An unprecedented document of contemporary culture -- the first comprehensive overview of the history, jargon, traditions, and literature of the many 12-step recovery programs.

What does a codependent say to his mate when he wakes up? Good morning, how am I? -- overhead at a Codependents Anonymous meeting

Throughout the world today, more than two million alcoholics and hundreds of thousands of drug addicts, compulsive overeaters, sex addicts, compulsive gamblers, codependents, and other addicts abstain from their addiction, having found a new life by practicing the 12-step program of...