Why the Trump addiction recovery initiative should recognize AA founders Bill W. and Dr. Bob

Reimagining Trump’s Recovery Initiative

President Trump’s executive order on January 29, titled the “Great American Recovery Initiative,” caught my attention. However, it might be more fittingly named the “Bill W. and Dr. Bob Initiative,” after the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. Back in December 1934, both Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith struggled with severe alcoholism. Bill had a life-changing spiritual experience, describing it as a bright light after he asked God for revelation. He felt a rush of freedom, and, almost instantly, his cravings for alcohol vanished.

This transformative moment was key for Bill W. and laid the groundwork for his recovery, eventually contributing to the well-known 12-step program that he and Dr. Bob established in 1935. Dr. Bob, who faced his own challenges with alcohol, found support from Bill, who helped him quit smoking. By that June, Dr. Bob had his last drink. Together with Sister Ignatia, they provided medical help to thousands of alcoholics in Akron, Ohio, and beyond, facilitating their journeys toward recovery.

What resonates with me about Trump’s initiative is its reflection of community, health, and faith, much like AA. For a recovery plan to truly work, these aspects are crucial. According to a White House statement, the initiative aims to “coordinate a national response to addiction across government, health care, faith communities, and the private sector to save lives, restore families, strengthen communities, and build America’s recovery.”

This week also saw the launch of a $100 million program by the Department of Health and Human Services dubbed the STREETS program, focusing on addiction, mental health, homelessness, and crisis intervention.

It’s encouraging to see Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a recovering heroin addict, lead this much-needed effort along with Patrick Kennedy, his cousin and a recovering alcoholic. I remember interviewing them both, and they struck me as passionate advocates for recovery.

But we shouldn’t overlook that many addicts struggle with denial, making deep faith and role models essential for overcoming their challenges. As mentioned in a White House fact sheet, around 48.4 million Americans—about 16.8% of the population—are dealing with addiction, yet many don’t seek or believe they need treatment.

Reflecting on Trump’s past actions, in 2019 he labeled the opioid crisis a public health emergency. He shared with me how deeply his brother Fred’s struggles with alcohol and heart disease impacted him. It seems that Trump’s commitment to this initiative is genuine, and he’s not the only one involved. Kathryn Burgum, a former alcoholic and the wife of Secretary Doug Burgum, along with Steve Witkoff, who spoke about the loss of his son to overdose, also lent their voices to the initiative.

Raising awareness on the difficulties of addiction is an admirable goal. While faith plays a vital role, we must also incorporate scientific methods that can aid recovery. Treatments like buprenorphine and naltrexone have been shown to significantly reduce opioid-related deaths.

As I explore in my upcoming book, Miracles Among Us, the intersection of science and faith can lead to incredible transformations.

However, funding for these essential treatments is crucial. Every primary care doctor should have the ability to prescribe these life-saving medications without restrictions. Moreover, every major church and synagogue could benefit from having a federally supported addiction recovery program.

Addiction doesn’t just impact the individual; it damages families and communities as well. Recovery is complex, requiring faith, access to quality healthcare, and dedicated leadership that truly understands the struggle.