AA History

[MajestyJo]

AA Trivia
Q: Who was the man in “The Doctors Opinion” (page xxxi)
who hid in the barn?

A: John Henry Fitzhugh M. His story is titled "Our Southern
Friend". Fitz was from Hanthingy, Missouri and got sober in
November 1935. He was twelve-stepped by Bill W. in Towns
Hospital and was considered AA number two in New York.
He was invited to and attended the Rockefeller Dinner given
on February 8, 1940 in New York.

Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. Just For Today is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated, nor affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.

2008

From: "The Doctor's Opinion"
The doctor writes:

The subject presented in this book seems to me to be
of paramount importance to those afflicted with alcoholic
addiction.

I say this after many years' experience as Medical Director
of one of the oldest hospitals in the country treating alcoholic
and drug addiction.

There was, therefore, a sense of real satisfaction when I was
asked to contribute a few words on a subject which is covered
in such masterly detail in these pages.

We doctors have realized for a long time that some form of moral
psychology was of urgent importance to alcoholics, but its
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 synthetic knowledge.

Many years ago one of the leading contributors to this book came
under our care in this hospital and while here he acquired some
ideas which he put into practical application at once.

Later, he requested the privilege of being allowed to tell his story
to other patients here and with some misgiving, we consented.
The cases we have followed through have been most interesting:
in fact, many of them are amazing. The unselfishness of these men
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 alcoholic field. They believe in themselves,
and still more in the Power which pulls chronic alcoholics back from
the gates of death.

Of course an alcoholic ought to be freed from his physical craving
for liquor, and this often requires a definite hospital procedure,
before psychological measures can be of maximum benefit.

© 1989, Carry the Message, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous,
[First Edition facsimile], pages 3-4
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. Just For Today is neither endorsed by,
approved by, associated, nor affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.