PATHWAY TO SOBRIETY : THE ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS EXPERIENCE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

In the discussion that follows, the motif is 'personality change'. To be highlighted are the socio-psychological processes the alcoholic is subjected to, prior to and during his membership in Alcoholics Anonymous; and from which he acquires sobriety. 'Sobriety', aa an AA. term of reference, signifies not only 'not drinking' but also the acquisition of a new identity and a new outlook to life. Examining how sobriety is achieved, what will be noted are the regularities in the entire 'transformation' phase - the common state of experiences, thoughts and emotions the alcoholics share; and how it changes. These personal experiences of the social actors are not to be divorced from their social or organizational contexts, in particular AA., where 'personality change' is deliberately engineered, in accord with an organizational ideology, by those who have been alcoholics themselves. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the dynamics of the change process, with reference to the organizational process and the ideological system within AA.; and the strategies and agents used to socialise alcoholics into sobriety. But the pre-conditions of change are set even before the alcoholic enters AA., and hence, analysis of 'personality change' must begin there, in his alcoholism. Such an analysis will be approached with a developmental perspective, from the point where one is chronically alcoholic until his internalisation of a new value system. This will facilitates a sequential account of the socio-psychological conditions and experiences an average AA. member undergoes in his quest for sobriety.