Alcoholism Society Has Made Steady Progress

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30452, 28 May 1964, Page 7

Alcoholism Society Has Made Steady Progress

The Canterbury branch of the National Society on Alcoholism had made steady progress with its work during the past year, said the chairman of the branch (Dr. E. B, Reilly) In his annual report. The centre had. received Visits from a number of people in various walks of life, seeking information and possible direction concerning various facets of the problem of .alcoholism. Dr. Reilly said advice was given to 17 alcoholics and 46 relatives. About 40 repeat calls were made. “The alcoholics that have visited the office, I am afraid, bear out the contention that these unfortunates do not seek help until they are at their lowest ebb, I feel that thought should be given to the possibility of seeking these people out before they reach the depths. Too often the reply received from relatives seeking help is to the effect that the subject will not admit that he has a problem and will not allow any counsel whatsoever to reason with him.

“It occurs to me that perhaps it could be an appropriate suggestion that when a person is convicted of an offence involving drunkenness, the presiding Magistrate could direct that the offender undergo instruction regarding the disease of alcoholism. A similar procedure' is. followed with certain traffic offenders. “Several of the cases interviewed were in a most dis-

tressing condition. Two agreed to commit themselves voluntarily to Sunnyside. Others were referred io various doctors and in turn sent to hospital where necessary. "It is interesting to note that practically all these, and they were, almost all men, were either single, or living apart from their families. A number 'of inquiries from relatives disclosed grievous domestic conditions, but as mentioned • previously the frustrating aspect of these was the almost invariable unwillingness of the alcoholics involved to agree to discuss their problems with either the secretary of our society or a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, although arrangements were made for an interview in some instances.

“Wherever practicable the wives of alcoholics were put in touch with an Alanon family group for the admirable guidance in living with and helping the alcoholic available there.”