Revamping AA: Glenn Rader's Modern Take on the 12 Steps
I thought it was important for the modern reader to see a version of the steps that would give them a feeling for the program without the baggage of the language or the spiritual emphasis of some of the steps.
Can Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) keep up with the times? Glenn Rader thinks it can and should. In this episode of Beyond Belief Sobriety, Glenn discusses his book, 'Modern 12 Step Recovery: Alcoholics Anonymous for the 21st Century'. Published in January 2021, the book aims to refresh the traditional AA approach by incorporating modern psychology, self-direction, and even nutrition into the recovery process. Glenn explains why he believes AA needs to evolve to stay relevant.
He highlights how the Twelve Steps can be reinterpreted to suit today's world, shedding some of the spiritual language that might not resonate with everyone. Instead, he offers a flexible framework that allows individuals to pick and choose elements that work best for them. In addition to discussing the book, Glenn opens up about the challenges he faced while writing it.
From the initial idea to the final draft, he emphasizes the importance of professional editing and the effort it takes to produce a quality resource. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how traditional recovery methods can adapt to modern needs. Whether you're new to AA or a long-time member, Glenn's insights offer a fresh perspective on how to make the Twelve Steps more accessible and effective for everyone.