Joe Miller, "US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism" (Chicago Review Press, 2019)Joe Miller, "US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism" (Chicago Review Press, 2019)
New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
In the aftermath of Prohibition, America’s top scientists joined forces with members of a new group, called Alcoholics Anonymous, and put their clout behind a campaign to convince the nation that alcoholism was a disease rather than a moral failing...
51:08•7 Jan 2020
US of AA: Unpacking the Influence of Alcoholics Anonymous on Modern Alcoholism Treatment
“And then from the local level up to the state governments, to the federal level, to the point where we had federal legislation unanimously passed in The Late 60s that created The National Institute of- I always get the acronym a little bit mixed up- it's either alcohol and alcohol abuse, or the other way around, niaa.”
Ever wondered how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) became synonymous with alcoholism treatment in the United States? This episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery' dives deep into this intriguing history. Host Marshall Poe chats with author Joe Miller about his eye-opening book, 'US of AA: How the Twelve Steps Hijacked the Science of Alcoholism'.
Miller takes us on a journey through the aftermath of Prohibition, where top scientists and AA members joined forces to reshape the nation's understanding of alcoholism. They worked tirelessly to shift the narrative from moral failing to disease, paving the way for a multimillion-dollar treatment industry centered around AA and its Twelve Steps. But it’s not all praise; Miller also sheds light on the controversies surrounding AA's spiritual approach and its limitations as a one-size-fits-all solution.
He questions whether AA's dominance has overshadowed more comprehensive, evidence-based treatments. If you're curious about the roots of alcoholism treatment or the cultural impact of AA, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a fascinating look at how a grassroots movement influenced public perception and treatment methods for decades.
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