Alcoholism, A.A., And The Challenge Of Authenticity

This thesis examines the possibilities of living an authentic life for an alcoholic, both in and out of Alcoholics Anonymous. Authenticity is explored using the existential models put forth by Jean-Paul Sartre and Soren Kierkegaard. Alcoholics Anonymous figures prominently in this analysis. It is suggested that A.A. acts inauthentically in its claims that it is not a religious organization. A.A. creates special problems for female alcoholics because of the sexist and masculinist nature of its primary literature. While A.A. claims that its message is the only way by which an alcoholic can recover, other treatment methods exist. Suggestions are made that A.A. revise its main texts, and two alternative organizations to A.A. are briefly discussed.

Author dc:creator

• Madden, Patricia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jones, Donald

• Alcoholism
• Authenticity
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Substance Abuse and Addiction

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

CFE0000374

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-1350