"physical" in the Big Book

Then came the night when the physical and mental torture was so hellish I feared I would burst through my window, sash and all.

My brother-in-law is a physician, and through his kindness and that of my mother I was placed in a nationally-known hospital for the mental and physical rehabilitation of alcoholics.

His physical and mental condition were unusually good.

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.

Here was the threat of commitment, the loss of family and position, to say nothing of that intense mental and physical suffering which drinking always caused him.

Then came the hospital with unbearable mental and physical suffering.

Post-war disillusionment, ever more serious alcoholism, impending mental and physical collapse, brought him to the point of self-destruction.

The family may object to this, but unless he is in a dangerous physical condition, it is better to risk it.

The alarming physical and mental symptoms, the deepening pall of remorse, depression and inferiority that settled down on our loved ones—

over a spree, a certain amount of physical treatment is desirable, even imperative.

The matter of physical treatment should, of course, be referred to your own doctor.

Your man will fare better if placed in such physical condition that he can think straight and no longer craves liquor.

If your man accepts your offer, it should be pointed out that physical treatment is but a small part of the picture.

Being somewhat weakened, and faced with physical and mental readjustment to a life which knows no alcohol, he may overdo.