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Abstract: 

Christopher Ringwald’s article “Drunk Drivers, the 12 Steps and the Constitution,” 6 (3) IDU 56 (Summer 2002), essentially argues that Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) is not a religion but a nondenominational spiritual program. The New York State Court of Appeals has, however, deemed AA a religion. Ringwald’s article challenges that opinion, and argues that a faith-based program works successfully in combating the addictions through concepts as “abstinence,” “higher power,” and “letting go.” In the following response to that article, the author questions Ringwald’s assertions. This article reflects the opinions of many in the rational recovery movement and those who believe that faith-based programs have no role in the recovery process, especially those programs that receive state and federal funding.

Keywords: Alcoholic Anonymous (AA); National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC); Warner v. Orange County Department of Probation;

Affiliations:  1: Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services.