Alcoholics Anonymous as a mutual-help movement : a study in eight societies /

Although the 18 contributors originate from 11 countries and a variety of academic and practical disciplines, this volume is an extremely coherent and useful collection. It outlines the international dimensions of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing AA's penetration worldwide and specifically into eight different (mostly industrialized) societies. Reviewing the history of AA, its organizational tenets, and how its values and behavioral aspects play out, Makela et al. show a commanding grasp of the sociological literature, placing AA within a meaningful sociological perspective. The organization has undergone a phenomenal expansion during the last few decades. The authors are rightly skeptical of official membership figures, yet, as societies have witnessed its value in combating alcoholism, increasing support for it has been emerging from treatment professionals and from the health care establishment. Contributors thoroughly cover the research literature on AA, making this volume valuable to scholars of alcoholism treatment and self-help movements. Substance abuse treatment practitioners, too, will find it helpful, given its coverage of now AA works as a social process. Upper-division undergraduates and above. W. Feigelman Nassau Community College