The Basics of Recovery The Problem - The Solution April 13, 2018 Alcoholics Anonymous

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1 Alcoholics Anonymous no further authentication will be necessary. The Story of How Many Thousands (today millions) of men and women have recovered from alcoholism (an obsessive- dependency). We think this account of our experiences will help everyone to better understand the (obsessive-dependent person). Many do not understand that this person is a very (spiritually) sick person. And besides, we are What Exactly Is The Problem sure that our way of living has advantages for all. (A.A., Forward to First Edition, p. ix, para 1, lines 7-12) We begin our readings in the preface to our book, on page vii: PREFACE - pause for a moment Because this book has become the basic text of our society and has helped such large numbers of (obsessive-dependent) men and women to recovery, there exists strong sentiment against any changes being made in it. Therefore, the first section of this volume, describing the A.A. recovery program has been left largely untouched in the course of revisions made in the second, third, and fourth editions. The section called The Doctors Opinion has been kept intact, just as it was originally written in 1939 by the late Dr. William Silkworth, our Society s great medical benefactor. (A.A., Preface, p. vii, para 2,) One page over in the: FORWARD TO THE FIRST EDITION The authors define what A.A. is, on page ix, the first paragraph: - We of Alcoholics Anonymous are more than one hundred man and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other (obsessivedependent people) precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book (and this meeting). (A.A., Forward to First Edition, p. ix, para 1, lines 1-5) In the same paragraph, three lines down, they expand on the additional benefits this book offers: 1 Again, on the same page, (the last paragraph) they explain how our Recovery Group is organized and define our recovery goals: We are not an organization in the conventional since of the word. There are no fees or dues whatever. The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to recover from our past (obsessive) thinking and behavior. We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose any. We simply wish to be helpful to those who are afflicted. (A.A., Forward to First Edition, p. ix, para 5, line 1; top, lines 1-6) On the next page, in the FORWARD TO THE SECOND EDITION A Spiritual Experience In the last paragraph on page xi, the authors begin with a brief history of our recovery program, and how our recovery actually works. The spark that grew into our the first A.A. group was struck in Akron, Ohio, in June 1935, (83 yrs. ago) during a talk between a New York stockbroker and an Akron physician (Dr. Bob). Six months earlier, (Jan. 1935) the broker had been relieved of his thinking obsession by a sudden spiritual experience, following a (12 Step) meeting with an alcoholic friend (Ebby T.) who had been in contact with the Oxford Groups of that day. He had also been greatly helped by the later Dr. Willian D. Silkworth a New York specialist in alcoholism. From this doctor, the broker had learned the grave nature of alcoholism

2 to be both an ( obsession and a the The first 100 Men and Women wrote this book (as a specific newcomer recovery guide): dependency ). (A.A., Forward to Second Edition, p. xi, para. 3, lines 1-5; p. xii top, lines 1-14) In the next paragraph, (starting four lines down), the authors explain how this massage of recovery was carried for the very first time, from one member to a newcomer: ceded only in keeping sober himself. The broker had gone to Akron on a business venture that had collapsed, leaving him in great fear that he might start drinking (his obsessive thinking and resulting behavior ) once again. He suddenly realized that in order to save himself, he must carry this message to yet another (obsessivedependent) person. The person turned out to be the Akron physician.) (A.A., Forward to Second Edition, p. xii, para. 1, lines 4-10) In the next paragraph (same page) the authors explain both How and Why, both of them successfully recovered: This physician (Dr. Bob) had repeatedly tried (only) spiritual means to resolve his obsessive dilemma, but (this spiritual method alone) had failed completely. But when the broker gave him Dr. Silkworth s description of an obsession (of the mind) and its hopelessness (an allergy of the body), the physician then began to pursue the spiritual remedy for his malady with a willingness he had never before been able to muster. He then recovered, never to relapse again up to the moment of his death in This result seemed to prove that one (obsessive-dependent person) could directly affect another - as no other person could. It also indicated that strenuous work, one (obsessive - dependent) person to another, (Step 12) was vital to both our (and each newcomer s) permanent recovery. (A.A., Forward to Second Edition, p. xii, para. 2. lines 8-10) On the next page xiii, the third paragraph (the third line down), the authors explain how and why 2 world. This determination bore fruit in the spring of 1939 by the publication of this volume. The membership had by then reached about 100 men and women. The fledgling society, which had been nameless, now began to be called Alcoholics Anonymous, from the title of its own book (on how all of them recovered). (A.A., Forward to Second Edition, p. xiii, para. 3, lines 3-8) Two pages later, on page xvi, in the top paragraph, (five lines down) the authors tell us about the Recovery Rate initially experienced by A.A., beginning in 1935: where. Of the (obsessive-dependent people) who came to A.A. and really tried, 50% (recovered) at once and remained that way; an additional 25% recovered after some relapses, (for a 75% recovery rate) and among the remainder, all those who continued coming to A.A. showed improvement. (A.A., Forward to Second Edition, p. xvi, top, lines 5-8) Note: In the Cleveland Group, the actual recovery rate experienced, was 95%! That is the reason this group uses only the original recovery format as practiced in 1935, as outlined in the book Back to Basics by Wally P. based upon his archival research of the original A.A. history. It worked in the 1930 s, and it works today, now, in this group! On the top of the next page, xvii, - the fifth line down, the authors give us A.A. s view on Hospitals, Treatment Facilities, Counseling and Therapy: Upon therapy for (obsessive-dependent people), we surely have no monopoly. Yet it is our great hope that all those who have, as of yet - found no answer, may begin to find one in the pages of this book, and will presently join us on this high road to a new freedom.

