Alcoholics Anonymous is just one way to quit drinking.
It’s not foolproof.
AA depends on what we do. Or, what we don’t do. I bet other plans do, too. I also bet, no program or plan can do for us what we are unwilling to do for ourselves.
Now, drinking too much, too often, wasn’t the only problem I had. Mine all began with honesty.
My bottom line was that my life became unmanageable when I drink alcohol; maybe not every time, but sometimes all it took was once, every so often, to do some real damage.
Through AA, and AlAnon, I came to understand some of us have underlying emotional, physical, and mental issues that drinking masked, or caused. Also, some of us may have spiritual issues we have quashed with our drinking. Until we stop drinking, though, the roots and fruit of these issues will continue.
I have also come to believe that just because all my problems did not disappear when I put the bottle down isn’t a compelling reason to pick up.
I have come to believe I am the most important component of my recovery, if I am willing. Not that life is about me; recovery, though, is.
The big step is willingness to change: accepting God did not die and leave me in charge of anybody except myself.
Then I could see what others had said is true.
When we become willing to do whatever it to takes to stop relying on alcohol, recovery and restoration are possible for all kinds of things.
Also, when we become willing to stop fixing the alcoholic, the change in our attitudes may bring about recovery.
Bottom line: I can’t fix somebody who does not see the need including myself without help from a power greater than I am!
That’s also true for mental, physical, and spiritual issues – even, and especially when it’s rough sledding.
Not picking up may not solve all my problems but sobriety is a more reliable sled than Jack Daniels or Myers Rum. (Remembering what I forgot)
While I don’t know much about programs or plans other than Alcoholics Anonymous, I do know:
Whichever path we choose to do something about the hold alcohol has on us, or the hold we have on alcohol, the best thing we can do is keep going on a path to sobriety, serenity and LIVING!
It’s a great thing to remember the morning after the night before that I had a really good time!
How about you, dear reader? What recovery paths do you recommend?
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
PS — I do know white-knuckling, solo is a bumpy flight plan, prone to crashes! Ask for help, and be willing to accept it. Having friends in recovery is a blessing, especially friends who can speak the truth in love.
I CANNOT CHANGE THE WIND
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. — ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 85
My first sponsor told me there were two things to say about prayer and meditation: first, I had to start and second, I had to continue. When I came to A.A. my spiritual life was bankrupt; if I considered God at all, He was to be called upon only when my self-will was incapable of a task or when overwhelming fears had eroded my ego.
Today I am grateful for a new life, one in which my prayers are those of thanksgiving. My prayer time is more for listening than for talking. I know today that if I cannot change the wind, I can adjust my sail. I know the difference between superstition and spirituality. I know there is a graceful way of being right, and many ways to be wrong.
From the book Daily Reflections
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