By Colin McGregor
Alcoholics Anonymous has existed since 1935, as a result of a meeting between two Vermonters, Bill W., a stockbroker, and Dr. Bob, a surgeon. They were both in the grips of alcoholism. They are the founders of the A.A. movement.
Both had close ties to Quebec. Dr. Bob was a salesman at a Montreal hardware store before studying medicine. He also worked in Montreal hospitals as a doctor. In 1930, Bill came to Montreal to work for Greenshields, a prestigious brokerage firm. He and his wife lived in luxury apartments in the Gleneagles building on Cote des Neiges, which is still there. But in less than a year Bill was fired from his job for his drinking. He and his wife lived in poverty throughout the Great Depression.
Today the Big Book, the bible of the movement, is available in more than 70 languages. The first French version, translated in Quebec, was published in 1950.
A.A. suggests 12 steps for escaping alcoholism. Essentially, after admitting your life is out of control, you are asked to: do a moral inventory of yourself; admit your wrongs; repair them wherever possible; pray and meditate; and finally, pass on the message to others.
For more information, including the days and times of meetings, go to aa-qubec.org.
Al-Anon is a vast worldwide fraternity for those who are or have been affected by the problem drinking of someone close to them. You can get help from them by attending meetings, by telephone or on the web. Al-Anon is linked with the Alateen organization, which does the same, only for teenagers. For more information, check out al-anon.org.
The 12-step program concept is used by a variety of other groups: Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and a lot more besides.
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