Jan. 25, 2026 | The hidden story behind AA: Faith, family and the addiction recovery movement

Addiction and recovery touch countless individuals and families, yet the deeper story behind the recovery movement is often unknown. On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, Rita Buettner speaks with authors Tom Adams and Joy Jones about their book, "A Marriage That Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement." Their conversation reframes the familiar history of Alcoholics Anonymous by highlighting addiction as a family disease and recovery as a shared, spiritual journey.

Adams and Jones shine a light on the essential but frequently overlooked contributions of behind-the-scenes partners who were critical to the founding of both Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups. The episode also examines the Christian roots of the 12-step program, the influence of Catholic leaders and the Church’s role in welcoming Catholics into recovery.