Alcoholics Anonymous Analysis

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The documentary Bill W. provided insight and background in regards to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) beyond my basic understanding of the organization. I almost felt as if the documentary which is necessary almost goes against William Griffith Wilson, who was also known as Bill Wilson's feelings of wanting to be seen as another member rather than the founder of AA, but the organization and historians cannot talk about the AA without describing its humble beginnings and its founder. Although I found the documentary to be insightful I felt an AA session would provide further clarification and insight into the workings of the organization and its impact on the members. The documentary Bill W. provided insight into Bill’s alcoholic past which leads …show more content…
I found the concept of being a lifelong alcoholic even after the AA members have not drunk for a multitude of years reinforces the notion that alcoholism is a disorder. I think that self-identifying helped remove the stigma and change the views of the general public from drinking being seen as a moral issue that made the person evil or bad. Before the documentary, I did not associate religion or spirituality with the process of AA and the contents of the twelve steps. When it was explained that moments of spiritual enlightenment are part of the process and seen as a form of breakthrough for members I was concerned that alcoholics who practice no religion may feel uncomfortable within the AA. I felt that the idea of including the word god in the twelve steps and the twelve traditions could discourage alcoholics who identify with other theologies. Although it was described that AA is without dogma and accepts everyone I can understand that people from religions that pray to Buddha or other gods may feel they are being forced to practice Catholicism or …show more content…
I can’t fathom a reasonable explanation for cheating on your wife who supported you when you become an alcoholic who could not hold a job and eventually caused your family to lose their home and resulted in them moving house to house for a significant amount of time. In addition, Lois supported Bill during the creation of the AA. Of course, this does not negate or change the fact that Bill has saved many lives because of his longing to help others, but it seemed he never truly helped himself with all of his issues. Due to that, it has now become apparent to me that it was very easy for the AA members to see him as a founder, martyr, and even a god-like figure who put their well-being and sobriety above his family and his own mental