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This book portraying the link between Jung and the foundation and ethos of Alcoholics Anonymous comes as a welcome addition to the literature on analytical psychology and addiction. The author presents hitherto little-known historical details of this link, elucidates the principles upon which the Fellowship of A.A. functions in practice, and offers an interpretation of the archetypal significance of the Twelve Steps, the spiritual path of A.A.
For analysts the notion of a patient or potential patient attending Alcoholics Anonymous can produce an uncomfortable sense of ambivalence. It is as if they feel they should take a particular stance towards the idea, be this negative or positive. This book is therefore of great value because it portrays in detail the functioning and ethics of the Fellowship of A.A. This enables the analyst to consider from an informed perspective the likelihood of split transference in relation both to the group and to the individual sponsor with whom their patient may form a strong therapeutic bond within A.A. In turn, this enables the analyst to consider whether they wish to take up the challenge of such therapeutic cooperation.
As an outcome of his research, the author enhances our knowledge of the relationship between Jung and William (Bill) Wilson, one of the two founder members of A.A. In particular, he describes the part of intermediary played by Margarita Luttichau, a student of Jung's and protégé of Wilson, who had an interest in applying the format and principles of A.A. to group work with patients deemed neurotic rather than alcoholic. This strikes a chord in view of the proliferation in recent years of self-help groups addressing a variety of problems. Some, though not all, of these groups have followed the traditions of A.A. The author also documents Wilson's personal belief in the therapeutic efficacy of L.S.D. Wilson had found that it alleviated his depression and