International Doctor In Alcoholics Anonymous

IDAA History: The International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous’s history is in the small garage of Dr. Clarence Pearson in upstate New York. Dr. Pearson, a recovering alcoholic and practicing physician, and his wife Polly invited other physicians and their families to join them in an Alcoholics Anonymous retreat at their Cape Vincent summer home near the Canadian border in 1949. Thirty-four physicians attended this summer meeting. Three were Canadians. Of the U.S. representatives, many were from New England and one from Florida. The presence of a psychologist as well as physicians made the meeting both international and interdisciplinary. From that meeting, the International Doctors in AA (IDAA) was born. Since its inception, the IDAA has held its annual conferences in July or August in many locations in the US. The format is similar to 24-hour fundamental AA meetings. AAs and Al-Anons are asked to participate. Scientific Educational Presentations, carrying CE/CME credits, are also presented. The presentations have included the evidence of the day concerning alcoholism and addiction. In addition to the Annual Conference, IDAA hosts a meeting list that includes both virtual and in-person meetings specifically for healthcare providers and their loved ones as an effort to carry the message of hope and healing throughout the year.