Page 21 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

situation hopeless, had hidden in a deserted barn
determined to die. He was rescued by a searching party,
and, in desperate condition, brought to me. Following his
physical rehabilitation, he had a talk with me in which he
frankly stated he thought the treatment a waste of effort,
unless I could assure him, which no one ever had, that in
the future he would have the “will power’’ to resist the
impulse to drink.

His alcoholic problem was so complex, and his depression
so great, that we felt his only hope would be through what
we then called “moral psychology,’’ and we doubted if even
that would have any effect.

However, he did become “sold’’ on the ideas contained in
this book. He has not had a drink for a great many years. I
see him now and then and he is as fine a specimen of
manhood as one could wish to meet.

I earnestly advise every alcoholic to read this book through,
and though perhaps he came to scoff, he may remain to
pray.

William D. Silkworth, M.D.