[nandm]

Introduction: This book is a collaboration of the first 100 members of the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship, currently estimated at over two million members. Their expertise on this subject is substantiated by their recoveries.

Definition of Alcoholism: This definition of alcoholism as "a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body" is not too hard to identify with.

Purpose: They tell us clearly at the beginning what this book is all about.

Hope: The authors hope we will be convinced that this description of our problem is correct.

Explanation of Format: They tell us that they are going to present the material in an ancedotal manner. The fellowship is described.

Motives: The author's motives for writing this book are explained.