The paths of Tom Powers and Bill Wilson, two pivotal figures in the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), intersect in fascinating and contrasting ways. Both men were influential in writing the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book, although many
The use of psychedelic substances in psychotherapy has a long and complex history, spanning several decades and encompassing a variety of therapeutic approaches. Among these, two prominent modalities emerged in the mid-20th century: psychedelic therapy and psycholytic therapy. While both
In the world of spiritual literature, few pieces are as universally beloved and widely recited as the “Prayer of St. Francis,” also known as the “Peace Prayer.” The prayer, which begins with the lines “Lord, make me an instrument of
An Oxford Group meeting in the 1930s, which significantly influenced the early development of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), was quite different from modern AA meetings. The Oxford Group was a Christian fellowship focused on spiritual growth, personal transformation, and evangelism. In
In the mid-20th century, addiction treatment was ripe for innovation. Out of this period of experimentation and new ideas emerged Synanon, a radical and controversial approach to recovery. The origins of Synanon can be traced back to two influential experiences:
Betty Eisner, a pioneering psychologist from the mid-20th century, was instrumental in the early exploration of psychedelic therapy, particularly the use of LSD for treating psychological conditions such as alcoholism. Working alongside Sidney Cohen at UCLA, Eisner was at the
The chapter titled “To Wives” in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly known as the “Big Book”) has sparked debate and criticism since its first publication in 1939. Designed to offer guidance to the wives of alcoholic men, this chapter reflects
In May 1957, LIFE magazine published a groundbreaking article titled “Seeking the Magic Mushroom,” which documented the experiences of a U.S. banker, R. Gordon Wasson, who ventured into a remote Mexican village to participate in the ancient ritual of consuming
In the 1950s and 1960s, a group of forward-thinking individuals, including Bill Wilson, Sidney Cohen, Betty Eisner, Tom Powers, and Gerald Heard, embarked on an unconventional journey that would intersect the worlds of addiction recovery and psychedelic research. These early
A Glimpse into the Unconventional Side of Bill Wilson: A Letter Discussing LSD Therapy A recently surfaced letter dated March 22, 1957, penned by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of his
Exploring the Unlikely Correspondence Between Timothy Leary and Bill Wilson In the early 1960s, an unexpected correspondence unfolded between two prominent figures: Timothy Leary, a psychologist and leading advocate for psychedelic research, and Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, formally titled “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism,” was first published in 1939. Written primarily by AA co-founder Bill Wilson, with input from early members,