Alcoholism Is an Illness of the Whole Person

WE are told that alcoholism is an illness of the whole person: the spirit, mind and body. And I believe this. My early training was a peculiar mixture of a religion that threatened dire punishment to any human being for even the slightest infraction of a host of taboos. . .then contradicted itself by making an exception of our particular family. In this privileged spot it was not necessary for us to know how to get along happily with other people. Apparently it was up to them to get along with us. This was poor preparation for the peace and happiness that depend on adherence to the two Commandments: to love God, and to love one's neighbor. One can't love a God of hate; nor can one love a neighbor while feeling superior to him. Nor can one help a fallen AA neighbor without love and understanding and an equality of purpose. This I have learned in helping those who have joined us and then slipped.