Biblical Worldview Application Paper
Alcoholics Anonymous
Brief History of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international group aimed at solving the drinking problems of people. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. Previously, both had been ardent alcoholics, and in pursuit of sobriety (Brande and Wagener, 2016). Bill and Bob commenced the mission of helping alcoholics at Akron’s City Hospital and had a patient recovered. The three men then formed the first Alcoholics Anonymous group, and at the end of 1935, a second wave of the group was formed in New York, four years later, the third one at Cleveland. The three groups successfully recovered 100 patients. The group wrote their first book in 1939. (Brande and Wagener, 2016) Its distribution led to approximately 800 cases seeking help. Additionally, in 1940, Mr. Rockefeller, a member, publicized the book through some of his prominent friends, leading to the popularization of Alcoholics Anonymous and many more cases seeking help. The group gained further popularity within the US and Canada, with more people gaining sobriety. By 1950, Bob held his final appearance at AA’s first convention at Cleveland. He later died in November 1950. Alcoholics Anonymous maintained a strong fellowship through the efforts of doctors, religious groups, and world communications. After the death of Bill in 1971, the group of AA was unstoppable, it became a global success, incorporating people of all walks of life.
How the Meetings are Run and Organized
During the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the chairperson highlights the steps that would guide the discussion of the day. These are derived from AA’s guide book, ‘Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.’ Anyone may stand to give an experience, advice, or give members hope on the related topic of discussion. The chairperson makes everyone is given equal opportunity to talk. After someone has completed his/her story, they are appreciated, and the next person may talk. From the group talk, success stories are recognized, and steps towards sobriety are made clear.
Personal Comments of the Meeting
The groups were so accommodating and lively. In as much as you may not know any of the members, the willingness of members to open up about experiences was amazing. A member opened up on his addiction, to the extent of taking alcohol before every meal, breakfast included. Another talked about everyone in her family being addicts, including the adult kids, and so the whole family was on a recovery mode in other meetings within New York. The members were more encouraged to help one another, and even exchanged contacts, promising to check on each other. I even heard a member offering to buy lunch for two after every meeting, if they promised to clean up their house bars, and replaced it with a library. So interesting, right? Any related AA question is asked by the chairperson. After the meeting, everyone holds hands, but not compulsory. The chairperson involves everyone in the Lord’s Prayer. The once alcoholic souls, now turn to the Lord, for spiritual nourishment, so overwhelming!
The Narcotic Anonymous
Brief History of the Organization
In response to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotic Anonymous was formed. It deals with the recovery of more drugs, unlike the Alcoholic Anonymous dealing with alcohol alone. Narcotics Anonymous was formed in 1953 in Los Angeles. Its founders were regular attendees of AA, who benefited and then wanted to form one for addicts. Their first meetings were restricted to California and were not as effective as AA. Narcotic Anonymous explosively grew in the 1980s, globally. They currently boast large groups of meetings in over 100 countries worldwide.
How Meetings are Run or Organized
Narcotic Anonymous, however, conducts its meetings differently. It rather has a secretary who sets up meetings and conducts a payment process for rents, where every member contributes voluntarily. They all have an equal say, and the group decides the way forward of the meetings. Members share their stories and keep time for others to do the same equally. New members are not allowed to talk, just yet, but their presence is important.
Biblical Worldview Application
The fact that these meetings incorporate biblical teachings and prayers is evidence of the spiritual growth of members. The Alcoholic Anonymous, since its inception by Bill and Bob, intertwined religious teachings and ways towards sobriety and that has remained a tradition. Narcotic Anonymous, too, incorporated the Alcoholics Anonymous teachings by using the ’12 Steps’ and only changing few words to suit other drug addictions. The two anonymous therefore play a huge part in Biblical Worldview Application.
Conclusion
Any form of drug addiction is curable. According to one of Alcoholics Anonymous’s founders, Bill Wilson, addiction is a disease, and it is upon the victim to take measures and steps towards sobriety. Drug and substance abuse should not separate victims from spiritual growth. However, they are a hindrance. People should take personal responsibilities towards identifying their weaknesses in addiction and owning up to them.
References
Brande, L., & Wagener, D. (2016). About the alcoholic anonymous (AA) 12-step recovery program. Recovery. Org. August 25.