August 10

August 10 – AM

Page xvi-xvii, Foreword To Second Edition (1955)

Prior to his journey to Akron, the broker had worked hard with many alcoholics on the theory that only an alcoholic could help an alcoholic, but he had succeeded only in keeping sober himself.  The broker had gone to Akron on a business venture which had collapsed, leaving him greatly in fear that he might start drinking again.  He suddenly realized that in order to save himself he must carry his message to another alcoholic.  That alcoholic turned out to be the Akron physician.

This physician had repeatedly tried spiritual means to resolve his alcoholic dilemma but had failed.  But when the broker gave him Dr. Silkworth’s description of alcoholism and its hopelessness, the physician began to pursue the spiritual remedy for his malady with a willingness he had never before been able to muster.  He sobered, never to drink again up to the moment of his death in 1950.  This seemed to prove that one alcoholic could affect another as no nonalcoholic could.  It also indicated that strenuous work, one alcoholic with another, was vital to permanent recovery.

August 10 – PM

Page 125, The Family Afterward, Chapter 9

Another principle we observe carefully is that we do not relate intimate experiences of another person unless we are sure he would approve.  We find it better, when possible, to stick to our own stories.  A man may criticize or laugh at himself and it will affect others favorably, but criticism or ridicule coming from another often produces the contrary effect.  Members of a family should watch such matters carefully, for one careless, inconsiderate remark has been known to raise the very devil.  We alcoholics are sensitive people.  It takes some of us a long time to outgrow that serious handicap.