The History of Alcoholics Anonymous
Historical writings, documents, letters, events, people, places and references through-out the history of A.A.
Silkworth.net
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Dr.
Silkworth & A.A.
The
Doctor's Opinion -A letter from Dr. Silkworth
to Alcoholics Anonymous. This letter is also in the
Big Book.
Alcoholism
as a Manifestation of Allergy -"It
is our purpose to show that there is a type of alcoholism
characterized by a definite symptomatology and a fixed
diagnosis indicative of a constant and specific pathology;
in short, that true alcoholism is a manifestation of
allergy." -March 17, 1937
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Reclamation
of the Alcoholic -"To such patients
we recommend “moral psychology,” and in those of our
patients who have joined or initiated such groups the
change has been spectacular." -April 21, 1937
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A
New Approach to Psychotherapy in Chronic Alcoholism
-"One powerful factor is that of self-preservation.
These ex-alcoholics frequently find that unless they
spend time helping others to health they cannot stay
sober themselves." -July, 1939
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Psychological
Rehabilitation of Alcoholics -This is an
expanded letter from Silky, parts of which can be found
in the Big Book pages xxiii to xxx called "The Doctor's
Opinion". -July 19, 1939
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A
Highly Successful Approach To The Alcoholic Problem
-Confirmed in Medical and Sociological Results -Medical
Record, Vol. 154, New York -August 1941
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Dr.
Silkworth’s Rx for Sobriety -Anyone who
tried to impress a drinking alcoholic with the approach,
“You can’t have your cake and eat it, too,” would probably
draw a scornful, “So what! Who wants any cake? Tony,
make it a double this time.” -June, 1945
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The
Prevention of Alcoholism -A Challenge to
the Catholic Clergy. The "Blue Book" -National
Clergy Conference on Alcoholism, 1960. -N.Y., N.Y.,
City Rensselaer, 1950
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Dr.
William Duncan Silkworth -1873 to 1951
-April 1951
The
Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks -Dr. William
Duncan Silkworth, M.D. -from which this web site, Silkworth.net,
gets its name. -May, 1951
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Slips
and Human Nature -"The mystery of
slips is not so deep as it may appear. While it does
seem odd that an alcoholic, who has restored himself
to a dignified place among his fellowmen and continues
dry for years, should suddenly throw all his happiness
overboard and find himself again in mortal peril of
drowning in liquor, often the reason is simple."
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Dr.
Silkworth on Jesus Christ -Written by Dick
B., renowned author of many books on Alcoholics
Anonymous history & biblical roots.
WILLIAM
DUNCAN SILKWORTH, MD (1873-1951) -Researched/written
for: The Round Table of AA History by Mike O., of The
Just Do It Big Book Study Group of Alcoholics Anonymous,
DeBary, Florida. Updated/revised: 1999, 2000, and 2001.
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