AA to Z: Addictionary to the 12-Step Culture

By Christopher Cavanaugh

Book Overview

What does a codependent say to his mate when he wakes up?
"Good morning, how am I?"
--Overheard at a Codependents Anonymous meeting

Throughout the world today, more than two million alcoholics and hundreds of thousands of drug addicts, compulsive overeaters, sex addicts, compulsive gamblers, codependents, and other addicts abstain from their addiction, having found a new life by practicing the 12-step program of recovery developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. Over the years, their practices have evolved into a way of life--the 12-Step Culture.

"I don't remember my first meeting, but I've been told that I talked for a really long time."
--Mary, a member of Narcotics Anonymous

AA to Z is the first book to document the richness and diversity of the lives of recovering people and to provide an encyclopedic look at this unique subculture. Less self-help than enlightenment and entertainment, AA to Z is comprised of real-life stories of recovering addicts as well as an "addictionary" of recovery terminology. Everything from the well-known slogan "One Day at a Time" to more esoteric terms like "pigeon" (a lovingly insulting term for a newcomer to the program) and "Wharf Rats" (sober Deadheads) is explained with clarity, insight, and humor.

"How it works, you ask--slowly and well."
--Cooper, a member of Alcoholics Anonymous

Conversational, witty, and engaging, AA to Z is a must-have for all 12-step participants and their loved ones, and it offers the uninitiated a fascinating firsthand look at one of the most influential yet least-documented cultural movements of our time.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385483406
• ISBN13: 9780385483407
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Main Street Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Must for Anyone in a 12 Step program

I have to admit that I was mystified by many of the common phrases I'd hear in my meetings. This book really helped me understand what people were talking about. It has a lot of what the meetings have too--humor, touching stories, and profound insight. Next to the big book, this one is my favorite 12 Step book.

a must for anyone new to the 12 step culture

Christopher Cavenaugh has done an excellent job of explaining various terms and slogans heard through out the 12 step journey. It is an easy to read dictionary format. Everything from the serenity prayer to the steps is broken down into easy to find definitions.