America's Battle with Alcohol: Insights from 'Drunks' by Christopher M. Finan
Addiction is addiction, and that's such a crucial revelation. We have a long way to go, but I'm very hopeful that, based on our history, we won't see the kind of retreats that there have been over history.
Ever wondered how America has grappled with alcoholism through the ages? In this episode of 'Beyond Belief Sobriety', host AA Beyond Belief sits down with Christopher M. Finan, the author of 'Drunks: An American History'. Finan's book offers a deep dive into the history of alcoholism and its treatment in the United States, starting from the early days of the nation to contemporary times.
Through this engaging conversation, you'll get a fascinating look at how societal attitudes towards alcoholism have evolved and how different treatments have emerged over the years. Finan sheds light on the role religion played in AA's early days and how the general service conference developed. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping AA's program straightforward and accessible.
One of the most eye-opening points Finan makes is that addiction is universal, no matter the substance, highlighting that our society still has much work to do in treating addiction effectively. The episode also touches on the merging paths of alcoholics and drug addicts, offering a broader perspective on addiction treatment. It's an eye-opening discussion that challenges conventional views and provides valuable insights for anyone interested in a secular approach to recovery.
Whether you're on your own journey to sobriety or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a fresh perspective on America's long-standing battle with alcohol. Tune in to this compelling episode to gain a richer understanding of America's relationship with alcoholism and discover how history can inform our future approaches to addiction treatment.