A Loving Exchange

At the 55th International Convention in Seattle, there was an emotional moment when 48,000 of us stood and cheered as the first Russian flag was presented at an Alcoholics Anonymous convention. Several years later, I read a few articles about treatment programs in Russia. The philosophy in many hospitals there is that alcoholism is a moral problem and can be overcome with willpower and determination. Many alcoholics can't afford treatment, and conditions in some hospitals are almost barbaric. More and more people are coming into Alcoholics Anonymous, but many are still leery and suspicious. Something was touched in me as I read these articles and remembered the International Convention. I decided, why not--just do it, go to Russia, and experience AA there.