3 (A.A., Forward to Second Edition, p. xvii, top, lines 5-9) In the course of his third treatment he acquired certain ideas concerning a possible FORWARD TO THE THIRD EDITION What is it that we share in A.A. which has consistently proven to be so successful (75 to 95%)? We find that answer one page over, in the FORWARD TO THE THIRD EDITION, page xviii. means of recovery (from Ebby T., his sponsor). As part of his (Ebby s) rehabilitation, he had commenced to present his conceptions to other (obsessive-dependent people (Bill W.), impressing upon them that they must do likewise with still others (Step 12). This has become the basis for a rapidly growing fellowship of these men, (their wives) and families. This man and over one hundred others appear to have recovered. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxi, para.4, lines 1-8) In spite of the great increase in the size and span of this fellowship, at its core it remains simple and personal. Each day, somewhere in the world, recovery begins when one (obsessive-dependent person) talks with another, sharing their experience, (their) strength and (their) hope. (A.A., Forward to Third Edition, p. xviii, last paragraph, lines 5-9) I personally know scores of other cases who were of this type, with whom all other methods (of recovery) had failed completely. (They were Hopeless ) (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxi, para. 5, lines 1-2) One page over, THE DOCTOR S OPINION Next, one page over, at the top of page xxi, Dr. Silkworth gives his impression of the 12 Step Recovery Program originated by Alcoholics Anonymous, and why he found it to be absolutely essential for the long-time recovery of his obsessive-dependent patients. It starts with the first paraph We (The First 100 members) of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the reader will be interested in the medical estimate of the Plan of Recovery described in this book. (three lines further down) A well-known doctor, the chief physician at a nationally prominent hospital specializing in alcohol and drug addition, gave A.A. this opinion letter. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxi, para. 1, lines 1-9) THE DOCTOR S OPINION To whom It May Concern: 3 In late 1934 I attended a patient (Bill W.) who, though he had been a competent businessman of good earning capacity, was an ( obsessive-dependent person) of a type I had come to regard as hopeless. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxi, para.3, lines 1-4) These facts appear to be of extreme medical importance; because of the extraordinary possibilities of rapid growth in this group (A.A.), they may mark a new epoch in the annals of (obsessive-dependency). These (recovered men and women) may well have a remedy for thousands of such situations. (A.A., The Doctors O, p. xxi, para.6, lines 1-2; p. xxii, top, lines1-3) You may rely absolutely on anything they say about themselves. Very truly yours, William D. Silkworth, M.D. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxii, para.1, lines 1-2) On page xxii, the second paragraph, Dr. Silkworth gives his definition of the problem each of us is struggling with here now. The Problem He defines as both: An Obsession of the mind, and An Allergy of the body. The physician (Dr. Silkworth) who at our request, gave us this letter, has been kind enough to enlarge upon his views in another

