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Personal Business
Today,
at least 5-million Americans are victims of alcoholism.
The
subject is discussed more freely these days than ever before.
But it’s still surrounded by a miasma of misinformation.
For
example, it may seem necessary to call for help from Alcoholics
Anonymous, or AA.
But
though AA celebrates 25 years this summer, surprisingly
few people know much about its workings.
Suppose
you have an alcoholic friend who obviously needs help. The
first step, if he’s in bad shape, is to call his or
your family doctor. You can follow this up by suggesting
to the victim’s wife (or husband) that it might be
wise to contact AA. Or you can call AA yourself (it is listed
in all city telephone directories). In many cases, of course,
the doctor will suggest it.
Soon
after you call AA, usually two members will appear. The
wait may be a few hours--but probably no longer.
The
two visitors will want to talk with your friend privately
for at least half an hour, maybe much longer. If you haven’t
called a physician, they may do so. Or they may call a hospital
for alcoholics; AA maintains contact with such institutions.
In a hospital, the victim usually stays about five days,
for rest under sedation and frequent conversation with AA
members. The cost: $75 to $100.
If
hospitalization isn’t needed, AA will make sure that
your friend gets to his own home. If he lives out of town,
they can even arrange for other AAs to meet him at the airport
or railroad station.
Once
the initial crisis has passed, AA’s long-range program
of rehabilitation begins. Basically, the program consists
of 12 suggested steps--making up a simple philosophy.
There
are four main points:
An
admission of defeat--a recognition that with drinking, life
has become unmanageable.
A
decision to seek the help of a Higher Power--which doesn’t
necessarily mean church religion or even a formal concept
of God.
Self-analysis
and a program to make amends and remove shortcomings.
An
attempt to apply AA teachings daily and assist other alcoholics.
It’s
important that an alcoholic decide for himself to work with
AA.
Don’t
force the subject. Psychiatrists and AA
members alike will advise you to suggest the idea, perhaps
pointedly--but that’s all.
If
he does want AA’s help, members will get him to a
local group meeting as soon as possible--maybe even the
same night, if he can navigate. He becomes an AA “member”
simply by saying he wants to join; there are no dues, fees,
or formal requirements.
For
a number of weeks or months, the new member likely will
be under close “sponsorship.” In many cases,
veteran AAs will actually drive the newcomer to local meetings
several nights a week. If he shows sustained interest, they
will keep this up--even if he slips and takes a drink.
Meetings
usually are held evenings in church halls (of all denominations).
They combine an hour of talks or open discussion, with an
hour or so of informal conversation over coffee and cake.
Speakers
tell their own stories--omitting little--and explain how
they were helped by AA. The new member soon hears a story
closely paralleling his own; this way, he “relates”
and becomes a part of the group.
Most
newcomers quickly become active in the program. It
is highly recommended that they do so. This means attending
perhaps three or four meetings a week, for the first year
or two; doing the coffee and cake chore, and eventually
serving as group secretary, treasurer, program chairman,
and chairman. Most important, it means calling on new prospects.
After
the new AA member passes the crucial three-month mark in
staying sober, some groups will give him a token lapel pin
(which he wears only if he wants to). After a full year
without a drink, there is apt to be a special anniversary
meeting in his honor.
In
many cities, he can join AA luncheon clubs meeting in top
restaurants. (He will be surprised at the number of executives
and professional men present.) He can even take his wife
to AA social events and, in many cases, to meetings. And
always, night or day, he can practice “10 cent therapy”--when
he feels the urge to take a drink, he can step to a phone
booth and call an AA friend. If he does this, chances are
he won’t take the drink.
(Source:
Business Week, April 16, 1960)
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