FOREWORD TO FIRST EDITION

This is the Foreword as it appeared in the first printing of the first edition in 1939.

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 we have recovered is

the main purpose of this book. For them, we hope these pages will prove

so convincing that no further authentication will be necessary. We think

this account of our experiences will help everyone to better understand

the alcoholic. Many do not comprehend that the alcoholic is a very sick

person. And besides, we are sure that our 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

may 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 understood that our alcoholic work is an avocation.

   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.”

  “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need

  always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.”

   T&T 180  Tradition Eleven

  “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place

  principles before personalities.”

   T&T 184  Tradition Twelve

   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.

  “A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or

  committees directly responsible to those they serve.”

   T&T 172  Tradition Nine

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xiv

          There

are no fees or dues whatsoever. The only requirement for membership is

an honest desire to stop drinking.

  “The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.”

   T&T 139  Tradition Three

     We are not allied with any particular

faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone.

  “Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name

  ought never be drawn into public controversy.”

   T&T 176  Tradition Ten

          We simply wish

to be helpful to those who are afflicted.

  “Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry the message to the alcoholic

  who still suffers.”

   T&T 150  Tradition Five

   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 should like to be helpful to such cases.

Inquiry by scientific, medical, and religious societies will be welcomed.

      ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS