was discovered about 200 years ago in North America. The disease is thought to be characterized by loss of control over drinking and by certain “symptoms,” supposed to occur in a typical order during the “natural” history of the disease. The basic assumptions of the disease model are, however, untenable. Despite this, the model is still viable. There are at least four reasons for this: (1) The medical profession, originally against the conception of alcoholism as a disease, has been made to accept the disease concept, (2) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) strongly believes in the disease ideology, (3) the disease model may relieve the moral stigma attached to socially unacceptable drinking, and (4) societies in which individual rights are highly esteemed prefer self-control to collective control. The benefits and disadvantages of the disease model should be reconsidered.

A Sociocultural History of Alcoholics Anonymous

1989 ◽  
pp. 11-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harrison M. Trice ◽  
William J. Staudenmeier
Keyword(s):  
Alcoholics Anonymous ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sociocultural History

Influence of Carl Jung and William James on the Origin of Alcoholics Anonymous

2000 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven W. Finlay
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Alcoholics Anonymous ◽  
William James ◽  
History Of Psychology ◽  
Carl Jung ◽  
Self Help ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of ◽  
Carl Gustav Jung ◽  
A Current

Alcoholics Anonymous is probably the most influential self-help organization in the world, with a current worldwide membership approaching 2 million. The origin of the organization has ties to Carl Gustav Jung and William James, 2 very prominent figures in the history of psychology. A brief history of the events that led to the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous is presented, with particular emphasis on the influence of Jung and James. An account of relevant life events of both Jung and James is provided, in addition to a summary of their views on alcoholism and its treatment. Speculation is offered on how the 2 men might view their unsolicited association with the organization.

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