There is a Solution

[RufusACanal]

"These observations would be academic and pointless if our friend never took the first drink, thereby setting the terrible cycle in motion. Therefore, the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than in his body. If you ask him why he started on that last bender, the chances are he will offer you any one of a hundred alibis. Sometimes these excuses have a certain plausibility, but none of them really makes sense in the light of the havoc an alcoholic’s drinking bout creates. They sound like the philosophy of the man who, having a headache, beats himself on the head with a hammer so that he can’t feel the ache. If you draw this fallacious reasoning to the attention of an alcoholic, he will laugh it off, or become irritated and refuse to talk."

"The alcoholic may say to himself in the most casual way, “It won’t burn me this time, so here’s how!’’ Or perhaps he doesn’t think at all. How often have some of us begun to drink in this nonchalant way, and after the third or fourth, pounded on the bar and said to ourselves, “For God’s sake, how did I ever get started again?’’ Only to have that thought supplanted by “Well, I’ll stop with the sixth drink.’’ or “What’s the use anyhow?’’

When this sort of thinking is fully established in an individual with alcoholic tendencies, he has probably placed himself beyond human aid, and unless locked up, may die or go permanently insane.

These stark and ugly facts have been confirmed by legions of alcoholics throughout history. But for the grace of God, there would have been thousands more convincing demonstrations. So many want to stop but cannot.

There is a solution.

Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we saw that it really worked in others, and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility of life as we had been living it.

When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet. We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed."

Excerpts from "There is a Solution", First Edition, Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

[Jfanagle]

I am a huge devotee of the Big Book, after all it JUST saved my life, but nowhere in the entire book is there a more powerful passage that THERE IS A SOLUTION.

I am actually moved to tears when I read that, particularly when I find myself reading it aloud. It is as though the first 100 men where speaking directly to me in the unknown future!

Thanks for reminding me that there is indeed a solution.

Jon

[nandm]

"The alcoholic may say to himself in the most casual way, “It won’t burn me this time, so here’s how!’’ Or perhaps he doesn’t think at all. How often have some of us begun to drink in this nonchalant way, and after the third or fourth, pounded on the bar and said to ourselves, “For God’s sake, how did I ever get started again?’’ Only to have that thought supplanted by “Well, I’ll stop with the sixth drink.’’ or “What’s the use anyhow?’’

I like this part of the chapter. It states quite well what I went through each and every time I tried to find sobriety on my own. I would go for a day, week, month, and one time a year. But every time I would wind up finding some excuse to take that first drink. It was easy for me to convince myself that

• Just one won't hurt
• maybe I am not an alcoholic because an alcoholic can't stop drinking at all
• Everyone else drinks, I feel out of place not drinking.
• People will think I am weird if I don't drink
• What will others say about me not drinking
• How will I have fun without drinking
• It sure is hot today, an ice cold beer would make me feel better, I can just drink one or two

Of course it was easy for me to block out the bad experiences that occurred during my drinking and only look at the good. The longer I went without a drink the more I found my memory clouded out the bad and replaced it with the good. It was only when I came into AA and started working this program that I began to understand that I am powerless over alcohol and my life is unmanagable enough without adding alcohol. Today when a thought comes to my head that glorifies my drinking I almost automatically play the tape through and see where my drinking always has led me. By keeping those memories alive it rarely is a struggle to shut down the thought of a drink today. I do know that for me I do need to maintain and utilize the steps in all aspects of my life so that I can play the tape through without only seeing the "fun" I had while drinking.

Thanks for the thread Rufus. I can always count on you for those little reminders.

[jimhere]

The solution is a deep and effective experience with God.

The steps are not the solution. The Big Book is not the solution. Sponsors are not the solution. Being a sponsor is not the solution. Service work is not the solution. Meetings are not the solution. All these things point to the solution.

In the Gnostic Gospels, Jesus is quoted as saying " I point my finger at God and you worship my finger!" Sometimes I think that we worship all the things that point at God but not God.
Jim

[Tazman53]

I concur Jim, the program of AA and all things associated with it led me to the solution, my Higher Power whom I choose to call God. Without my HP there would be no solution for me.

There is a solution. Almost none of us liked the self- searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we saw that it really worked in others, and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility of life as we had been living it. When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at out feet. We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.

The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences* which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.

The whole above speaks volumes, but the part below is awesome, this is the solution to me.

The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.

[RufusACanal]

Thank you Jim; Good to see you here, you have been missed. Many falter before they get to God and need the path presented by the AA and the Twelve Steps. You are more than correct in your share, though the path is just as important as the goal, probably more so since many refuse to let go and let God; I know I did.

[jimhere]

Good point Ron.

[miss communicat]

Originally Posted by jimhere

The solution is a deep and effective experience with God.


In the Gnostic Gospels, Jesus is quoted as saying " I point my finger at God and you worship my finger!" Sometimes I think that we worship all the things that point at God but not God.
Jim

Hi Jim,

I always loved this analogy. I read a variation on it from Buddhist text; the Master points his finger towards the moon, and the follower mistakes the finger for the source of the moon's light.

Its a human thing. We all have a tendency to mistake the teacher for the teaching, to think the vehicle is the path.

Sometimes I think too much.

Thanks! Great to see you again.

[Tazman53]

Sometimes I think too much.

Ya think? LOL

Sorry I could not resist!!!

[RufusACanal]

Many of you who have allowed me to grow and learn here and have allowed me to a friend. We agree to disagree and love each other all the while; I appreciate the care you give me. I would like to start a thread in Alcoholism on the First Step or more importantly to me the failure of some to get this new life. In my prayers and meditation the last few weeks, I feel like I am led to work on the misconceptions with newcomers; going the extra mile to help them overcome self so that acceptance and surrender are more understandable. Your input, your experience, strength and knowledge on the First Step, on your struggles to get sober would be vastly important to furthering this workl; I want to keep it simple and understandable for the newcomer. There are days when I feel I have not given enough to these folks who seek answers to their pain and suffering. I would ask each of you and you know who you are to help me in this thread to impart information and to help the newcomers here. Many go to Alcoholism, but shy away from the Twelve Steps forum. Why do many relapse? Why do many hold on to the idea that they can one day drink successfully? Why do many die? This for me is answered through my and your victories in recovery. The First Step is the open door to a new life and if we can give something more, maybe, maybe more will live free. Please think on this request.

Ron

[Tazman53]

Ron I try to be of maximum benefit to those who may benefit from my ES&H, if you want me there just say the word.

[RufusACanal]

Please Taz, the thread is called A New Life. Miss C, Rob, Adam, Jim, Peter, Sugah, Judith, Music, Carol, Barb, Jon, Dgillz, liwz, TTOSBT, Scott, BP44, please contribute your experience, strength and hope on the First Step and your new life. I know I have missed some of you and please do not feel slighted. The newcomers continue to relapse; let's give them more options to succeed!

Lets help the newcomer with Acceptance and Surrender - help me to help them.