Includes bibliographical references and index

Its origin and evolution -- Controversies : what about the God concept? : does AA overpromise? : is addiction a disease? -- How I got involved -- Engagement -- The steps -- Sponsorship -- Spiritual awakening -- Further involvement -- Its place in medicine -- The rehabs -- How it changes the brain -- AA's effectiveness -- Other options

Alcoholics Anonymous has two million members worldwide, yet this fellowship remains a mystery to most people, and is even viewed by some as a cult or a religion. Written by a psychiatrist and educator in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse, What Is Alcoholics Anonymous? provides an overview of this popular and established yet poorly understood recovery movement. Author Dr. Marc Galanter integrates findings from the latest research in psychology, cultural history, and clinical science with a range of first-person experiences with AA. The result is a thorough, objective, and accessible investigation into what AA is, how it works, and how the organization might be considered and used by both healthcare professionals and anyone affected by pursuit of recovery--Adapted from publisher description