(For the next few days we will have repeats from the great ZUZU. Last night I checked into the hospital to stop my drinking. IM DONE. After finding out some horrific things in counseling, I chose to drink. My new sobriety date: July 4th~!~!)
I remember a man from my early meetings who could not abide by AA because he was constantly troubled by its religious overtones. He did not like the fact that many meetings were held in church buildings. He did not like the prayers. He did not like references to “Him,” our “Maker” and “Lord.” These things overshadowed all else he could find in AA, so he left and never came back. I ran into him five years later and he said he was not drinking, but he seemed very unhappy and bitter – like other dry drunks I had known. I do not know what has become of him since. Belief in a higher power of our own understanding is one of the most important tenets in AA. It has parallels the in saying “principles before personalities.” No matter what religious roots the AA founders may have had, no matter what zealotry the Big Book authors may have portrayed in their exuberance from time to time, no matter what overtones or undertones of religion we may detect, it is our grave responsibility to choose a higher power of our own understanding and to allow everyone else the freedom to do that. The Newcomer has a choice – to look around and count the differences between herself and everyone else in the room, or to find common ground in the disease of alcoholism. Similarly, she can listen to a few who share with heavy religious influence and proclaim that AA is not for her, or she can latch on to the phrase “as we understood” and claim her right to freedom of belief. There are many who sense that AA demands conformity, that all shares must brim over with gratitude, that we cannot really be honest about our misgivings, that we must toe the party line. In reality, AA demands very little – just some basic respect and courtesy. If that is present, then each of us can share from the heart in darkness as well as light. And we can believe in whatever creed works for us. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. The only credential required of our higher power is that we are not it. (ZUZU)
(I HAVE THE DESIRE!!!!-SMB)
THIS24 
When I focus on similarities and not differences, I get value out of others shares. Instead of getting angry if I disagree with another’s beliefs I can look into their hearts. I can view their religious proclamations as part of their experience, strength, and hope. It is not my job to censor them. It is my job to be tolerant, peaceful and loving. My higher power is mine to understand.
Thoughts and prayers for SMB. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
THank you Bill M. Things….they are a changin….
The one thing I remember from my last treatment center is the surly counselor saying over and over “You have to put the plug in the jug.” I just remember that everyday and my FAILED attempts to control my drinking. Good luck and nothing good will come from picking up a drink–it will only make things worse!
Any extra push that keeps us from drinking has value. Personally, I never understood Plug in the Jug, or play the tape to the end. They are useful slogans now that sanity had returned. But if I could have kept the plug in the jug I would not be hanging around you knuckle heads 😉
It took a vigorous program of action to keep me sober.
Guess “plug in the jug” is the same as “don’t take the first drink” and keep the cap on the bottle of booze. For some reason, that message stuck with me and I understand it isn’t that easy–hindsight is 20/20 stuff.
H.O.W.
HONESTY, OPEN-MINDEDNESS AND WILLINGNESS.
These are purported to be the essentials.
Harry, Grateful alcoholic.
THanks Doc
May you have the willingness to do whatever it takes to stay sober.
I’m NOT willing to DIE Maggs I want a life that was promised in the Big Book…in the Promises…Hugs
Hmm, get well sista. I was just thinking about how I forget to pray for things or people whom I presume are doing well and just thank God!
I pray for all of you here at This24 every day, but first I ask for God’s will to be done…Thanks 3 D!!!
We accept all, knowing it is as we have been received.
We give mercy, knowing it has been freely given to us.
We come out of self, into other.
We enter grace.
We are blessed.
Grateful for the Gift
YES…we are blessed my friend! Thank you
Not passing judgment either and I bounced in and out of rehabs etc. for 6 months. I think the last year I drank I spend about 30 days in various detoxes. I had to get past that initial period of intense cravings and then I regained the ability to choose whether or not to take a drink. I guess it’s a bit like smoking although not the same! I’m just grateful and, again, don’t give up and keep coming back and you’ll always be accepted by your friends in AA.
Thank you JT. This24 has been my rock, as well as meetings. There is a plan in action. Hugs!!!
Top of the mid morning family,
In our belief any scheme of combating alcoholism which proposes to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure. BB, P. 101
There’s a power that wants to kill me.
There’s a power that wants me to live and loves me.
Make a decision not to live this way any longer.
We are never beyond His help.
SMB 3:16 “all power is mine if I remember where to find it”.
It’s a good day for something good will happen.
we are trudging the road to happy destiny . . .
its not a race, to time limit, we look ahead to the destination.
all the best to Bonnie, pray that you find your place of balance.
Since doing the same thing over and over expecting different results is an indication of insanity, maybe try some evidence-based system with a greater success rate than the approximately 5% of AA? Studies tend to indicate that faith healing is about as effective treating alcoholism as it is cancer.
Dont mean to offend devoted Steppers…
When I was in treatment, a fellow student and friend was a retired surgeon. He said “You know, most people don’t recover from this disease.” I don’t mean to get into a debate, but the medical profession really doesn’t have any treatment for alcoholism except can offer antabuse and campral–neither worked for me. AA worked for me and I see it working for many, many others.
Appreciate the “anecdotal evidence.” I know lots of folks who only got better once they left, people whom Steppers would disparage as dry drunks….Isn’t it interesting how when someone gets sober in AA, that counts as evidence of its effectiveness; when she doesn’t, then that person somehow failed to “work it” hard enough.
It is a “simple program” after all, and I’m told blessings are often in disguise. At least now courts and federally funded health care providers are beginning to demand an honest assessment of treatment results. As an alcoholic cancer survivor, I’d run very fast from anyone who suggested faith healing, but that’s just me.
It’s not faith healing. My recovery is very secular but I’ve used the 12 steps to set a foundation. My recovery is up to me and however one gets there is great! AA does not claim recovery results that I know of, perhaps some statistician threw something out awhile back. But why belabor negatives when you can look at the positives?
However one gets sober is their business, but you’re right about the medical profession! Brings up what kind of disease it is or is it?!
It really doesn’t matter to me about others, it matters to me what I’ve found that keeps me happy and to have people with similar issues that are in recovery, that’s a bonus.
And, I hope your cancer is at bay or in remission, new things happening all the time, if you’re given the time. Now that’s a disease!!
Ok “Bon Bon”. Now’s the time. Your brain’s the place. You can do it if you really really really want to. TTYL via FB or email…
You got it Ant. XO
🙂
Best of thoughts and love sent to you SMB as you embark on your road to recovery. Your honesty helps me and thank you for sharing experience, strength , and acceptance. Kt