AA Grapevine Digital Archive

Department:

AA in Prison

The Grapevine published its first article on AA and correctional facilities in August 1945. By the mid-1960s, this department had evolved into a special section, often appearing in July of each year.

232 articles selected
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1.	A.A. Inspires Formation of the Seekers, Prisoners' Rehabilitation Group In the formation of a unique club, The Seekers, conceived and developed by inmates of San Quentin Prison on San Francisco Bay, Alcoholics Anonymous is the inspiration for a moving story.	August 1945

2.	A.A. at Fort Jay The great majority of the men now at Fort Jay, Governors Island, N. Y., are confined for offenses evolving either directly or indirectly out of alcohol. Most cases of AWOL, desertion, disorderliness in uniform, assault and battery, and numerous others can be traced directly to alcohol. Many more premeditated offenses came about as a result of the man being drunk and not knowing what he was thinking of at the time of the offense.	April 1948

3.	The Alcoholic Prisoner (by Dan) Wisconsin -- OF interest to many who are engaged in A.A. work, as well as to progressive penal authorities, is the question of the value of Alcoholics Anonymous in connection with the alcoholic prisoner.	March 1949

4.	I Went into A.A. for Angles (by An Ex Con) Michigan -- I WENT to the State Pen in 1946 for a 2-10 year felony charge. I was bitter and full of resentment and vowed that society would pay when I was released.	June 1949

5.	An Experiment-- (by R.W.L.) California -- I WANT to tell you about a wonderful experiment that has proven successful in our city.	July 1949

6.	Why AA in Prison? (by D.T.) Ohio -- THERE has been many an AA group instituted throughout the Midwest in prisons and at the same time a very burning question raised; "Why start a group in a penitentiary? Those people do not have an alcoholic problem in there!"	June 1950

7.	A Card for a Guard (by F. R.) Michigan -- "SAY, Bub, what's the good of AA in prison? You can't get anything to drink in here," said the guard, scrutinizing Bub with a skeptical eye.	December 1951

8.	From Within These Walls (by H. R.) Texas -- TODAY we live in a world stunned by sorrow. The grief of millions hangs over us like a pall. We are all seeking a new beginning. In our present disappointments and bewilderments, we are at a loss as to just where we must start or what we should do to rid ourselves of the turmoil within our hearts and souls which hampers our contentment, self-respect, respect for others, and peace of mind.	January 1953

9.	Why AA in Prison? (by B. P.) California -- MANY ask: "What good can a man get out of Alcoholics Anonymous while serving time in prison?"	March 1953

10.	Prisoner AA (by H. T. B., in "The Pioneer) NO man, who has not served time in prison, can understand or appreciate the problems that face inmates. A conducted tour of the penitentiary, talks with the men, and even letters to them cannot give one the insight necessary to be of much help. There is always a barrier between: one man has freedom, the other does not. Though friendship can develop, it is a friendship of strangers, and it takes something more than that to bind these two opposites together. This is where AA can fill the gap.	February 1955

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