Step 2
“Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity . . . “
Many have defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. It isn’t just drunks who are insane – it’s a common character defect to think, and do and say the same things, hoping for a different result.
But alcoholics who drink never get the relief we seek in the bottle.
No matter how crazy it is to pick up, we do — thinking each time, I can handle this.
The alcoholic has learned that the use of alcohol makes him feel better. To him, it is a blessing, not a curse, his medicine, not a poison. For a few hours it floats away his troubles; it melts away his fears, reduces his tension, removes his loneliness and solves all his problems. (The Merry God-Round Named Denial)
Then, we are surprised to find out where the drink takes us – right back usually to the place we wanted to escape. Except in those times, when we wind up in the ER, or jail. For eventually, if we keep drinking, we will find ourselves in place we do not wish to be, places from which we may not have the freedom to leave.
The Irish say it more simply:
A man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man.
That’s hard to believe when alcohol keeps telling us:
Go on, enjoy!
You need this.
One more isn’t going to hurt you.
You can quit anytime you want.
Anyway, you waited until afternoon to drink.
You are too young to be a lush . . . etc.
So, what are some things you hear alcohol say gentle reader?
Are you ready to hear something different?
It took some time, but I have learned from others in AA that just because alcohol says something, that doesn’t make it so. Moreover, I sure do not have act on the lie!
You don’t have to either – especially the lie you might hear that says you can’t live without booze.
What we who are in recovery hope you hear is just for today: all we are talking about is 24 hours. And all we ask is consider keeping an open mind and listen to some suggestions that have worked for others.
You can stop drinking, and you can recover:
The age of miracles is still with us. Our own recovery proves that! . . . No one is too discredited, or has sunk so low to be welcomed cordially – if he means business. (AA Big Book, Page 153, 161)
You can do something different – and you will get a different result:
. . . Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. (AA Big Book, page 164)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Sanity, the ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner, is the gift and reward of taking the second step to recover what alcoholism steals. We suggest you don’t do it alone. It’s a daily step, sometimes a moment-by-moment step. You will not regret taking this step.
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anyway. ~Mary C. Crowley
My troubles turned out all for the best—
they forced me to learn from your textbook. (Psalm 119:71 The Message)
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
