Undrunk: A Skeptics Guide to AA

by A.J. Adams

In this unprecedented book, A.J. Adams uses self-deprecating humor, entertaining anecdotes, and frank descriptions to introduce readers to the complete Alcoholics Anonymous 'undrunk' lifestyle. Beginning with the story of his first AA meeting, he takes the mystery out what goes on behind closed doors, in order to encourage addicts who are reluctant to get help walk through them. "My eyes wandered around the room, taking in the strange collection of humanity seeking to claim me as a fellow sufferer. If variety is the spice of life, this crowd was the jambalaya of affliction."

Adams addresses the journey through detox and treatment, offering his own struggle of coming to terms with his alcoholism. He then presents a user-friendly history and introduction to AA, the Steps and Traditions, all punctuated by honest descriptions of his own transformation to "getting" the program. Included are translations of AA lingo designed to put newcomers at ease.

Undrunk was written for reluctant newcomers and those who think they might have a problem, dispelling misconceptions that AA is cult-like, secretive, campy, earnest, religious, or lowbrow. It offers family members of alcoholics an accessible tool to encourage their loved ones to get help, and it gives AA members a handy means to encourage newcomers to come back.

Genres: Nonfiction, Addiction, Memoir

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

A.J. Adams is a professional writer with a little over one year in AA.

I was always a lucky guy, at least I thought so: private school, name university, married the dream girl, had the perfect kids, big job, big house, big paycheck -- and big problem. I was an alcoholic and I was losing control of everything at once. My book "Undrunk: A Skeptic's Guide to AA" (Hazelden 2009)is the story of how a life in freefall was rescued by the venerable 75-year old program of Alcoholics Anonymous. I came to AA as a last resort looking only for a way to quit drinking and get my life back. Imagine my surprise when they told me I would have to quit drinking first and then we could think about straightening out my life! Didn't seem fair. But, I was out of air speed and good ideas, so I grudgingly gave it a try. I was as surprised as everyone else in my life when I found sobriety, health, and a new life that was better than anything I could have imagined as a drinker. I don't sugarcoat my story and I think big chunks of what happened to me are pretty funny (now that I am sober). I try to tell you the reader how recovery happened for me and what it felt like during that first year. My life story is a cautionary tale, for sure, but redemption and renewal are what I live by today. If you or someone you know could use a dose of that, you will like "Undrunk."

Best, A.J. Adams (pen name)

Reviews

[Jane Butane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the reason I couldn't fully get into this book is because I've read it at the wrong time. I've been around AA for a few years and I feel like the meetings the author talked about were very different to my own experiences.
There is a section about AA slogans and I think that's partly why this book would be great for someone who is unfamiliar with the meetings and the programme. A lot of things are explained which I think I would have found helpful to know before I went to my first one (but that's just me. I read four books on fishing to prepare for my first fishing experience).
I would have rated this book higher as it is written in an accessible and friendly way, but I just don't feel like I have taken anything new from it.

[Susan Baranoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curious about the discussion of the phrase "higher power" and friend to people who have refused AA because they don't believe in God, I enjoyed reading this skeptic's view. The take-away message: "Higher Power" means "Higher Power" - it does not mean God, Yahweh, Buddha, The Green Man, Zeus, or L. Ron Hubbard! This "Higher Power" might even be what some would call our own "better angels" and actually come from within. My realization: If you deny the possibility that AA might work for you because you "don't believe in God", you just might not be ready to be "Undrunk".

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny, refreshing, sarcastic, and informative book for anyone who wants to be undrunk and has to use AA to get there.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny as hell!

[Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read that takes the mystery out of what AA is, how it started and why it works for so many people. I actually found reading it quite humbling. Oh, and it's FUNNY.

[Wendy Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

very insiteful look at an alcoholics viewpoint in their first year. enjoyed this book very much and as a recovering alcoholic myself appreciated the chance to look back at that first year and smile.

[Jason Cecil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good general overview of AA with a few irreverent moments.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. I bought it years ago and hadn't picked it up. I'm glad I did now. Humorous and sharp, a great read.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary: An overview of AA and the 12 steps from an insider.

Why I Read This: I've been fascinated by AA for a while. It's the most successful support group in the world and seems to have real effects. I wanted to learn more about it without reading the "Big Book"

Review: It was good, actually. I think that if I were actually interested in going to AA, it would be comforting to read before I went. You get an overview of the steps, going to your first meeting, the lingo, etc... But, because I don't anticipate going to AA at this point in my life a lot of it didn't apply to me and didn't grab my interest. So, definitely good for a person at a certain point in their life, just not for me.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been curious about AA ever since my mom started going a several years ago and it didn't work for her. I've seen it work for other people and I wanted to know more about it to see why it couldn't help her save herself. This book was a good overall introduction to AA and did a good job of explaining the nature of it. Since alcoholism is in our family, and it is a genetically transmitted progressive illness, I have a lot of curiosity and concerns ever since my mother's death. Because of this, I have been doing a lot of research and reading into addiction, treatment, and relapse.

[Abbi Dion]

If you are a looking for a searing look inside the heart and mind of an addict, this may not be the best choice. However, if you're looking for a glimpse into the practices of AA, and if you like your author's tone light and straight, this book may be just the thing.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who is an alcoholic/knows an alcoholic/or is curious about alcoholism and AA.

[AnnaG. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for young people new to this way of life.

[Kisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got out of it what I needed to.

[Jim Harville · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all: if you’re skeptical about Alcoholics Anonymous, but a little curious, this is the book for you. Funny, accurate, and informative.

[Carolyn]

Not sure how to rate this. I think it's good at what it does which is give a basic overview of AA. But I kept coming back to the fact that it was written by a guy who only had one year sobriety. I feel like writing your insights & particularly your opinions on a program you've only been in a year is a little premature.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful for someone who is dealing with an alcoholic in their life. This book is geared toward those that are skeptic of AA and it's steps and traditions. Within these pages I learned in simple terms what it means to have this disease.

[Annie Walaszek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a work of literary greatness, but a good overview of what AA is for someone on the outside looking in. If you can get over the author's misogyny, bad jokes, and strange, self-deprecating humor, there's a lot to be learned about the largest-smallest successful organization.

[Jbussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the curious, A very good book on explaining AA, and the how, and why of it works. For the alcoholic? Good if you are wary of giving AA a legit try. The author is quite skilled and funny. I just couldn't get into reading it because of how painful all these lessons were for me when I went through the program in my first years. AA's know all of this and this book is really not for us unless you want a nostalgic style trip through your first year.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book that offers a glimpse into A.A.