Page 133 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alco_1893007162_6p_01_r5.qxd 4/4/03 11:17 AM Page 112

112 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
read this book or at least the chapter on alcoholism.
Tell him you have been worried, though perhaps need­
lessly. You think he ought to know the subject better,
as everyone should have a clear understanding of the
risk he takes if he drinks too much. Show him you
have confidence in his power to stop or moderate.
Say you do not want to be a wet blanket; that you only
want him to take care of his health. Thus you may
succeed in interesting him in alcoholism.
He probably has several alcoholics among his own
acquaintances. You might suggest that you both take
an interest in them. Drinkers like to help other drink­
ers. Your husband may be willing to talk to one of
them.
If this kind of approach does not catch your hus-
band’s interest, it may be best to drop the subject, but
after a friendly talk your husband will usually revive
the topic himself. This may take patient waiting, but
it will be worth it. Meanwhile you might try to help
the wife of another serious drinker. If you act upon
these principles, your husband may stop or moderate.
Suppose, however, that your husband fits the de­
scription of number two. The same principles which
apply to husband number one should be practiced.
But after his next binge, ask him if he would really
like to get over drinking for good. Do not ask that he
do it for you or anyone else. Just would he like to?
The chances are he would. Show him your copy of
this book and tell him what you have found out about
alcoholism. Show him that as alcoholics, the writers
of the book understand. Tell him some of the interest­
ing stories you have read. If you think he will be shy
of a spiritual remedy, ask him to look at the chapter on