Resumen

FAINZANG, Sylvie. The Innate and the Acquired: Doctrines and Values in Two Mutual Support Groups against Alcoholism. Desacatos [online]. 2009, n.29, pp. 89-106. ISSN 1405-9274.

Mutual support groups that deal with alcoholics have their own specific relationship with alcoholism. To illustrate the big differences amongst these groups, their procedures and the philosophies upon which they base their actions, this paper studies two French groups, Alcoholics Anonymous and Vie Libre (Free Life). It shows how, beyond their common goals, they have distinct conceptions about illness and healing, and use different treatment practices.

Palabras llave : Alcoholics Anonymous; Vie Libre; theory of alcoholism; healing; identity/anonymity; dependency; sobriety; treatment.