In the mid-1960s, Dr. Joseph Zuska began treating sailors in the Long Beach area for alcoholism. His program, the first of its kind in the history of the U.S. armed forces, served as a model for treatment protocols subsequently adopted by the DoD. In 1980, Dr. Zuska gave an address at the International A.A. Convention in New Orleans in which he discussed the origins and development of his pioneering work in the field of alcoholism treatment. This month's selection from the Archives reproduces the text of Dr. Zuska's talk in its entirety.
Harbor Area Central Office
Alcoholics Anonymous
Questions about Alcoholics Anonymous
"We do not like to pronounce any individual as an Alcoholic, but you can quickly diagnose yourself." - Alcoholics Anonymous, Ch 3
- Is AA for You? (available with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)
A Brief History of the Harbor Area Central Office
The Harbor Area Central Office was first formed in May of 1948 in the Long Beach home of Clarence and Flossie L. It was listed as Alcoholics Anonymous Harbor District. In 1950, Central Office had it first location on Molino Avenue. In 1952 there were 52 registered groups using the services of Central Office. Over the years that number has grown. By 1960 there were 62 groups registered and to date 756 meetings have registered with Central Office. On June 1, 1997 Central Office moved to its current location. On June 8th, 1997 there was a grand opening of the new office currently located at 3450 E. Spring Street. (Taken from “A Brief History of the Harbor Area Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous 1948-2008”.) Central Office has always had a list of volunteers to answer the phones for the Alcoholic that still suffers who may be looking for a meeting or in need of literature.
About A.A.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
A.A. Literature
Hospitals & Institutions
Before there was a "Big Book", Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, the "AA Grapevine" or General Service -- before there were meetings, clubs, conventions or any AA literature -- before there was an H&I committee, there was a visit to an Akron hospital where "one drunk talked to another."
Harbor Light
Harbor Light
is the monthly newsletter of the Harbor Area Service Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Service
There are numerous ways you can be of service to the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Harbor Area.