Undrunk: A Skeptics Guide to AA - Softcover

Adams, A.J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1592857205 ISBN 13: 9781592857203

Publisher: Hazelden Publishing, 2009

Synopsis

A candid, often hilarious guide for anyone who "just doesn't get" Alcoholics Anonymous.

In this unprecedented book, A. J. Adams uses self-deprecating humor, entertaining anecdotes, and frank descriptions to introduce anyone who "just doesn't get" Alcoholics Anonymous to the complete "Undrunk" lifestyle.

Beginning with the story of his first AA meeting, he takes the mystery out what goes on behind closed doors, dispelling misconceptions of AA as cultlike, secretive, campy, or lowbrow. He then presents a user-friendly history and introduction to AA, explaining the Steps, Traditions, terms, and sayings--all punctuated by honest, often hilarious descriptions of his own struggles and eventual transformation to "getting" the program.

About this title

About the Author:

A. J. Adams is a professional writer and a member of AA. In keeping with the 11th Tradition, the author has chosen to use a pseudonym in place of his real name. Adams lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

From Publishers Weekly:

Starred Review. Until he bottomed out and joined up as a last-ditch effort, Adams thought of Alcoholics Anonymous (like many pre-treatment addicts) as a repository for losers or the weak. In this touching, semi-irreverent look at a global fellowship at once transparent and mysterious, Adams lays out the "12 Steps" for readers as he chronicles his own introduction to the program. The distinguishing characteristic of this memoir is Adams's skepticism and willingness to analyze the process, maintaining enough distance to translate the story for non-members while holding dear his conviction in AA's power to heal (in her foreword, Mel B. notes that "one of AA's unwritten rules... is that one should utilize the program rather than analyze it"). Adams includes a smattering of the organization's history and personal revelations, plenty of stories and much translation from AA jargon. Adams maintains a welcoming balance of candor and gallows humor with helpful explication and unflinching awareness of the life-and-death stakes, making this an eye-opening and encouraging read for those who need help with addiction, their own or a loved one's.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hazelden Publishing
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1592857205
• ISBN 13: 9781592857203
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 216