In 1960, Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), met Dr. Abram Hoffer, a Canadian psychiatrist known for his work in orthomolecular medicine. Dr. Hoffer introduced Wilson to the concept of megavitamin therapy, particularly the use of niacin (vitamin B3) for treating various conditions, including alcoholism and depression.
Wilson, who had long suffered from depression, began taking 3,000 mg of niacin daily under Dr. Hoffer’s guidance. Within a few weeks, he reported significant relief from his fatigue and depression. Encouraged by these results, Wilson shared niacin therapy with 30 of his close friends in AA; approximately one-third experienced relief from anxiety, tension, and depression within a month, and another third within two months.
Motivated by these outcomes, Wilson authored a pamphlet titled “The Vitamin B3 Therapy,” advocating for the use of niacin in treating alcoholism and its associated emotional challenges. Thousands of copies were distributed, reflecting his enthusiasm for integrating nutritional approaches into recovery.
However, Wilson’s promotion of niacin therapy was met with resistance from some members of AA’s leadership. They were concerned that endorsing a specific medical treatment might conflict with AA’s traditions, which emphasize a non-professional stance and focus solely on mutual support for sobriety.
Despite the controversy, Wilson maintained a personal interest in the potential benefits of nutritional therapy for alcoholism. His collaboration with Dr. Hoffer highlights an early exploration into the role of vitamins in mental health and addiction recovery, a concept that has since evolved into the field of orthomolecular medicine.
For a more in-depth understanding, you might find this video informative: