FOREWORD
-
We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women
who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To
show other alcoholics PRECISELY HOW THEY CAN RECOVER is the main purpose
of this book. For them, we think these pages will prove so convincing that
no further authentication will be necessary. We hope this account of our
experiences will help everyone to better understand the alcoholic. Many
do not yet comprehend that he is a very sick person. And besides, we are
sure that our new way of living has its advantages for all.
-
It is important that we remain anonymous because we are too few, at
present, to handle the overwhelming number of personal appeals which will
result from this publication. Being mostly business or professional folk
we could not well carry on our occupations in such an event. We would like
it clearly understood that our alcoholic work is an avocation only, so
that when writing or speaking publicly about alcoholism, we urge each of
our Fellowship to omit his personal name, designating himself instead as
"A Member of Alcoholics Anonymous."
-
Very earnestly we ask the press also, to observe this request, for otherwise
we shall be greatly handicapped.
-
We are not an organization in the conventional sense of the word. There
are no fees nor dues whatsoever. The only requirement for membership is
an honest desire to stop drinking. We are not allied with any particular
faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone. We simply wish to
be helpful to those who are afflicted.
-
We shall be interested to hear from those who are getting results from
this book, particularly from those who have commenced work with other alcoholics.
We shall try to contact such cases.
-
Inquiry by scientific, medical and religious societies will be welcomed.
-
(This multilith volume will be sent upon receipt of $3.50, and the printed
book will be mailed, at no additional cost, as soon as published.)
-
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
-
Foreward | Chapter
1 / 2 / 3 /
4
/ 5 / 6 / 7
/ 8 / 9 / 10
/ 11
-
The Doctors Opinion
-
Alcoholic Foundation
-
Back to Big Book Page