After going in the hospital three times ( between June 1976 and February or March 1977 ) , Carver began his ` second life ' and stopped drinking on June 2 , 1977 , with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous . After being hospitalized three times ( between June 1976 and February or March 1977 ) , Carver began his ` second life ' and stopped drinking on June 2 , 1977 , with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous .