There is any amount of light nonsense current on this point. See how
the method worked in this case.

"Dodd" really meant to do better when he left Mr. Bright's. People in
this condition always do mean to do better. He had made pledges to his
friend and he hoped to keep them. It takes more than hoping to succeed
in such eases, however.

I would by no means intimate that when a drunkard signs the pledge he
is always lying and does not mean to keep it. On the contrary, I think
the great bulk of those who thus write their names with a trembling
hand, do, at the time of writing, really mean to keep all that they
promise. But as a rule they change their minds when the trial comes,
and "Don't count this time!"

This statement is a sad one, but it is terribly true. There is a
reason for it.

And the chief reason is that these "unfortunates," as they are called,
get into the habit of being carried when they should walk on their own
feet. Your drunkard is always expecting sympathy, and help, and
upholding. He leans down on you; he lies down on you. He pleads
misfortune, disease, or something, and makes himself out a poor, weak
victim of circumstances. He asks for help, and of a kind that most
suits himself. He should not get such.

Help he should have, but of a kind that will make him help himself.
Because, when such a person is merely helped by another he becomes
helpless himself, and the last state of that man is worse than the
first.