12-Step Programs

David Brooks' June 28 column in the NY Times he reviews another essay he found (he does that a lot) about AA and addiction. It will give you a little history of the beginning of the AA movement and an overview of the longer original essay, which he posts a link to: The Secret of AA: After 75 Years We Don't Know How It Works.

Both writers point out that AA doesn't work for the majority of people who start it but they do provide some interesting comments and insights on the methods and strengths of AA. Here are a few quotes from Brooks.

In a culture that generally celebrates empowerment and self-esteem, A.A. begins with disempowerment. The goal is to get people to gain control over their lives, but it all begins with an act of surrender and an admission of weakness.

In a culture that thinks of itself as individualistic, A.A. relies on fellowship. The general idea is that people aren’t really captains of their own ship. Successful members become deeply intertwined with one another.

In a world in which gurus try to carefully design and impose their ideas, Wilson surrendered control. He wrote down the famous steps and foundations, but A.A. allows each local group to form, adapt and innovate. There is less quality control. Some groups and leaders are great; some are terrible. But it also means that A.A. is decentralized, innovative and dynamic.