The physician who at our request gave us this letter has been kind enought to enlarge on his viewsin another statement which follows.In this statement( he confirms what we who have suffered alcoholic torture (must) believe that the body of the alcoholic is quite as abnormal as his mind) It did not satisfy us to be told that we could not control our drinking just because we were (maladjusted) to life that we were in full flight from reality or were outright mental defectives) These things were true to some extent( in fact to a considerable extent with some of us). But we are sure our bodies were sickened as well.(In our belief any picture of the alcoholic which leaves out this physical factor is incomplete.)
The doctors theory that we have an (allergy to alcohol) interests us. As laymen our opinion as to its soundness may of course mean little. But as (ex) problem drinkers we can say that his explanation makes good sense.It explains many things for which we cannot otherwise account.
Though we work out our solution on the (spiritual)as well as the altruistic plane we favour hospitalization for the alcoholic who is jittery or befogged. More often than not it is imperative that a mans brain be cleared before he is approached as he then has a better chance of(understanding) and(accepting) what we have to offer
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 dealing with alcohol 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 presentation 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 at this hospital and while here he acquired some ideas which he put in to (practical application at once)
Later he requested the privilege of being allowed to tell his story to other patients here and with some misgivings we consented. The cases we have followed 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 laboured 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 ought to be free from his (physical) craving for liquorand this often requires a definite hospital procedure before(psychological measures can be of maximum benefit
x (Craving produced in the body) x
(We believe and suggested a few years ago that the action of alcohol on these chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an (allergy) that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and (never) occurs in the average temperate drinker.(These allergic types can never safely use alcohol in any form at all) and once having formed the habit and found they cannot break it once having lost their self confidence their reliance upon things human their problems pile up on them and become astonishingly difficult to solve
Frothy emotional appeals seldom suffices.( The message which can interest and hold these alcoholic people must have depth and weight.)In nearly all cases their ideals be created in a power greater than themselves if they are to (recreate) their lives
