The War of the Gods in Addiction: The Psychodynamics of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery
May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025
Lifelong Learner Members & Pacifica Extension Student Members : $39 | Offered Live via Zoom
Program Description
The War of the Gods in Addiction: The Psychodynamics of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery
Join us for a thought-provoking webinar presented by David Shoen that delves into the fascinating correspondence between Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and C. G. Jung. This program will present an overview of the psychodynamics of addiction, its true nature, and the crucial role of archetypal shadow and evil in the addiction process.
Through this webinar, you will gain a deeper understanding of the archetypal dynamics that underlie addiction and recovery. The importance of acknowledging and integrating the shadow in the healing process will be explored, as well how the 12 Steps of AA remain relevant in the context of Jungian psychology. The existence and impact of archetypal evil in our world and in the general public will be discussed.
What you will Receive:
- 4 Live Webinar Sessions with Q & A
- 4 Links to the Recordings
This Course is Ideal for:
- Alcoholism and addiction counselors.
- Those working in the addiction field who are interested in Jungian Psychology.
- Those who are interested in understanding addiction and its implications.
- Students in the mental health field.
- Those who have family or friends struggling with addiction.
- The general public.
Course Overview:
Week 1: The Bill W. (cofounder of AA) – Carl Jung Letters
The letters and their profound implications, especially Jung’s view of alcoholism and addiction, will be explored.
Week 2: The Creation and Development of a Typical Addiction
The Psychodynamics of addiction and what elements go into creating what is referenced as the “addiction-shadow complex”, from a Jungian perspective.
Week 3: An Exploration of Archetypal Shadow/Archetypal Evil as an Essential Element in a True Addiction
This concept will be explored historically, clinically, theoretically and in fairy tales, myths and religion.
Week 4: The Healing Process of Recovery Through the Twelve Steps of AA
The 12 steps of AA will be compared and correlated with concepts in Jungian Psychology; ie: the Self, Shadow, Individuation, and why and how they are effective in countering alcoholism and addiction.
Resources:
The War of the Gods in Addiction: C. G. Jung, Alcoholics Anonymous and Archetypal Evil
Shoen, David E. (2020). The War of the Gods in Addiction: C. G. Jung, Alcoholics Anonymous and Archetypal Evil. Chiron.
The Bill W. – Carl Jung Letters (AA Grapevine November 1978- Classic Grapevine)
(1972). Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.
Leonard, L. (1989). Witness to the Fire: Creativity and the Veil of Addiction. Shambhala.
Woodman, M. (1985). Addiction to Perfection: The Still Unravished Bride (Studies in Jungian Psychology. Inner City Books.
(1976). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism. World Services.
Kurtz, E. (1991) Not-God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous. Hazelden Educational Services.
Program Details
Dates
May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025, 12-1pm PT
Registration Fees
- $0.00 – Pacifica Extension Student Membership Rate- ONLY FOR CURRENT PGI STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A DEGREE PROGRAM
- $112.50 – Full Time Students, Seniors (65+), Pacifica Alumni
- $125.00 – General Rate
- $39.00 – Lifelong Learner Membership Rate- ONLY FOR LIFELONG LEARNER MEMBERS
The presentations will be recorded and shared after each session for those unable to attend live.
Membership Pricing
As a Member of our Pacifica Degree Student Membership program, you can receive free access to this webinar series! To register and receive your special member-only, code please click here.
(Please note that the Pacifica Degree Student Membership program is only for current students at Pacifica Graduate Institute enrolled in a full-time degree program).
As a Member of our Lifelong Learner Membership program, you can register for this series for just $39! To register and receive your special member-only code, please click here.
Student Members and Lifelong Learner Members can input their member-only code in the DISCOUNT CODE box on the registration form to receive their membership pricing
About the Teacher
David Schoen, LCSW, MSSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an IAAP Certified Jungian Analyst practicing in Covington, Louisiana, near New Orleans. He has a background as an alcoholism chemical dependency counselor. He is a senior analyst in the Inter Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, co-founder and coordinator of the New Orleans Jungian Seminar and advisor to the CG Jung Society of Baton Rouge. David lectures and teaches nationally and internationally. He has published internationally and is a Louisiana poet. His books include Divine Tempest: The Hurricane as a Psychic Phenomenon (1998), The War of the Gods in Addiction: C.G. Jung, Alcoholics Anonymous and Archetypal Evil (2009) and Always a Fighting Tiger: Memoirs of an Ordinary LSU Football Fan (2014).
General Information
Cancellations 14 days or more prior to the program start date receive a 100% refund of program registrations. After 14 days, up to 7 days prior to the program start date, a 50% refund is available. For cancellations made less than 7 days of program start date, no refund is available.
For additional information, including travel, cancellation policy, and disability services please visit our general information section.
Registration Details
May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025
- Number of Classes: 4 Classes
- Class Length: 1 hour
- Class Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM PT
- CECs: 0
