Ernest Kurtz: The Historian as Storyteller and Healer

Abstract

Ernest Kurtz has made significant contributions to the addictions field through his classic treatise on the history of Alcoholics Anonymous, his writings on spirituality, his collaboration on studies of addiction recovery, and his prolonged service as teacher and mentor. This article profiles the life and thought of Ernest Kurtz, with a particular focus on the themes that permeate his written work and professional presentations.

KEYWORDS:

• Ernest Kurtz
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• spirituality
• shame

NOTE

Notes

1. J.A.C.S.: Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others: a group formed by Jewish alcoholics to help other Jews understand that AA is not “a Christian program.”