"drinks" in the Big Book

Here are some of the methods we have tried: Drinking beer only, limiting the number of drinks, never drinking alone, never drinking in the morning, drinking only at home, never having it in the house, never drinking during business hours, drinking only at parties, switching from scotch to brandy, drinking only natural wines, agreeing to resign if ever drunk on the job, taking a trip, not taking a trip, swearing off forever (with and without a solemn oath), taking more physical exercise, reading inspirational books, going to health farms and sanitariums, accepting voluntary commitment to asylums—we could increase the list ad infinitum.

I had no trouble refusing drinks, and began to wonder if I had not been making too hard work of a simple matter.

But for every man who drinks others are involved— the wife who trembles in fear of the next debauch; the mother and father who see their son wasting away.

When we were invited out, our husbands sneaked so many drinks that they spoiled the occasion.

He sometimes drinks in the morning and through the day also, to hold his nervousness in check.

Sometimes he drinks on the way home from the hospital.

You think he ought to know the subject better, as everyone should have a clear understanding of the risk he takes if he drinks too much.

While grateful that he drinks no more, they may not like the idea that God has accomplished the miracle where they failed.

Though he is now a most effective member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he still smokes and drinks coffee, but neither his wife nor anyone else stands in judgment.

If he says yes, does he really mean it, or down inside does he think he is fooling you, and that after rest and treatment he will be able to get away with a few drinks now and then?

If a man drinks so much that his job suffers, we fire him.

Inwardly he would give anything to take half a dozen drinks and get away with them.

Unless he took some drinks, he might not have the courage to scrape an acquaintance and would have a lonely week-end.

Perhaps he could handle, say, three drinks—no more!