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William D. Silkworth, M.D., and the Origin and Development of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
Cite as: McPeake,J.D. (2012)  William D. Silkworth, M.D., and the origin and development of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). Dublin NH, 03444: The Dublin Group, Inc., www.dubgrp.com

Abstract

William Duncan Silkworth, M.D. (WDS) had an important impact on the origin and development of A.A.  This paper examines his contribution through a study of his biography...
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Ebby Thacher: messenger, twelve stepper, sponsor, relapser
Edwin Throckmorton Thacher (1896-1966), more commonly known as “Ebby” is credited as Bill Wilson’s sponsor (1998).  Certainly that is the way that Bill Wilson himself referred to Ebby on numerous occasions (1957).  Ebby was the scion of a wealthy and powerful Albany, NY family and one of the Manchester, VT “summer people,” who along with Lois Burnham (Wilson) was so admired by the youthful Bill Wilson.  

Within Alcoholics Anonymous (A....
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Promises Realization Scale (PRS)

The Promises Realization Scale (PRS)

Instructions and rationale for the PRS:  Individuals in Twelve Step recovery from alcoholism and other forms of addictive disease, as well as individuals in Al-Anon and similar programs, share goals that are described concisely in Alcoholics Anonymous (p. 83-84) and Twelve Steps and Twelve...

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A Brief summary of WJ’s impact on BW and A.A.
Bill Wilson had a very powerful spiritual experience in December 1934 during his last detoxification.  Bill describes the experience as follows:
“My depression deepened unbearably and finally it seemed to me as though I were at the bottom of the pit.  I still gagged badly on the notion of a Power greater than myself, but finally, just for the moment, the last vestige of my proud obstinacy was crushed.  All at once I found myself crying out...
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Ecologically Relevant Cognitive Behavior Therapy:
The slogans and sayings of Twelve Step Programs and Their Use in Chemical Dependency Treatment

Abstract

Twelve Step oriented therapies and Cognitive Behavoir Therapy (CBT) both show positive outcomes in treating chemical dependency.  Twelve Step oriented therapies include and "ecologically relevant" CBT component in the many slogans and sayings that identify dysfunctional...
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Altered States of Consciousness Therapy
Attaining altered states of consciousness is described as a basic human motive.  The substance dependent population is distinguished from other populations because they pursue these states destructively by inappropriate use of alcohol and drugs.  Despite a body of literature supporting the benefits or altered states of consciousness, alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment programs fail to address this motive because of social disapproval, means-...
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William James, Bill Wilson, and the development of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.).
John D. McPeake, Ph.D., C.A.S.

Abstract

William Griffiths Wilson, the acknowledged founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), says in many of his writings that William James, through his book, The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature (2002), was a co-founder of A.A. Despite this, William James and his work do not appear to be well-known within the circles of individuals interested in alcoholism and...
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Innovative Adolescent Chemical Dependency Treatment and Its Outcome: A Model Based on Outward Bound Programming
Describes adolescent chemical dependency treatment model developed at Beech Hill Hospital (New Hampshire) which integrated Twelve Step-oriented alcohol and drug rehabilitation program with experiential education school, Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Describes Beech Hill Hurricane Island Outward Bound School Adolescent Chemical Dependency Program, presents four case vignettes, reviews three outcome studies, and discusses issues in development of...
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