Last Call: Alcoholism and Recovery

This book provided an interesting and thorough history of AA as well as clearing up misconceptions about the group. It was fascinating.

"Last Call" was a good read. It's a testimonial to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its power to guide alcoholics from the "hell" of their addiction to sobriety and spiritual rebirth through working the twelve steps. The author first details the history of the AA organization and its evolution to its ubiquitous presence around the globe. He then makes a scholarly argument for the "disease concept" and a genetic vulnerability for alcoholism. And finally, he gets to the heart of the matter, using descriptive vignettes of AA meetings and the narratives of AA members to give readers a glimpse into the workings of AA and the lives of those who people its meetings. With a therapist's insight and empathic world view, Dr. Hedblom deftly weaves their stories with colorful figures of speech, humor, and the grit of real life. Anyone who drinks or worries about someone who drinks would gain a better understanding of alcoholism, alcoholics, and how they may be helped through AA through reading "Last Call". I found the stories compelling, instructive, and very human - alternately eloquent, sad, funny, and touching. Dr. Hedblom is a gifted story teller, and I look forward to enjoying his next book.

The "Last Call" was a book difficult to get into. I would not recommend this book as a first book towards recovery of Alcoholism. However, after attending several meetings of AA and understanding a great deal more about the process of the meetings and recovery using the 12 step program, I would strongly recommend this book. With easy language to read from chapter 2 to the end, Mr. Hedblom explains the process of recovery involving all three: mind, body and spirit. By using stories from recovering alcoholics, the author has easily brought the reader to the understanding that recovery from this disease is more than the physical abstinence from alcohol. The final chapter "The Road to a Life Well Lived: The Promises" is very well written. He writes "The Steps, in their inclusion in life, become more in 'Sum Total' than they are separately." "Each step is a part of a progression leading eventually to greater spiritual awareness." "It is...spirituality reflected in interaction with one's fellows based on honesty, kindness, and a sense of empathy. One has a sense of having made peace with one's self...." Further Mr. Jack Hedblom explores "The freedom that the Promises talk about... the freedom from the tyranny of alcohol and its attendant compulsions and miseries. It is happiness derived from a sense of self-worth...." The author's departing words of wisdom: "As the Big Book says: We have ceased fighting anything or anyone -- even alcohol. And, finally, We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness." As an alcoholic who became sober 26 years ago, I have found that the 12 step program has brought me to a greater awareness of the Spirit within and without and reflected in all of life that I have and will encounter. The Last Call...Alcoholism and Recovery reflects well the steps I took toward that healing of mind, body and Spirit ...and that I continue to do so, "One Day at a Time." Kathleen