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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share
their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may
solve their common problem and help others to recover from
alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop
drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are
self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied
with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution;
does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor
opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help
other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
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INTO ACTION
More than most people, the alcoholic leads a double
life. He is very much the actor. To the outer world he presents his
stage character. This is the one he likes his fellows to see. He wants
to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn't
deserve it. The inconsistency is made worse by the things he does on
his sprees. Coming to his senses, he is revolted at certain episodes he
vaguely remembers. These memories are a nightmare. He trembles to think
someone might have observed him. As fast as he can, he pushes these
memories far inside himself. He hopes they will never see the light of
day. He is under constant fear and tension that makes for more
drinking.
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THERE IS A SOLUTION
How many times people have said to us: "I
can take
it or leave it alone. Why can't he? Why don't you
drink like a gentleman or quit? That fellow can't
handle his liquor." "Why don't you try beer and
wine?" "Lay off the hard stuff." "His will power must
be weak." "He could stop if he wanted to." "She's
such a sweet girl, I should think he'd stop for her
sake." "The doctor told him that if he ever drank
again it would kill him, but there he is all lit up again."
Now these are commonplace observations on drinkers which we hear all
the time. Back of them is a
world of ignorance and misunderstanding. We see that these expressions
refer to people whose reactions are very different from ours.
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