William Duncan Silkworth, M.D. (For those of you who don’t know, Silky wrote the two letters included in “The Doctor’s Opinion” in the Big Book. He worked at Towns Hospital in New York City, where he helped Bill W. & many early AA members detox from alcohol for the last time.) WILLIAM DUNCAN SILKWORTH, MD (1873-1951) The Roundtable Of AA History, January 10, 1998 Doctor William D. Silkworth, called, "the little doctor who loved drunks", began an indispensable contribution to … [Read more...]

The Prevention of Alcoholism By William D. Silkworth, M.D. New York City Rensselaer, 1950 The "Blue Book" -National Clergy Conference on Alcoholism, 1960 Alcoholism, because it is such a profound social problem, has become the subject of considerable scientific and lay research. Many theories are being advanced as to what it is and why alcoholics are the way they are. It has become a very lucrative source of discussion for many. Out of a phantasmagoria of conflicting and often … [Read more...]

By W. D. Silkworth, New York, N.Y. 293 CENTRAL PARK WEST -MEDICAL RECORD MARCH 17, 1937 Alcoholism is considered by many physicians a chronic condition that gradually unfolds itself to a dismal end. They feel that it is a state of mind and advise these patients that it is up to them to discontinue their accustomed drug, which it is assumed they can do by merely making up their minds to do so. Proper attention is not given to the psychological problem as well as the physical condition of … [Read more...]

By William D. Silkworth, M.D., New York, N.Y. Medical Record, April 21, 1937 The allergic nature of true alcoholism has been postulated in a previous paper (1). We there endeavored to show that alcohol does not become a problem to every person who uses it, and that the use of alcohol in itself does not produce a chronic alcoholic. Of those who are able to drink with impunity, however, a certain number will sooner or later develop this anaphylaxtic condition, in which the tissue cells are … [Read more...]

By W.D. Silkworth, M.D. New York, New York JOURNAL-LANCET, Vol.46, July, 1939 The beginning and subsequent development of a new approach to the problem of permanent recovery for the chronic alcoholic has already produced remarkable results and promises much for the future this statement is based upon four years of close observation. As this development is one, which has sprung up among alcoholic patients themselves and has been largely conceived and promoted by them, it is felt that this … [Read more...]

By William D. Silkworth, M.D. The Medical Record, July 19, 1939 (This is the expanded article from Silky, parts of which can be found in "The Doctor's Opinion" in the Big Book.) In a study of carefully recorded histories of alcoholics in our hospital, two important facts appear to be outstanding. Expressed briefly, they are: 1) A majority or our patients do not wish to have an alcoholic problem. They lead busy lives & would like to enjoy the fruits of their efforts, but they … [Read more...]

By William Duncan Silkworth, M.D. The mystery of slips is not so deep as it may appear. While it does seem odd that an alcoholic, who has restored himself to a dignified place among his fellowmen and continues dry for years, should suddenly throw all his happiness overboard and find himself again in mortal peril of drowning in liquor, often the reason is simple. People are inclined to say, "there is something peculiar about alcoholics. They seem to be well, yet at any moment they may turn … [Read more...]