ABSTRACT
The recovering alcoholic undergoes a radical transformation of self. By becoming a part of the lived history of Al-Anon and Alateen the individual is transformed into a “recovering alcoholic” within a society of fellow alcoholics. The alcoholic learns how to take the attitudes of the generalized community of recovering alcoholics, and apply those attitudes and their interpretations to his or her conduct. A network of sponsors exists within any Al-Anon and Alateen community, for behind every recovering alcoholic stands a sponsor. Al-Anon and Alateen offers the recovering alcoholic a number of “tips” or protective measures that can be followed when the occasion to drink arises. Starting as a newcomer at the Al-Anon and Alateen meeting, perhaps barely able to speak, he or she is a recovering alcoholic. The key players, or figures in recovery are, of course, the alcoholic, his or her network of significant others, and recovering alcoholics in Al-Anon and Alateen.
