Quotable Quotes for A.A. History Lovers

Dick B.

Dale Mitchel, who wrote the biography of Bill Wilson’s doctor, William D. Silkworth, M.D.,

stated:

During his third visit to Towns Hospital, Bill [Wilson] had a discussion with Dr. Silkworth on the subject of the “Great Physician.” . . . . In fact, Bill Wilson himself wrote that he had thought about this discussion before he decided to check himself into Towns for the last time. . . . Wilson wrote: “Alcoholism took longer to kill, but the result was the same. Yes, if there was any Great Physician that could cure the alcohol sickness, I’d better find him now, at once” See Dale Mitchel, Silkworth The Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks: The Biography of William Duncan Silkworth, M.D. (Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2002), 44.

Silkworth has not been given the appropriate credit for his position on a spiritual conversion, particularly as it may relate to true Christian benefits. Several sources, including Norman Vincent Peale in his book The Positive Power of Jesus Christ, agree that it was Dr. Silkworth who used the term “The Great Physician” to explain the need in recovery for a relationship with Jesus Christ. If true, this reference to Jesus has all but been eliminated from Alcoholics Anonymous history. In the formation of A.A., Wilson initially insisted on references to God and Jesus, as well as the Great Physician. See Mitchel, Silkworth, 50.

Bill Wilson said: “Henrietta, the Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease, that I just want to keep talking about it and telling people” See Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., page 191.

Dr. Bob Smith said: “It is a most wonderful blessing to be relieved of the terrible curse with which I was afflicted. . . . Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., pages 180-81.

A.A. Number Three Bill Dotson said: “That sentence, ‘The Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease, that I just want to keep telling people about it,’ has been a sort of golden text for the A.A. program and for me.” Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., page 191.

Mitchell K., who wrote a biography of Clarence H. Snyder {who founded A.A. in Cleveland in 1939), stated: “Clarence was ‘called on the carpet’ numerous times for using of his full name wherever he went. Some of his programs and flyers said, ‘Clarence Snyder of Alcoholics Anonymous will speak on this new cure for alcoholism.’ These even listed Clarence’s place of work so people could contact him.” See Mitchell K., How It Worked: The Story of Clarence H. Snyder and the Early Days of Alcoholics Anonymous in Cleveland, Ohio (NY: Washingtonville, AA Big Book Study Group, 1999), 171.

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It is often said that acknowledging an addiction to drugs and alcohol is the first step in recovery. Once a person admits there is a problem, the true healing of body, soul and mind can truly begin. A Christian addiction treatment program will provide all the necessary tools to accomplish the ultimate goal of enjoying a healthy and sober life.

Christian addiction treatment simply focuses on the fundamentals of Biblical scripture and the knowledge that Christ’s love is a powerful catalyst for recovery. The acceptance of Jesus Christ allows the addict to concentrate on rebuilding their life, with the understanding that Christ will forgive their every sin.

Christian addiction treatment teaches acceptance of the addiction and slowly rebuilds the addict’s confidence. With the strong foundation of Jesus Christ, the addict feels safe and loved every step of the way. A Christian addiction treatment program incorporates Biblical principles with the 12 step program. With this process, addicts are able to learn forgiveness of themselves and of other people in their lives.

A Christian addiction treatment program teaches accountability, for both past and present actions in the addict’s life. A good Christian addiction treatment program will allow the patient to learn responsibility for every aspect of their lives and slowly help the addict to rebuild broken personal relationships. Making amends for past mistakes is a vital part of the recovery process. The addict must recognize that with their addiction, damage to every important relationship was a fact, but with time, prayer and determination, those wounds can be healed.

Christian addiction treatment will teach the important lesson of honesty. An addict must admit that while they abused drugs and alcohol they were not honest with themselves or other people. The Bible teaches honesty, and this life lesson will go a long way in helping put the broken pieces of life back together.

The final life lesson that a Christian addiction treatment program will teach is pride. When an addict realizes that they are on the road to recovery, they will experience a feeling of pride. Every milestone is something to be proud of in recovery. This life lesson will serve the recovering addict well in every aspect of their life.

Every one of these life lessons – acceptance, forgiveness, accountability, pride and honesty – work in concert to give the addict the best possible chance at a fresh start. Each one of these lessons will be carried over into the addict’s daily life once they complete their recovery program. It is important to remember that a Christian addiction treatment program is a positive step for any person struggling with addiction.

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