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Addiction recovery mutual aid groups: an enduring international phenomenon
Author(s) -
White William L.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
addiction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.424
H-Index - 193
eISSN - 1360-0443
pISSN - 0965-2140
DOI - 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00684.x
Subject(s) - white (mutation) , phenomenon , citation , addiction , history , psychology , library science , psychiatry , computer science , philosophy , epistemology , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
The fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, based on its membership growth, geographical dispersion, longevity, and integration with professional treatment has dominated modern discussion of the role of mutual aid in the resolution of alcohol- and drug-related problems. Such domination has obscured awareness of mutual aid societies that pre-date AA, the growing variations in AA practices around the globe, and the increase in mutual support adjuncts and alternatives to AA. This essay recounts and illustrates the rise of addiction recovery mutual aid societies around the world. Native American recovery “circles” constitute the earliest abstinence-based mutual aid recovery societies.