The 12 steps that changed America—before rehab was even a word.
This edition of the March of Time series (Volume 12, Number 11) deals with the growing problem of alcoholism ins the USA. It emphasizes that alcoholics are not bad people but have an addiction which is beyond their control. It shows the work going on at Yale University on alcoholism and addiction and tries to dispel many of the myths that surround the subject. It then turn to a relatively new organization that seems to be having great success in helping alcoholics beat their habit: Alcoholics Anonymous. Using their 12-step programs and having reformed alcoholics act as counselors for those in need of help has worked well.
Production
Rare archival Yale addiction research footage.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
March of Time was essentially 1940s Netflix—dramatized newsreels that shaped public opinion on everything from Hitler to healthcare.
This short helped legitimize AA nationally; by 1950, membership exploded partly due to media like this.
US
