WHAT I LEARNED: 1. This pamphlet is another example of outside literature being “grandfathered” in.  A big “Thanks!” goes out to a non-member, Harold Black, & the initial Kentucky & Arizona groups for their contribution to this one.  Per “Many Voices, One Journey” (item # B-31) (pages 58 & 104), an early booklet version was distributed since 1953, but in 1961 it was re-introduced as a “merged” pamphlet with new material from the Literature Committee – which probably explains why it’s 31 pages long!

2. There are several sections: Personal Stories, Slogans, Do’s & Don’ts, FAQ’s, World Service Office, Alateen, & the 12 Steps, but my favorite ones are: the Checklist to Evaluate Maturity, Thoughts to Live By, & Three Obstacles to Success in Al-Anon.  I remember hearing about the 3 obstacles, but could only remember 1 of them until I read this pamphlet.

3. At the beginning of this pamphlet, there’s a quote from a person I consider the ultimate non-Al-Anon member: Bill W.  The quote is funny, but in a sad way too…  😢

4. FYI: This pamphlet sold for 25 cents in 1954.  Going back to my online inflation calculator, the cost today (in 2013) should be $2.17, but it’s only 80 cents.  Such a deal!

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**BONUS: This is the only pamphlet in our CAL Catalog that is available in a large print version – see item # P-4L.

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***UPDATE (7/7/22): See the evolution of this “Alcoholism, the Family Disease” (P-4) pamphlet throughout the years in my Throwback Thursday video from my CAL Throwback Thursday board on my “CAL Chat” Pinterest account.

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****UPDATE (8/11/22): See the evolution of the large print version of the “Alcoholism, the Family Disease” (P-4L) pamphlet throughout the years in my Throwback Thursday video from my CAL Throwback Thursday board on my “CAL Chat” Pinterest account.