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PERSONAL BU’SINESS BUSINESS WEEK Today, at least 5-million Americans are victims of alcoholism. APRIL 76, I95O The subject is discussed more freely these days than ever before. But it’s still surrounded by a miasma of misinformation. For example, it may seem neeessary to call for help from Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA. But though AA celebrates 25 years this summer, surprisingly few people know much about its workings. Suppose you have an alcoholic friend who obviously needs help’ The first step, if he’s ln bad shape, is to eall his or your family doctor. You can WEEK follow this up by suggesting to the victim’s wife (or husband) that it might ^,,,,[, be wise to contact AA. Or you can call AA yourself (it is listed. in all city telephone directories). In many cases, of course, the doctor will suggest it. It SERVICE Soon after you call AA, usually two menibers will appear. The wait may be a few hours-but probably no longer. The two visitors will want to talk with your friend privately for at least half an hour, maybe much longer. If you haven’t called a physician, they may do so. Or they may call a hospital for alcoholics; AA maintains contact with such institutions. In a hospital, the victim usually stays about five days, for rest under sedation and frequent con’ versation with AA members. The cost: $75 to $100. If hospitalization isn’t needed, AA will make sure that your friend gets to his own home. If he lives out of town, they catr even arrange for other AAs to meet him at the airport or railroad station

Once the initial crisis has passed, AA’s long-range program of rehabilitation begins. Basieally, the program consists of 12 suggested steps-making up a simple philosophy. There are four main points: . An admission of defeat-a recognition that with drinking, Iife has become unmanageable. . A deeision to seek the help of a Higher Power’-which doesn’t neces’ sarily mean church religion or even a formal concept of God. . Self.analysis and a plogram to make amends and remove shortcomings’ . An attempt to apply AA teaehings daily and assist other alcoholies. It,s important that an alcoholic decide for himself to work with AA. Don’t force the subject. Psychiatrists and AA members alike will advise you to suggest the idea, perhaps pointedly-but that’s all If he does want AA,s help, members will get him to a loeal group meeting as soon as possible-maybe even the same night, if he can navigate’ Ee becomes an AA “member” simply by saying he wants to ioin; there are no dues, fees, or formal requirements. For a number of weeks or months, the new member likely will be under close “sponsorship.” In many cases, veteran AAs will actually drive the newcomer to loca1 meetings several nights a week. If he shows sustained interest, they will keep this up-even if he slips and takes a drink’ Meetings usually are held evenings in church halls (of all denomina’ tions). They combine an hour of talks or open discussion, with an hour or so of informal conversation over coffee and cake. Speakers tetl their own stories-omitting little-and explain how they were helped by AA. The new member soon hears a story closely paralleling his own; this way, he “relates” and becomes a part of the group. Most newcomers quickly become active in the program. It is highly r65

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PERSONAL BUSINESS (conrinued) BUSINESS WEEK reeornrnended that they do so. This means attending perhaps three or four meetings a lveek, for the first year or two; doing the eoffee and cake chore, APRTL 16, I960 and eventually serving as group secretary, treasurer, program chairman, and ehairman. Most important, it means calling on new prospects. After the new AA member passes the crucial three-month mark in staying sober, some groups will give him a token lapel pin (which he wears only if he wants to). After a fulI year without a drink, there is apt to be a special anniversary meeting in his honor. In many eities, he ean join AA luncheon clubs meeting in top restau’ rants. (He will be surprised at the number of executives and professional men present.) He can even take his wife to AA social events and, in many cases, to meetings. And always, night or day, he ean praetice “109 therapy” he feels the urge to take a drink, he can step to a phone booth and -when call an AA friend. If he does this, chances are he won’t take the fuink

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