Abstract

COSTA, Raul Max Lucas da  and  DANZIATO, Leonardo. The function of belief in the therapeutic program of the Alcoholics Anonymous brotherhood: a psychoanalytic study. Tempo psicanal. [online]. 2020, vol.52, n.1, pp. 216-242. ISSN 0101-4838.

This narrative review article aims to discuss the role of belief in the Twelve Step Therapeutic Program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The method used was the bibliographic study about AA literature (books, booklets, periodicals and folders) that present personal reports about the belief experience. For the analysis of the data, we use the psychoanalytic theoretical framework in its Freudian and Lacanian aspects. We find that for AAs belief in a "higher power", and experience of "spiritual awakening", constitute principles necessary for building a morality of life. The twelve-step program appropriates Christian and philosophical pragmatist elements as a standardized know-how. It is concluded that in AA literature the exercise of pragmatic know-how and mass identity production of the anonymous alcoholic indicate a prevalence of university discourse as a mode of agency of enjoyment among AA.

Keywords : Alcoholics Anonymous; big Other; discourse; addiction; belief.

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