Forming Sober Bonds

“For you will escape disaster together and you will commence shoulder to shoulder your common journey. Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life. You will learn the full meaning of “love thy neighbor as thyself.” It may seem incredible that these men are to become happy, respected, and useful once more. How can they rise out of such misery, bad repute and hopelessness? The practical answer is that since these things happened among us, they can happen with you.”- pg. 153 from the chapter entitled “A vision for you” from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

When we get sober there is a bond that is formed between us and our fellows in recovery. It is a bond that exists because only we know what it is like to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body of that variety. When we were using many of us had become isolated, withdrawn, and miserable. The idea that one day we might be able to get drug or alcohol detoxseemed impossible .The fact is that we all have a chance to recover if we are able to do the work through Above It All, AA, or a drug addiction detox. When we get sober we find there is a huge amount of magic, happiness, and freedom in the life we live and the sober experiences we have. It is an amazing selfless path that we get to travel and when we are ready we get to “pay it forward” for fun and for free so that someone else may see the experience, strength, and hope that exists through this way of living. 

Traditional Ten

"Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never to be drawn into public controversy." NEVER since it began has Alcoholics Anonymous been divided by a major controversial issue. Nor has our Fellowship ever publicly taken sides on any question in an embattled world. This, however, has been no earned virtue. It could almost be said that we were born with it, for, as one old-timer recently declared, "Practically never have I heard a heated religious, political, or reform argument among A.A. members. So long as we don't argue these matters privately, it's a cinch we never shall publicly." As by some deep instinct, we A.A.'s have known from the very beginning that we must never, no matter what the provocation, publicly take sides in any fight, even a worthy one.- from the chapter on tradition ten from the AA Twelve and Twelve 

As opinionated as alcoholics can be at times there has been tremendous respect for this tradition. It is imperative that we stick to our side of the street when it comes to giving our opinions on a public level. When we first got sober by going through a alcohol and drug rehab, AA, or Above It All many of us were filled with thoughts and ideas that often flooded us but as time went on we realized we needed to focus on important things like the fact that we have been so blessed to have received alcohol addiction detox and recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. We learn how to find a happy medium between feeling like we have a voice and being sure that we are not affecting AA as a whole with our opinions.

Getting the Most Out of Your AA Experience

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is based on the idea that an individual may enjoy recovery following addiction through the process of letting go of aspects in their life they are unable to control, having faith in a higher power and living “in the moment”. If you are seeking recovery from alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous may be an option to consider. As they like to say in the program, “it works if you work it.” Learn how below! 

Instructions

1 - Locate AA meetings that are close to work and home and attend them regularly. If you are new to recovery and the program, it’s recommended you attend meetings daily for the first 90 days, if at all possible.

2 – Choose and secure a sponsor. Sponsors are longtime AA members with experience in recovery and stability that can guide you through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous while promoting your progress along the way.

3 – Get involved! Volunteer for a service position within your alcohol 12 step program. AA service positions can be anything from representing your chapter at the national service organization to leading meetings. The more involved you are, the more you will get out of your involvement.

4 – Dive into the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” on a daily basis. This applies especially on days when you are unable to make a meeting.

5 – Recite the Serenity Prayer when you feel upset or when triggers present themselves. This will help return your focus to the positive in the present.

6 – Life goes one day at a time. Address your recovery accordingly.

7 – Don’t be afraid to contact fellow AA members when you require assistance. The community is in place for a reason – use it when necessary.