The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink. (emphasis mine.)
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 24, There is a Solution.
The main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than in his body.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 23, There is a Solution.
But what about the real alcoholic? …he begins to lose all control of his liquor consumption once he starts to drink…
He may be one of the finest fellows in the world. Yet let him drink for a day, and he frequently becomes disgustingly, and even dangerously anti-social.
[The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 21, There is a Solution.]
Most of us sense that real tolerance of other people’s shortcomings and viewpoints and a respect for their opinions are attitudes which make us more useful to others. Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, pp. 19-20, There is a Solution
If you have a drinking Problem, we hope that you may pause in reading one of the fourty-two personal stories and think: “Yes, that hpapened to me”; or, more important, “Yes, I’ve felt like that”; or, most important, “Yes, I believe this program can work for me too.”
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. xii, Preface.
Practical Experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as work with other alcoholics.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 89, Working with Others.
When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. We ask…
God, was I resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? Do I owe an apology? Have I kept something to myself which should be discussed with another person at once? Was I kind and loving toward all? What could I have done better? Was I thinking of myself most of the time? Or was I thinking of what we could do for others, of what I could pack into the stream of life? I must be careful not drift into worry, remorse, or morbid reflection, for that would diminish my usefulness to others. God, I ask for your forgiveness and for what corrective measures should be taken.
[Adapted From the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 86, Into Action]
God, I pray about the twenty-four hours ahead, considering my plans for today. I ask that you direct my thinking and that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.
God, as I go forward today I may face indecision and may not be able to determine which course of action to take. I pray for the wisdom to ask you for inspiration, an intuitive thought or decision.
God I pray that I be shown all through the day what my next step is to be, that I be given whatever I need to take care of such problems. I ask especially for freedom from self-will.
Amen.
Adapted from The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, pp. 86, 87, Into Action
www.silkworth.net is a great resource for the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
You may not have had a very happy childhood…
…but you sure are having a long one.
– Larry’s Sponsor.
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