Helping Hands

QUACKS CASH IN ON ALCOHOLIC "CURES." Charles P. Frazier, writing in a special feature article in the New York World-Telegram and Sun, states, "The astounding success of Alcoholics Anonymous in releasing alcoholics from the drinking habit over the past twenty years has been generally publicized. Nevertheless, AA's success has attracted in its wake charlatans who are presently milking millions of known alcoholics out of millions of dollars annually. . . . Many phony or illegal medical practitioners have discovered that the majority of alcoholics in this country are not bums; that most of them have jobs, saving accounts and other possessions--or that relatives or friends with financial means are willing to come to their rescue. . . . Since 'alcoholism' is a fuzzy, misunderstood term to the layman and 'alcoholic' a puzzling definition, the quacks have moved in with slanted programs of psychiatry and psychology. . . . So-called alcoholic 'rest homes' have been set up which imitate in procedure the legitimate rest homes. Whereas the well-established, well-run rest homes usually charge fairly modest fees ranging from around $85 to $100 for a week's stay, some of these more questionable ones charge as much as $500 a week. . . . At these latter 'rest homes' the alcoholic men and women patients receive little more than tranquilizers and other drugs for their frayed nerves. Some not only permit administration of liquor to those patients demanding it but actually encourage the 'tapering off' process. These places are actually intended as a feeding ground for the buildup of patients to be exploited for continuing 'psychiatric treatments.'. . .The quacks and charlatans usually continue their 'treatments' from the ineffective 'rest homes' to the homes of the alcoholics themselves. . . . They often find in the confused, befuddled alcoholic, and in his distressed family, a willing if not eager victim to any suggestion which might immediately alleviate his anguish. . . . It is strongly suggested that the alcoholic and his distressed family seek help at Alcoholics Anonymous first. . . .