P.O. Box 1980

On July 4, 1948 I added another highlight to a three-month binge by celebrating Independence Day. My independence was cut short by two policemen whose prowl car I mistook for a taxi. The ensuing difficulties gave me time to do some of the best thinking I ever did in a hung-over condition; I decided to seek help in AA. After three days of battle with a hang-over complete with borderline DTs, palpitations of the kneecaps, arid billiousness and unquenchable thirst, cold sweats and alcoholic cramps, I recovered enough to shave and dress, after which I attended my first AA meeting.