We
Our Type – Only other addicts or alcoholics armed with the facts about themselves and who have found a solution, have found us approachable; “We admitted that WE…” Others have told us the truth about ourselves but we only hear the person with the same experience. Only this person’s message has the depth and weight to break the wall of or denial. It is critical that we have others of our type to work with to stay sober and turn the shame of the past into a purpose that gives our life meaning and value.
But the ex-problem drinker who has found this solution, who is properly armed with facts about himself, can generally win the entire confidence of another alcoholic in a few hours. Until such an understanding is reached, little or nothing can be accomplished.
The Fellowship – WE are thousands who have recovered…, we need the fellowship and support of our kind to sustain recovery. Before WE came together, recovery (for our type) was a phenomenon that was rare. The book gives us the experience and precise instructions of the founders. The Message it carries has raised the bottom for us. We can find meetings and support anywhere we go.
We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as Bill. Nearly all have recovered. They have solved the drink problem.
The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined.
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action.
Our Personal Relationships – Wives, parents, employers, children, etc. Addiction/Alcoholism is a disease that engulfs all whose lives touch the sufferer’s. It is important to understand that they too are to some extent ill. Normal persons can have unmanageability also. Chances are that we have contributed to this. When we struggle with them in recovery we need to give them with the same latitude (or more) that we give to ourselves.
An illness of this sort and we have come to believe it an illness involves those about us in a way no other human sickness can. If a person has cancer all are sorry for him and no one is angry or hurt. But not so with the alcoholic illness, for with it there goes annihilation of all the things worth while in life. It engulfs all whose lives touch the sufferer's. It brings misunderstanding, fierce resentment, financial insecurity, disgusted friends and employers, warped lives of blameless children, sad wives and parents anyone can increase the list.
Admitted
Admit; To LET IN – Think of admitting someone in the door. Think of the door as the door to our mind. When we were in denial we were unwilling to let the truth come in.
Most of us have been unwilling to admit we were real alcoholics. No person likes to think he is bodily and mentally different from his fellows.
Denial/Delusion – Our minds have a defense mechanism that shields us from the truth. Our subconscious reacts from a deluge of conflicting truths and simply denies clarity.
Driven by the obsession our minds have subscribed to a world view that supports drinking and using.
Despite all we can say, many who are real alcoholics are not going to believe they are in that class. By every form of self- deception and experimentation, they will try to prove themselves exceptions to the rule, therefore nonalcoholic.
Self Reliance – Pride, Independent Spirit, Ego; we have always been taught or preferred a view that we are so resourceful and talented that we can and should solve our own problems. We fear that to get help will show weakness. No one likes to ADMIT…
Heaven knows, we have tried hard enough and long enough to drink like other people!
Here are some of the methods we have tried: Drinking beer only, limiting the number of drinks, never drinking alone, never drinking in the morning, drinking only at home, never having it in the house, never drinking during business hours, drinking only at parties, switching from scotch to brandy, drinking only natural wines, agreeing to resign if ever drunk on the job, taking a trip, not taking a trip, swearing off forever (with and without a solemn oath), taking more physical exercise, reading inspirational books, going to health farms and sanitariums, accepting voluntary commitment to asylums we could increase the list ad infinitum.
