title: A historical review of perceptions of key aspects of spirituality and religion within alcoholics anonymous.
abstract: This historical research aimed to develop an accurate perception of the role of spirituality and religion within the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Primary and secondary sources were reviewed. The study identified that Bill W. and Dr. Bob established the format for the support group based on the ideas of William James, which formed the base for the Oxford Groups. Alcoholics Anonymous was clearly viewed as a spiritual group and not a religion. The review also showed that the two founders had each experienced one of the two types of spiritual awakenings that James had addressed. These findings will help nurses clarify their own perceptions of this organization so they may accurately educate individuals who they are encouraging to participate in this program while recovering from an addiction.
authors: University at Buffalo School of Nursing, New York.
authors: Janice Cooke
authors: JC
authors: Feigenbaum
mesh_terms: D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous / Q000266:history*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000266:history* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D015399:Nursing Research; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States