Bill Wilson: A Letter Discussing LSD Therapy

A Glimpse into the Unconventional Side of Bill Wilson: A Letter Discussing LSD Therapy

A recently surfaced letter dated March 22, 1957, penned by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of his life—his interest in and personal experimentation with LSD therapy. Addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. Will Eisner,” this letter reveals Wilson’s gratitude for the friendship extended to him during his trip to the West Coast and provides intriguing details about his engagement with what was then a cutting-edge form of psychotherapy involving LSD.

The Context of the Letter

The letter begins with a warm greeting and an apology from Wilson for the delay in responding. He expresses his deep appreciation for the friendship shown to him on his last trip to the West Coast. The tone is personal and heartfelt, indicating a close relationship with the recipients, though the exact nature of their connection is not specified.

The letter’s most striking revelation comes in the second paragraph, where Wilson discusses his experiences with LSD therapy. He writes, “Since returning home I have felt—and hope have acted!—exceedingly well. I can make no doubt that the Eisner-Cohen-Powers-LSD therapy has contributed not a little to this happier state of affairs.” This statement suggests that Wilson not only underwent LSD therapy but found it beneficial to his emotional and psychological well-being.

W. G. W.
Box 459 Grand Central Annex
New York 17, N.Y.

March 22, 1957

Dear Folks,

Please forgive this late response in thanking you both for all the friendship you gave me so freely on my last trip to the Coast. More often than you can guess, I have continued to think of you.

Since returning home I have felt – and hope have acted! – exceedingly well. I can make no doubt that the Eisner-Cohen-Powers-LSD therapy has contributed not a little to this happier state of affairs.

It looks like the contract for our television show is about to be signed. One of the best things about this is that it may bring Tom and me within sight and sound of you both once more.

Devotedly yours,
Bill

Bill Wilson

WGW/nw

Mr. and Mrs. Will Eisner
530 Gretna Way
Los Angeles, California

Bill Wilson and His Interest in LSD Therapy

Bill Wilson’s exploration of LSD therapy might come as a surprise to those who view him solely as the spiritual leader and co-founder of AA. However, Wilson was known for his openness to new ideas and unconventional approaches to spirituality and recovery. His interest in LSD was primarily rooted in the drug’s potential to induce spiritual experiences similar to the “white light” experience he had during his own recovery journey, which he believed was a divine intervention that helped him achieve sobriety.

During the 1950s and early 1960s, LSD was being studied by various researchers and therapists for its potential to treat mental health issues, including alcoholism. Some believed that LSD could facilitate deep introspection and spiritual awakening, which could be particularly beneficial for those struggling with addiction. Wilson, always searching for ways to enhance spiritual awakening among AA members, became intrigued by these possibilities.

The Eisner-Cohen-Powers LSD Therapy

The mention of “Eisner-Cohen-Powers-LSD therapy” in Wilson’s letter refers to a therapeutic approach involving LSD developed by a group of psychologists and researchers. While specific details about this particular therapy group are scarce, it is known that several therapists and psychiatrists during this period were experimenting with LSD as a tool for psychological and spiritual exploration. The reference suggests that Wilson participated in one of these experimental therapies, guided by these researchers.

Wilson’s positive reflections on his experience indicate that he found the therapy to be a valuable tool for personal growth. He noted feeling “exceedingly well” after the sessions, which implies that the therapy had a lasting positive impact on his mental state.

Implications of Wilson’s Experimentation with LSD

Wilson’s engagement with LSD therapy highlights several important aspects of his character and the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous:

1. A Willingness to Explore New Avenues for Recovery: Wilson’s interest in LSD therapy reflects his broader commitment to exploring all possible avenues for achieving spiritual and personal growth. He was not afraid to consider unconventional methods if he believed they could help individuals struggling with alcoholism.
2. A Desire for Spiritual Awakening: For Wilson, the ultimate goal was always spiritual awakening. He believed that a profound spiritual experience was essential for overcoming addiction. His exploration of LSD therapy was motivated by a desire to understand whether these experiences could facilitate the kind of spiritual transformation he saw as central to recovery.
3. Controversy and Divergence: While Wilson was open to exploring LSD therapy, this was likely a controversial stance, especially within the AA community. AA’s philosophy of sobriety was traditionally rooted in abstinence from all mind-altering substances. Wilson’s experimentation with LSD could have been seen as contradictory to the core principles of the organization he co-founded.
4. A Nuanced View of Recovery: Wilson’s exploration of LSD therapy reveals a more nuanced understanding of recovery than is often attributed to him. He was open to integrating new scientific insights and therapeutic techniques into the recovery process, even if they were unconventional or controversial.

This letter provides a rare glimpse into an experimental chapter of Bill Wilson’s life that is not widely known. His engagement with LSD therapy underscores his lifelong commitment to finding new ways to help those struggling with addiction and his willingness to explore unconventional methods for achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Wilson’s brief foray into the world of psychedelic therapy may not have led to a lasting change in AA’s approach to recovery, but it does highlight the depth and complexity of his thinking about addiction, spirituality, and personal transformation. As modern research revisits the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, Wilson’s open-mindedness to new ideas and his enduring search for spiritual solutions continue to resonate.