Today’s Slogan: “AA works if you want it to work”
Over the years I’ve been in this program, one day at a time, I’ve come to realize that sobriety can be what you want it to be. If I just stopped drinking and attended meetings for my recovery, but did not share or participate in the fellowship, I would be merely abstinent. All that means is that I am avoiding or not indulging in alcohol.
I can easily identify with that because when things went sideways, I would go on the wagon. I would do the same things and hang out with the same crowd. The dry spell would not be any different from the others. My resentments, anxieties, and anger would build a head of steam, waiting to blow—and, of course, that meant drinking again. Then again, drinking was always in the back of my mind. In AA, we call that a “dry drunk,” but that isn’t sobriety.
Abstinence is really just being without something. The basic definition of sobriety is clear, sound thinking. In my own opinion, that can only be attained by working the Steps of recovery, and to me, that takes commitment. Sobriety is not measured by the number of meetings I attend; it takes personal action.
Yes, I try to make a certain number of meetings, help others, and participate in meetings. However, I also need to do some type of service work, read the literature, work with newcomers, and share where I am at in my sobriety.
Personally, I like to arrive early for meetings and help with setting up. That is my “meeting before the meeting.” At the end of the meeting, I may talk to a newcomer or simply help clean up. I am committed to my own recovery and to this spiritual fellowship, and that means reaching out to others. Not only do I want to succeed, but I also want everyone to have that opportunity.
Quality of Sobriety
The quality of my own sobriety is not based on the number of days I have stayed sober, but rather on my spiritual connection to my own conception of a Higher Power. It is also about being able to admit that I still have a lot of work to do to improve my quality of life. When my quality of life improves, it also improves the lives of those around me.
I really believe that can be achieved through rigorous self-honesty. AA sobriety in my own life should never be based solely on attendance at AA meetings or past accomplishments. That can lead to complacency—resting on our laurels and past accomplishments.
This is not a program of osmosis. For me, recovery requires work, participation, and prioritizing the values I hold dear in sobriety.