Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-25
Medical Professions
Aid 10 Alcoholics
Related al Meetinq
Alcoholics Anonymous
Are Told Of System
Developed in Philadelphia
By ROBERT A. ERWIN.

Another approach to alcoholism
close collaboration between the
medical profession and members of
Alcoholics Anonymous-has been
developed and is now working well
in Philadelphia. it was revealed at
last nights meeting of the WASH
ington A. A. chapter in a downtown
hotel.
Keystone of the Philadelphia sys-
tenn is the Philadelphia General
Hospital, where many confirmed
drunkards eventually wind up. The
hospitals doctors became interested
in Alcoholics Anonymous about
year ago and the group has been
holding its weekly sessions at the
hospital in recent months.
In many instances. former pa
tientS are coming back in a new
role. because some of them were
first introduced to the A. A. move
ment when they emerged from the
fog in the alcoholic ward.
The story of the expansion in
Philadelphia of this brotherhood of
recovered DRINKS, who are banded
together to help each other and
others who haven't recovered, was
brought to Washington by Mr.. b"
an A. A. who is pioneer in the ma
tional organization.
Hospital Supplies Members.
"One half of our members have
come into the organization through
Philadelphia General Hospital" Mr..
B. related. I'VE are allowed access
to the hospital at any time, day or
night, we are welcomed there, and
we frequently take in alcoholic vic
Tins or take them home when they
are ready to be discharged. Two of
the doctors have relatives in our
group. and in this way they came
to know us we'll"
Mr.. B. brought out several other
interesting points in connection with
the A A. program in Philadelphia.
I'VE pass the responsibility
around because We find members
take a more active part if they are
given responsibility" he said. Three
members are named to commit
tee each month. They must answer
all calls for assistance that come
from friends or families of rum
mics" or from doctors treating them.
Because there are only three men,
bers, it is difficult to pass the buck.
If one member can't take a case,
one of the other two must.
Furthermore. we try to make 1t
something to belong to-a real club
Mr.. B continued. When a men,
Der falls off the wagon We call on
him once-twice if he goes over
board again-and help him over the
hump. However. should he fall off
persistently, We seldom bother with
him any more and leave his future
in his own hands.
Refreshments Served.
another feature in Philadelphia"
he explained. lis our refreshments.
We serve doughnuts and coffee at
every meeting. 1t costs little and
keeps the group sitting around and
talking after the meeting is over"
The Washington chapter in re-
cent weeks has varied its routine
toward the social side. at the same
time keeping up its Tuesday night
sessions. A second luncheon meet
ing will be held tomorrow noon at
restaurant downtown, while on
Sunday afternoon member again
will play host to the A. AS with an
open house at his home in Chevy
Chase.
One of the junior members Of
the Washington group presided last
night and presented the guest
speaker from Philadelphia. The
presiding member-the A. AS have
no officers and no dues-is an able
young salesman who climbed on
the wagon" several months ago aft
er some friends had brought him
to a meeting. Since then he has