🕊️ Still Human: Icons of Recovery. September 2025: We chose William L White, & heres why..
When we talk about recovery, we often focus on our personal stories, the daily work of staying sober, or the people who inspire us. But there’s another kind of contribution that has shaped the way we understand recovery in America — documenting its history.
One of the most important figures in that work is William L. White, whose book Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America is considered the definitive account of how recovery movements and treatment systems have developed over time.
Who is William L. White?
William L. White is an Emeritus Senior Research Consultant at Chestnut Health Systems with over 50 years of experience in the addictions field. Over his career, he has authored 21 books and countless articles. His work focuses on mapping the prevalence, pathways, and long-term styles of recovery. He’s been widely recognized by major organizations in the field, including the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and even Harvard Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry. In short — he’s one of the most respected historians and researchers of recovery we have.
About: Slaying the Dragon
The second edition of Slaying the Dragon (2014) runs more than 550 pages and is the product of over 35 years of research. It tells the story of America’s responses to alcoholism and other addictions — from the earliest efforts to today’s recovery advocacy movements.
Here are the main takeaways:
Addiction as an Enduring Problem
The book emphasizes that addiction has always been one of America’s most persistent societal challenges. Every generation has faced it in different forms.
Evolution of Treatment Approaches
White documents the journey from early inebriate asylums, to custodial care, to the development of modern therapeutic treatment centers.
The Power of Mutual Aid
A major theme is the importance of peer-led groups throughout history. This includes Native American recovery circles, the Washingtonians, Ribbon Reform Clubs, Twelve Step fellowships, and newer secular or faith-based mutual aid alternatives. Community has always been at the heart of recovery.
The Rise of Recovery Advocacy
White also highlights a more recent trend: the growth of recovery advocacy organizations that work to change public policy, reduce stigma, and give people in recovery a stronger collective voice. He argues this movement may transform the future of addiction treatment in the U.S. and beyond.
Why It Matters
Understanding where we’ve come from as a recovery community helps us appreciate the resources we have today — and recognize how far we still need to go. White’s research shows that recovery is not a new idea, but a long, evolving tradition built by generations of people committed to helping each other.
For anyone interested in the bigger picture of recovery, William White’s Slaying the Dragon is essential reading. It not only preserves the past but also points toward the future — one where mutual aid, evidence-based treatment, and strong recovery advocacy continue to grow side by side.
With Love,
Elfy & Nicky
