Extracts
from our forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/aacultwatch
under thread: “aacultwatch forum daily reflections”
“Extract
from the “Therapeutic Mechanism of Alcoholics Anonymous”, by Dr.
Harry M. Tiebout. M.D. The American Journal of Psychiatry, January
1944:
“Characteristic
of the so-called typical alcoholic is a narcissistic egocentric core,
dominated by feelings of omnipotence, intent on maintaining at all
costs its inner integrity. While these characteristics are found in
other maladjustments, they appear in relatively pure culture in
alcoholic after alcoholic. In a careful study of a series of cases,
Sillman reported that he felt he could discern the outlines of a
common character structure among problem drinkers and that the best
terms he could find for the group of qualities noted was ‘defiant
individuality’ and ‘grandiosity’. In my opinion these words
were accurately chosen… … … This experience I label for want of
a better term, a ‘psychological awakening.’… … … In
retrospect, it is apparent that the patient became aware of his basic
ego centricity. For the first time he was able to penetrate behind
the façade of his rationalisations and defence reactions and to see
that always hitherto he had put himself first. He was literally
unaware that other souls existed except insofar as they affected him…
… … While one can question the permanence of this new pattern,
there can be no question as to the fact that the experience itself
occurred…. … … The narcissistic component in the character is
submerged, at least for the time being… … Regardless of his final
conception of that power, unless the individual attains in the course
of time a sense of the reality and nearness of a Greater Power, his
egocentric nature will re- assert itself with undiminished intensity,
and drinking will again enter into the picture…” (AA Comes of
Age, Appendix E:b, page 309-317)
“Good
service leaders together with sound and appropriate methods of
choosing them are at all levels indispensable for our future
functioning and safety.” – Bill W. 1962 (Concept IX)
“Some
will be willing to term themselves ‘problem drinkers’ but cannot
endure the suggestion that they are in fact mentally ill” (Step
Two, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions page 33)
“Jud
O., who came into A.A. in 1939, recalled, ‘If there were any
alcoholics who happened to get near the Akron area, they always tried
to arrange to see Bob Smith.” (Dr. Bob and the Good Old Timers page
230)
“As
if to illustrate the danger, Jud O. noted that in 1969 he picked up a
drink one week before his 30th anniversary… … ‘Jud? He was the
rock of Gibraltar,’ said Kate P..” (Dr. Bob and the Good Old
Timers page 290)
“..but
getting straightened out was the hardest thing I ever did. It took me
three years. On the other hand, it convinced other people that the
original idea was correct: No matter how long you don’t drink, the
next one is right round the corner. It never lets you go. Dr. Bob was
right: ‘The first one will get you.’ ” – Jud O. (Dr. Bob and
the Good Old Timers page 291)
“It
is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on out
laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle
foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily
reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.”
1939 (Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” page 87)”
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
