Introduction to the Sources and Founding of Alcoholics Anonymous

by Dick B.

$21.95

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Author: Dick B.

Publisher: Good Book Publishing Company

Paperback:
ISBN 10: 1885803869
ISBN 13: 978-1885803863

Dick B. has long awaited the opportunity to provide a written introduction to the history of Alcoholics Anonymous that could be used by individual Twelve Step people, sponsors, facilitators, therapists, writers, historians, treatment centers, and interested agencies to include a correct 12 Step history in their own programs. And this is the title for just that! There are five major epochs in the spiritual recovery program that is embodied in Alcoholics Anonymous itself. Each is covered in this introduction; and the points here provide an umbrella introduction to the variant sources, attitudes, strains, divergences, and language in programs today. Dick is an ardent sponsor of the idea that any recovery program--12-step, treatment, rehab, individual therapy, para-church, Christ-centered, Christian, and secular--should have a simple, accurate presentation of the historical roots of the 12-step movement. And this short title fits the bill. It is currently being used for the stated purpose.

About the Author

Dick B. is a writer, historian, retired attorney, Bible student, and active recovered member of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. He holds Doctor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Stanford University and an A.A. degree from the University of California (Berkeley) with Honorable Mention. He was both Case and Legislation Editor of the Stanford Law Review and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in his Junior Year at the University of California. He practiced law in San Francisco and in Marin County, California for thirty-six years before he was felled by alcoholism and entered the A.A. fellowship in April of 1986. He has been continuously free from drink and pill addiction since that time and has sponsored over 100 men in their recovery. He has published thirty-two titles on the history of Alcoholics Anonymous, particularly the sources, roots, principles, practices, and successes of the early A.A. Christian Fellowship in Akron. He has also published over 180 articles on the subject and is a widely-sought speaker at A.A. history conferences, A.A. meetings international conferences of related fellowships, professional groups, and organizations dealing with substance abuse and addiction solutions. The author uses the pen name Dick B. to conform to A.A. traditions of anonymity and, in that capacity, speaks on radio, podcasts, blogs, forums, and TV programs. His materials also appear on four websites he maintains. His research, writing, and speaking cover all of A.A. s varied and diverse well-springs. These include the Bible, Quiet Time, Christian Endeavor, the YMCA, the Salvation Army, Gospel rescue missions, conversion, the Oxford Group, the teachings of Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr., and the works of Professor William James, Dr. Carl Gustav Jung, Dr. William D. Silkworth, Emmet Fox (and other New Thought movement leaders), lay therapist Richard Peabody, the journal of Anne Ripley Smith (wife of A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob Smith), and literature read and recommended by Dr. Bob and other A.A. pioneers. He has a number of works in progress and is available for speaking at forums, panels, seminars, and media presentations. He was born in Stockton, California, in 1925.