Page 124 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

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WORKING WITH OTHERS 103
tion. We feel that each family, in the light of their
own circumstances, ought to decide for themselves.
We are careful never to show intolerance or hatred
of drinking as an institution. Experience shows that
such an attitude is not helpful to anyone. Every new
alcoholic looks for this spirit among us and is im­
mensely relieved when he finds we are not witch-
burners. A spirit of intolerance might repel alcoholics
whose lives could have been saved, had it not been for
such stupidity. We would not even do the cause of
temperate drinking any good, for not one drinker in
a thousand likes to be told anything about alcohol by
one who hates it.
Some day we hope that Alcoholics Anonymous will
help the public to a better realization of the gravity
of the alcoholic problem, but we shall be of little use
if our attitude is one of bitterness or hostility. Drinkers
will not stand for it.
After all, our problems were of our own making.
Bottles were only a symbol. Besides, we have stopped
fighting anybody or anything. We have to!