Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has long been recognized as a diverse and inclusive fellowship, welcoming anyone who has a desire to stop drinking. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, as the LGBTQ+ community began to assert greater visibility and rights, tensions
Cleveland, Ohio, holds a special place in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as the birthplace of the first official AA meeting, and it was also where the first AA book studies began. These early book studies were instrumental in
The first meeting officially named Alcoholics Anonymous took place in Cleveland, Ohio, marking a critical turning point in the early history of the recovery movement. This meeting wasn’t just another gathering of alcoholics seeking sobriety—it was a bold departure from
In the Hero’s Journey, Return with the Elixir is the final stage, where the hero, having undergone profound transformation, returns to their ordinary world carrying the wisdom, knowledge, or healing they gained during the journey. This stage is about sharing
In the Hero’s Journey, The Resurrection represents the hero’s final and most profound transformation. Having faced death or deep crisis in the Ordeal and gained insight during the Reward, the hero now returns to the world with newfound strength and
In the Hero’s Journey, The Road Back marks the stage where the hero, having gained wisdom or treasure from their ordeal, begins the journey home. This is not a return to the old life as it was, but rather a
In the Hero’s Journey, The Reward represents the moment of triumph after the hero has survived the intense challenge of the Ordeal. It is the stage where the hero emerges with newfound wisdom, strength, or treasure—gifts that will aid them
In the Hero’s Journey, The Ordeal is the stage where the hero faces their greatest test—a life-altering challenge that forces them to confront their deepest fears and emerge transformed. This stage is often the most intense, representing the climax of
In the Hero’s Journey, The Approach to the Inmost Cave is a stage where the hero comes face-to-face with their deepest fears and the core of their personal struggles. This moment occurs before the most challenging part of the journey—the
Once the hero crosses the threshold into the unknown, they encounter tests, allies, and adversaries along the way. For someone in a traditional 12-step recovery program who is exploring the integration of psychedelics into their healing journey, this stage can
In the Hero’s Journey, Crossing the Threshold marks the moment when the hero leaves behind the comfort and safety of the familiar world and steps into the unknown, committing to the adventure ahead. This stage is critical, as it represents
In the Hero’s Journey, the Meeting the Mentor stage is when the hero, having wrestled with the fears and uncertainties of the call, encounters a guide or mentor who provides wisdom, support, and encouragement. This mentor helps the hero navigate