Pioneers in the All Addicts Anonymous
Way of Life
The All Addicts Anonymous way of life, essentially, consists of the Four Absolutes of the Oxford Group and the Twelve Steps and Ten Points of Alcoholics Anonymous, as adapted for all addicts and all addictions.
Seven pioneers, along with a couple of hundred close associates, did the major work in formulating these principles for effective rescue work in the modern world. Here are the pioneers, below:
Frank Buchman
Frank Buchman, former Dutch Reformed minister, founder and director of the Oxford Group — which was the basic intellectual and practical ground on which Bill and Dr. Bob developed the principles and practices of Alcoholics Anonymous.
William G. Wilson
William G. Wilson — “Bill” to his innumerable friends — former New York stockbroker, and co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Robert H. Smith, M.D.
Robert H. Smith, M.D. — “ Dr. Bob” to his innumerable friends, physician and surgeon, and co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Father Edward Dowling, S.J.
Father Edward Dowling, S.J., the Roman Catholic priest who worked closely with Bill and Dr. Bob in formulating the Steps and the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dr. Harry M. Tiebout
Dr. Harry M. Tiebout, the psychiatrist who understood the spiritual and medical aspects of Alcoholics Anonymous, and presented them to modern medicine.
Dr. William Silkworth
Dr. William Silkworth, the physician who understood Bill’s spiritual experience and its practical relationship to modern medicine.
Father Samuel Shoemaker
Father Samuel Shoemaker, the Episcopal priest and Oxford Group leader who worked closely with Bill and Dr. Bob in formulating the principles and practices of Alcoholics Anonymous.