Page 159 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

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138 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
has there been a lack of patience and tolerance. And
we, who have imposed on the best of employers, can
scarcely blame them if they have been short with us.
Here, for instance, is a typical example: An officer of
one of the largest banking institutions in America
knows I no longer drink. One day he told me about an
executive of the same bank who, from his description,
was undoubtedly alcoholic. This seemed to me like an
opportunity to be helpful, so I spent two hours talking
about alcoholism, the malady, and described the
symptoms and results as well as I could. His com­
ment was, “Very interesting. But I’m sure this man is
done drinking. He has just returned from a three-
months leave of absence, has taken a cure, looks fine,
and to clinch the matter, the board of directors told
him this was his last chance.”
The only answer I could make was that if the man
followed the usual pattern, he would go on a bigger
bust than ever. I felt this was inevitable and wondered
if the bank was doing the man an injustice. Why not
bring him into contact with some of our alcoholic
crowd? He might have a chance. I pointed out that I
had had nothing to drink whatever for three years, and
this in the face of difficulties that would have made
nine out of ten men drink their heads off. Why not at
least afford him an opportunity to hear my story?
“Oh no,” said my friend, “this chap is either through
with liquor, or he is minus a job. If he has your will
power and guts, he will make the grade.”
I wanted to throw up my hands in discouragement,
for I saw that I had failed to help my banker friend
understand. He simply could not believe that his