What is Alcoholics Anonymous?

Marc Galanter is a Professor of Psychiatry at NYU, Founding Director of the Division of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, a Senior Editor of the Journal "Substance Abuse," and co-editor of the American Psychiatric Association's "Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment." He has written three books, "Cults: Faith, Healing, and Coercion," "Network Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Abuse," and "Spirituality and the Healthy Mind," and has published over 200 peer reviewed articles.

• Preface Introduction Part I. AA in the Public Arena 1. Its Origin and Evolution 2. Controversies:What about the God Concept? Does AA Overpromise? Is Addiction a Disease? 3. How I got involved Part II. The AA Experience4. Engagement 5. The Steps 6. Sponsorship 7. Spiritual Awakening 8. Further Involvement Part III. AA in the Setting of Addiction Treatment9. Its Place in Medicine 10. The Rehabs 11. How it Changes the Brain 12. AA's Effectiveness 13. Other Options Epilogue NotesReferences

Dr. Galanter, an addiction psychiatrist, master clinician, scholar, and educator, has provided an accessible overview of AA. It will be useful for a broad range of readers who wish to know more about this ubiquitous but often misunderstood peer-led recovery program. It should be useful in demystifying AA and diminishing barriers for individuals with alcohol problems who are considering using this program.