In 1950, we know that there were Habit Forming Drug groups taking place in Los Angeles, California, usually in conjunction with AA meetings. They were also held in homes. The principal person behind them was a lady named Betty Thom. She did a lot of writing. A member of our region used to live up in Vista before he died. Last year a friend of mine and I were allowed to go through some of his books and papers, and he had inches of writing from this HFD group. They had a 12 Step guide. They had a bunch of various articles that were type-written out on pages like maybe a magazine article before it got published or something. They were very committed that the 12 Steps could work for recovery from addiction.

In March of 1954, Bill Wilson, co-founder of AA wrote a letter to the lady that was instrumental in the HFD (Habit Forming Drug) group. I’d like to read to you a little bit from that letter because it’s kind of interesting on how that other fellowship was dealing with us. They wanted us to be something too.

 “Dear Betty,

 Thanks a million, make it two million, for your heart-warming letter of March 11^th updating me on your progress with addicts.  I think this all perfectly wonderful.  At this stage, I’m sure that it is the quality that counts rather than the quantity but you have been doing a quality job and inspired other to do likewise is very evident.  What can you tell me of the progress of the other groups at Lexington and here in the East going under the names of Addicts Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous?  At times, I pick-up very second-hand stories to the effect that we are making progress but not so much as they might if they really came to grips with the 12 Steps and had proper hospitalization.

 I’m also interested in knowing how many people you feel you have really straightened up and how those have divided themselves between narcotics, who were once alcoholics and narcotic pure and simple. All of your concern in this work will surely have my warmest appreciation and I hope that you’ll let everyone have the occasion of knowing it. Meanwhile, the main transmission duct of the addict will be from our AA members who have also suffered addiction. And they should surely be allowed attendance at open AA meetings just as anyone else is. One more question. Do any of your recoveries that are straight addiction cases find difficulty in identifying themselves with other AA members? I guess I told you, I’ve noticed in many alcoholics the marked aversion to dope addicts and visa versa. (This is 1954) I wish I could write you the ling letter yours deserves but my desk is piled high.  Meantime, may God love dearly, all of you.

                                                                                     Devotedly,

                                 Bill Wilson”

 

 

 

 

Cofounder of AA, Bill Wilson's story has been in  every edition of the book  
Alcoholics Anonymous.