This strange illness : alcoholism and Bill W. /

Lobdell writes an original account of the history and paradigm of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), probably the second most complete account of AA since Ernest Kurtz's Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous (CH, Feb'80). His unique contribution is his attempt to analyze AA philosophy and practice against current scientific research on the etiology and treatment of alcoholism. The author's careful, thorough review of the literature concludes that AA practices are quite compatible with current findings. He reviews the genetic research on transmission of addictions; the phenotypes described by Jellinek, Zucker, and others; psychodynamic theories; and the religious and philosophical theories that were the basis of AA. Lobdell painstakingly analyzes each of the 12 steps and casts them in a larger framework of scientific and/or psychological and religious contexts. At times, his attempt to match AA philosophy and practices to current theories seems to be forced, and his analysis omits a significant treatment modality: Prochaska's decision-making theory of addiction, which has been a part of many treatment programs for 20 years. Nonetheless, this is a unique contribution to the small body of literature that analyzes the AA movement in a serious, comprehensive manner. It is useful for any historical collection. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals. D. L. Loers Willamette University