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AA to Z; An Addictionary of the 12-Step Culture
by Christopher Cavanaugh
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Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Main Street Books; 1 (February 17 1998)
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12 Step Programs
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



Book Description

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.

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.

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.

About the Author

Christopher Cavanaugh

Christopher Cavanaugh is a veteran of the publishing industry; he was an editor at Family Circle in New York City, as well as the managing editor for Meredith Books in Des Moines, Iowa. He is currently managing editor for Reader's Digest General Books. He lives in Ossining, New York..

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