A recovery program for alcoholics existed before the Big Book was written, and before the 12 Steps ever came to be. Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob and the original members of AA gained their sobriety by working the principles and practices found in the Oxford Group and adapting them to the special needs of alcoholics. This series traces some of this early history. It draws from the 1980 AA publication Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers. Fr. Bill’s guest is recovery archivist Matt D. from the 12-Step Fellowship All Addicts Anonymous. In this first episode Matt shares some of his own story, explores what the original Akron program was like, how it differed from modern-day AA, and why that original program attracted him. Fr. Bill and Matt then go on to explore highlights from Dr. Bob’s early life and recovery.

All Addicts Anonymous: https://alladdictsanonymous.org/