Common Sense Recovery

An Atheist's Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous

Religion was once the primary way to understand human behavior. This was certainly true when the book Alcoholics Anonymous was written in 1939. But, we have learned much over the past 80 years. Common Sense Recovery began as the journal of a long-standing member of AA, during a time in his life when he was struggling to reconcile the religious language of Alcoholics Anonymous with his new-found atheism and scientific understanding of addiction and the recovery process.

The short chapters articulate a non-religious, practical understanding of the fundamental principles at work in the program and examine the 12 steps from a secular perspective. Now in its third edition, this work continues to be a valuable guide for many who struggle with the religious nature and language of AA and contains important insights for the future of the fellowship.

©2015, 2019 Adam Neiblum (P)2019 Adam Neiblum

The HP question answered

Finally, the awkward feeling of belonging and yet not completely feeling belonged is dissipated. There’s clarity on how to go forward without looking for a hack for an HP. The earnest and kind ton of voice of the narrator complemented the rich content of the book.