With the spread of AA as a social movement and a treatment philosophy within and across nations of the world in dealing with problems of drinking, a growing sensitivity to diversity has emerged. This in turn has created a need to delve into contextually influenced responses to AA and the nuances of culture in responding to AA. The purpose of this qualitative research exercise was to explore the beginnings of AA and the unfolding of meanings of its prescriptions for recovery, as experienced and shared by members in a metropolitan city, in South India. A clear indigenization process was traced in the way AA is interpreted and applied in practice. The study also revealed selective attention to the 12 steps and the use of initiative in adapting various features to suit local beliefs.

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