miss communicat

Many years back, we had a thread like this. People were asked to state, in one phrase or one simple sentence what he or she believes is the most important message to pass along to the newcomer in AA.

1. You are not alone
2. You never have to drink again
3. there is a solution, may you find it now.....
4. I cannot do this unaided, my human powers are not enough to recover from alcoholism
5. You CAN recover

I'd love to see what everybody here could add to this list: AA's message

bellakeller

Here are a few that really helped me thru:

1. There is nothing in the world that drinking alcohol will make better
2. Never forget the hell that brought you here.
3. Don't believe everything you think. In fact, ignore most of it until you get some sobriety under your belt.
4. What anyone thinks of you is none of your business.
5. Keep your side of the street clean.
6. If I have to rationalize ANYTHING then I know I am in trouble.
7. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
8. Saying the Serenity Prayer over and over.

Tommyh

you can get well and stay sober

good to see you Miss C

Taking5

I would add that going to AA meetings are not "the program". The steps are.

WakeUp

Have a spiritual awakening...spiritual awakening...spiritual awakening.
Darn, there goes that broken record again!

Boleo

The spiritual awakening is;

1. The most reliable way to stay sober.

2. The most comfortable way to stay sober.

3. The most enjoyable way to stay sober.

gr8ful42day

Everyone's lists are awesome...thanks all from a newbie AA member...but this especially means something to me. Been struggling too much with being bashed in many ways due to the accident that killed my bestie.

GettingStronger2

You can be sober and happy. Truly happy. Through working the steps of the program of AA.

CarolD

I attend meetings regularly so I can let new members see ....

Yes! we can and do recover...we can live with purpose and joy...

Good to see you here again missC...hope all is well in your world...

EricL

For me the most important message to hear was this,"I am a real alcoholic who suffers the same malady as you, and here is how the program of alcoholics anonymous as described in the bb has lead to know a god that relieved me of that malady."

This message previously was distorted by things like "keep coming back", "don't drink, go to meetings", "fellowship and service keeps you sober", "think the drink through", "take what you want and leave the rest" and various other middle of the road suggestions. Once a man sat down and shared the vital message of a spiritual experience as THE (not A) result of the steps, and suggested that if I want he has then I could try doing what he did, only then did things begin to change rapidly.

LosingmyMisery

There is always hope.
Sobriety takes work and action.
Now, roll up your sleeves and get busy.

BadCompany

Your name is not "Thy". (thy will be done)

yeahgr8

there is a solution, may you find it now.....

to be honest it goes down with 75% of the rooms like a lead weight, but hey there are a few that do go on to work the steps so i'll keep sharing and trying to pass it on:-)

NYCDoglvr

You just don't drink TODAY.

shaun00

I know how you feel ......and this is what i did .

Rusty Zipper

welcome, you dont have to feel alone anymore

scaredykat

That it works if you work it.

PaperDolls

It is possible to be sober AND happy.

DayTrader

1. I probably understand more about how you feel right now than even you do.....because I've been right there myself.

2. Doing what I "thought" would work or would help frickin' put/landed me here in recovery and AA.......so maybe for you, just like it was for me, you'll need to learn to do some things you don't want to do or believe will work to get what you've always been looking for - and even if that doesn't make sense......congrats - you're in the right place .

3. What "type" of recovery do you want and just how much sobriety and happiness do you want in exchange for giving up drinking/drugging and partying? -- Do you want a taste of it? I piece of it? Most of it?.............. or are you like me where you won't settle for anything else than ALL of it? Well, if you want it all.......it's right on the table for you........but you're going to have to work for it. And odds are, you're probably going to have to do more work than you see/think others are doing.

roljoh

ask if he or she needs help until the next meeting, maybe give my number to them so they could call:-) its a long time to midnight or in between meetings