Book Description

With firsthand accounts told through rare recordings of interviews and speeches, diary entries, and other documents dating from the 1940s, Michael Fitzpatrick presents the inspiring story of Al-Anon. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Al-Anon, Hazelden proudly presents this engaging multimedia retrospective of the Fellowship that has brought the miracle of recovery to countless family members and loved ones of alcoholics and addicts. With its roots in the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous, when wives joined their husbands at the AA meetings and found refuge and understanding in one another, Al-Anon Family Groups has grown into a robust worldwide fellowship of men and women healing from the impact of addiction.Through colorful firsthand accounts told through rare recordings of interviews and speeches, diary entries, and other documents dating from the 1940s, recovery historian and beloved author Michael Fitzpatrick presents the inspiring story of Al-Anon. Discover how cofounders Anne B. and Lois W. guided the growth of these groundbreaking groups, later known as Clearing House and, ultimately, Al-Anon. Take an intimate peek into these visionaries' lives through never-before-published letters provided by Stepping Stones, the historical home of Bill W. and Lois W. Listen to recordings collected by Al-Anon pioneer Arbutus O. See how the program used by the early "Wives Groups" has evolved over time. Not only will you become a witness to Al-Anon history, you will find inspiration and insight into the core principles and practices that have made this a lifesaving program for thousands worldwide.Michael Fitzpatrick is a leading historian and speaker in the field of alcoholism, specializing in the development of the Twelve Step movement. For this book, he drew from his own audio archive, possibly the world's largest collection of recordings of the Twelve Step pioneers and their legacy over the decades. He is coauthor with William G. Borchert of 1000 Years of Sobriety: 20 People x 50 Years.