Frequently Asked Questions About AA
The following are just a
few of the many inquiries about Alcoholics Anonymous by newcomers and
old timers alike. We hope these will be helpful to you in your program
of recovery. Remember it works if you work it one day at a time. Don't
be impatient, work the steps in order, go to meetings and get a
sponsor. May God bless you as you trudge the road of happy destiny.
Can't I Quit Drinking On My Own?
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.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 31
Will I Ever Control My Drinking Again?
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. Therefore, it is not surprising that our drinking careers have
been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could drink
like other people. The idea that somehow, someday he will control and
enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker.
The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into
the gates of insanity or death. We learned that we had to fully concede
to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step
in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently
may be, has to be smashed.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 30
How Does Honesty Fit Into My Recovery?
Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely
give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are
constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are
such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born
that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a
manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less
than average.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 58
Is There An Easier, Softer Way?
We
thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not. With all
the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and
thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our
old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely. Remember
that we deal with alcohol-cunning, baffling, powerful!
Alcoholics Anonymous page 58
Is Will Power Enough?
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.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 24
Where Does God Fit Into My Recovery?
So
our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out
of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run
riot, though he usually doesn't think so. Above everything, we
alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us!
God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely
getting rid of self without His aid. Many of us had moral and
philosophical convictions galore, but we could not live up to them even
though we would have liked to. Neither could we reduce our
self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to
have God's help.
Alcoholics Anonymous
What If I Don't Believe In God?
Yes, we of agnostic temperament have had these thoughts and
experiences. Let us make haste to reassure you. We found that as soon
as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness
to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get
results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or
comprehend that Power, which is God.
Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider another's
conception of God. Our own conception, however inadequate, was
sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As
soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence,
a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to
be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took
other simple steps. We found that God does not make too hard terms with
those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all
inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek.
It is open, we believe, to all men.
Alcoholics Anonymous page 46
How Can I Know If I Am An Alcoholic?
Only you can make that decision. Many who are now in A.A. have
previously been told that they were not alcoholics, that all they
needed was more willpower, a change of scenery, more rest, or a few new
hobbies in order to straighten out. These same people finally turned to
A.A. because they felt, deep down inside, that alcohol had them licked
and that they were ready to try anything that would free them from the
compulsion to drink
How Do I Become A Member Of AA?
You are an A.A. member if and when you say so. The only requirement for
A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of men and
women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other
that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover
from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to
stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are
self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with
any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not
wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any
causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics
to achieve sobriety.