Before the growth of rehabilitation units, known as “rehabs,” alcoholics who needed extended treatment went to psychiatric hospitals or wards. In the language of AA, they were “on the flight deck.” Some alcoholics are still treated in psychiatric wards and we may see more of this in the future. For this reason, I have included one patient’s account of his experience in a psychiatric hospital for the treatment of alcoholism. Since he is an AA member, his story gives insight into the dynamics of AA.