4 statement which follows. In this statement, he confirms that we who have suffered this The Doctor writes: obsessive-dependent torture must believe: that the (physical) body of an obsessivedependent person, is quite as abnormal as recovery) seems to should be of paramount The subject presented in this A.A. book (of his mind (the problem we are facing, is importance to those afflicted with (an obsessive both a mental and a physical condition). It dependent) addiction. did not satisfy us to be told we could not control our thinking just because we were maladjusted to life, that we were in full flight from reality, or that we were outright mental defectives. These things were true to some Next Dr. Silkworth expands his opinion with how recovered A.A. members are able to provide the experience, strength and hope, which physicians themselves are not equipped to provide. extent, in fact, to a considerable extent with some of us. But we were convinced that: our bodies were sickened as well. In our (medical) belief, any picture of an (obsessivedependent person) that leaves out this physical factor is most incomplete. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxii, para.2, lines 1-14) In the next paragraph, the A.A. authors respond to Doctor Silkworth s Opinion: The doctor s theory that we have a (physical) allergy of the body interests us. As laymen, of course, our opinion as to its soundness may mean little. But as (recovered people), we can say that his explanation makes good sense. It explains many things (about us) for which we cannot otherwise account. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxii, para.3, lines 1-6) In the last paragraph on page xxii, the A.A. authors explain why they also may recommend hospitalization for certain types obsessive dependent people: Though we work our solution on the spiritual as well as the altruistic plane we favor hospitalization for the (obsessive - dependent) person who is jittery of befogged. More often than not, it is imperative that a person s brain be cleared before they are (spiritually) approached as they have a much better chance of both understanding and accepting what we (in A.A.) have to offer. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxii, para.3, lines 1-5, p. xxiii. Top, lines 1-2) Continuing on the top of the next page xxiii, - 4 In the fourth paragraph from the top: We doctors have realized for some time, that some form of moral psychology (talk therapy as practiced in this group) was of urgent importance to these (obsessive dependent people) but it s application presented difficulties beyond our conception. What with our ultra-modern standards, our scientific approach to everything, we are perhaps not well equipped to apply the powers of good that lie outside our scientific knowledge. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiii, para.4, lines 1-7) The doctor continues by describing how Bill W. had acquired certain ideas (which were later to become the 12 Steps) which he at once put into practical application. The doctor marveled at the success he witnessed in both our Program of Recovery and the Power we each had found. On page xxiii, the sixth paragraph down, starting in the third line down: These cases (of A.A. s recovery) we followed, have been most interesting; in fact, many of them are amazing. The unselfishness of these (A.A.) people, as we have come to know them; the entire absence of profit motive, and their community spirit, is indeed inspiring to one who has labored long and wearily in this field (of recovery). They (the members of this Fellowship) believe in themselves, and still more in the (Spiritual) Power which pulls chronic (obsessive-

5 dependent people) back from the gates of death. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiii, para.3, lines 1-7) In the next paragraph, the eight lines down from the top: On the top of the next page xxiv, in the first paragraph, the Dr. Silkworth expands on his opinion - concluding with why he believes we (obsessive-dependent) people are also Powerless : An Allergy We believe and so suggested years ago, that the (chemical response) in the brain of these obsessive-dependent people is (actually) a manifestation of a (physical) allergy. as A Phenomenon of Craving That this phenomenon of craving is limited to this (certain) class of people and never occurs in the average temperate (thinking) person. These allergic types can never safely (engage in this type of ( thinking ) or behavior in any form at all; and once having formed the habit and found they cannot brake it, once having lost their self-confidence, their reliance upon things human, their problems pile up on them and them and become astonishingly difficult to solve (or powerless ). (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiv, para.1, lines 1-10) They are - physically powerless over their - physical allergy! On the same page, the second paragraph, Dr. Silkworth then explains what he found to be necessary in order for (obsessive-dependent people) like us, to recover. 5 Frothy emotional seldom suffices. The message that can interest and hold these people must have both depth and weight. In nearly all cases their ideals must be grounded in a Power greater than themselves if they are ever to recreate their lives. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiv, para.2, lines 1-5) ment. We (doctors) feel, after many years of experience, that we have found nothing which has contributed more to the rehabilitation of these men (and women), than the altruistic (selfless) movement (Alcoholics Anonymous) now growing up among them. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiv, para.3, lines 8-11) In the last paragraph on this page, Dr. Silkworth gives us his diagnosis of the ( mental and physical ) problem that we (obsessivedependent) people are faced with. Men and women ( think and behave as they do) because they like the effect produced by (the resulting behavior). The sensation is so elusive that - while they admit it is injurious, they cannot after time differentiate the true from the false. To them this type of life seems to be the only normal one. They are restless, irritable and discontented, unless they can once again experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes, at once, from again engaging in this same behavior (behavior which they see other people engaging in with impunity). After they have succumbed to the desire (the obsession ) again as so many do, the phenomenon of craving (the physical response within the body) develops, and they again pass through the well-known stages of a spree, emerging remorseful, (once again) with the firm resolution not to engage in this behavior again. This process is repeated over and over, and unless this person can experience and entire psychic change, there is very little hope (A.A. believes none) for their recovery. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiv, para.4, lines 1-6, p. xxv, top, lines 1-9) What Then Is The Solution Dr. Silkworth next described the only solution he, and all those doctors (specializing in obsessive-

6 dependency ), had found which produced a permanent recovery. Dr. Silkworth called this: An Entire Psychic Change He explained this Psychic Change in the first para-graph on page xxv: On the other hand and strange as this may sound to those who do not understand once an entire psychic change has occurred, the very same person who seemed doomed, who had so many problems they despaired of ever solving them, suddenly finds themselves easily able to control their desire for this behavior, the only effort necessary being that required to follow a few simple (spiritual) rules. (These rules are now called: The Twelve Steps ) (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxiv, para.3, lines 1-6, p. xxv, top, lines 1-9) We have been both Separate and Apart Skipping down to the third paragraph, the Doctor continues his discussion of The Solution, by explaining that The solution must include the essential requirement for something more than human power. Faced with this problem, if we doctors are honest with ourselves, we must sometimes admit our own inadequacy. Although we doctors give all that is in us, it is often not enough. One feels that something more than human power is needed to produce the required entire psychic change. Though the aggerate of recoveries from our psychiatric effort is considerable, we physicians must admit we have made very little impression upon the problem as a whole. Many types do not response to the ordinary psychological (or therapy) approach. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxv, para.3, lines 1-9) In the last paragraph on the same page, the doctor next explains how easily this physical response can reoccur with any (obsessive-dependent) person. 6 I do not hold with those who believe that this difficulty (a mental obsession as well as a physical allergy) is entirely a problem of (an individual s mental control. I have had many (patients) who after many months, went back to their old thinking and its recurring behavior - and immediately the physical phenomenon of craving returned at once, and became paramount to all other interests. These people were not thinking (and acting ) this way to escape, rather this behavior was in direct response to a physical craving beyond their mental control. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxv, para.4, lines 1-7; p. xxvi, top, lines 1-3, ed.) Entire Abstinence Next, on page xxvi, in the last two paragraphs, Doctor Silkworth concludes his opinion with his explanation of the only relief (or only Solution ) he (and all those doctors working under administration) had found for the thousands of (obsessive-dependent) people they had treated in Towns Hospital, in New York City. We begin with the second to the last paragraph: All (the cases we treated) and many others, have one symptom in common: they cannot re-start any obsessive-thinking without developing the phenomenon of craving. This pheromone, as we have suggested, may be the manifestation of an allergy which differentiates these people and sets them apart as a distinct entity. It has never been by any treatment by which we are familiarpermanently eradicated. The only relief we have to suggest is the entire abstinence (from this obsessive thinking, triggering the resulting phenomenon of craving.). (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxvi, para.5, lines 1-8, ed.) The Doctors Findings In the next paragraph, the doctor presents his findings: This immediately precipitates us into a seething cauldron of debate. Much has been written pro and con, but among us physician,

7 the general opinion seems to be that most chronic obsessive-dependent people are Definitions we find helpful: doomed. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxvi, para.6, lines 1-4, ed.) In nearly all cases, their ideals (Solution) must be grounded in Power greater than themselves. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxvi, para.2, lines 1-5) The Doctors Hope Dependency: Self-defeating, learned behaviors, which are greatly exaggerated and complicated by a pathological (caused by a mentally disturbed condition) relation -ship to a mood-altering substance, activity, or person, that diminishes our capacity to participate in loving relationships. Ernie Larson Finally, on the next page xxviii, in this last paragraph Dr. Silkworth expresses is wish for each of us who have found this meeting, and come this far in reading our Big Book: I earnestly advise every (obsessivedependent) person, to read this book thorough and through (both the Recovery Portion and the Personal Stories) if you came to scoff, perhaps after reading, you may wish to remain and pray. (A.A., The Doctors Opinion, p. xxxiii, para.2, lines 1-4) God (Good): A power behind our nature; our creation, and our health; which allows us aspire to the highest level of moral action and ethical behavior; or, the underlying principal of goodness that lies deep within each of us. R. Mordecai Kaplan, JTS Moral: Concerned with, or founded upon the fundamental principles of right conduct, virtuous; chaste. (Please copy these definitions and past on the bottom of page 16 of your book) William D. Silkworth, M.D. Word Count: 3,800 AA The Problem ( ) 320 PM.DOCX - Word 7