It’s Fun to Be Sober For many seamen, the sea is an escape. On the hunch that it takes a seaman to It was for Joe. The ruddy- faced, squarely built, understand a seaman he collected “a handful of 27-year-old lrishman would come into port, get drunks” and formed his own club – Alcoholics drunk, maybe get jailed, and then look around Anonymous Seamen’s Group. Last week, in for a ship. The first few days on board were their new clubhouse on West 24th Street in New pretty rugged. But after he had fought off his York, the reformed seamen held a New Year’s drunk, he was safe from another – until the next open house for 150 members. Refreshments: port. hot dogs, coffee, cokes, and cake. About a Yeat ago, Joe sobered uP As secretary of the group Joe has given permanently. “On account of being a drunk, I fell up the sea to remain on duty at the clubhouse’ out with the union,” he explained. “My privileges “Guys hear about it and walk in,” he said. “Some were taken away from me.” At the same time he don’t know what it’s all about. They think they learned from a Public Health Service doctor that can take a couple of pills – and bingol – they’re alcoholism is a disease and that “drunks aren’t cured. Not everybody wants to cure himself.” just bad boys.” The doctor recommended Joe also goes down to hosPitals and Alcoholics Anonymous, the group of chronic shipyards to talk to “tough cases.” “l tell my own drinkers who have learned how to keep sober by experiences. lf a guy gripes about the War helping others to do the same. Shipping Administration, I ask him: “How are you The idea made sense. But Joe didn’t like going to be in a position to tell off the WSA if to rub elbows with bankers, lawyers, teachers, you’re a drunk.” and other toffs in the original A.A. membership.

Source: Newsweek, January 15,1945