What is the AA message to you?

[Irish Virus]

In step 12, we are suppose to carry this message to alcoholics. If you only had a brief moment to convey the AA message to someone, what would it be?

Thanks.

[Kellye C]

That there is help and there is hope. That you never have to drink again if you don't want to and in the process can live a life that is happier than you ever imagined.

Kellye
Sobriety date 8/8/04
By God's Grace & AA

[Sheryl85]

If you have reached that coldest, darkest, loneliest place in your world and you want things to change, AA can show you a way to not drink and be happy about it, one day at a time.

Sheryl
Waco, Texas
05/01/85

[CarolD]

Let us show you how we are winning over alcoholism.

[Kasia9752]

This isn't just a stop drinking program; its a start living program? Do you want to live?

Kasia

[2dayzmuse]

There is a solution.

[leviathon]

While I am not an aa'er, the message is that addiction is not healthy... any help, aa or otherwise is preferable to a life of addiction! Thanks for the post.

[lulu70]

Originally Posted by 2dayzmuse

There is a solution.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[2dayzmuse]

Oh...go ahead and say it again. Shout it from the roof tops. It is a wonderful thing. I'm so greatful there is a solution. Without one, where would we be? I shudder to think.

[Kasia9752]

Originally Posted by 2dayzmuse

There is a solution.

Very True; however if they don't want to be helped up don't let them drag you down to their level. Give the example of healthy sobriety and let them go.

Kasia

[2dayzmuse]

No one is going to drag me down. If they don't want the solution, I can't help them. I have no desires to push the solution. My motive is to let them know it is available. From that point, it is up to the individual. You've got to want it to get it. If you want it bad enough and work at it, then it becomes a gift. You have had to be pretty far down to recoginze how valuable the gift truly is.

[Phinneas]

We DO recover!

[Kasia9752]

living for today

2dayzmuse's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington
Posts: 5348

No one is going to drag me down. If they don't want the solution, I can't help them. I have no desires to push the solution. My motive is to let them know it is available. From that point, it is up to the individual. You've got to want it to get it. If you want it bad enough and work at it, then it becomes a gift. You have had to be pretty far down to recoginze how valuable the gift truly is.
__________________

I agree whole heartedly. However I have seen just that happen and then the person it happens to wonders why they went out again! Which is why I posted the comment; you have to want sobriety as much as you ever wanted to drink,

Kasia

[Peter]

...that ANY alcoholic ANYWHERE regardless of how low they have gone, regardless of age, race, creed, religion or sexual preference......can get sober and stay sober....

[2dayzmuse]

Balance, absolutely, there must be balance. We have to figure out when we need to retreat and draw the line, for our own sake. I want the hand of AA to always be there, but in offering it, it isn't worth risking my own sobriety. I guess figuring out where the line is drawn comes with time and experience, I suppose. I know it happens. I've heard some sad stories myself.

[miss communicat]

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking."

I like this tradition. And lucky we are to have it too, otherwise surely
somebody would be trying to block people from joining. Trying to hinder
others from full membership, trying to restrict members from exerting their
right to vote at group conscience.

It's clear that the criteria for membership is not terribly exclusive. We don't have
an elite little clubhouse going on here. We are a lifeboat with infinitely
broad sides.

This lifeboat is open to anybody who needs it. It's like we are in a sea
full of drowning people. Some of them say, “I'm drowning! Help me!� so we
let them in. Some of them say, “I'm awfully tired of keeping my head above
water, may I rest in your lifeboat for awhile?� and we let them in too.

And, yes, there is hope. We do recover.

[jimhere]

That if you are an alcoholic, you never have to drink alcohol again in your life. That you can get well here and find a life that will make sense to you.

[jmhs002]

You are not alone.

[Don S]

That change is possible.

[Five]

Through opening up to other people, and being given breathing space and order, you can find the strength within you to rebuild your life and lead a meaningful existance.

[Rusty Zipper]

were " Alive Again "

[Stobert]

You do not need to be alone, we will walk with you.

[fraankie]

hope

[Stobert]

Originally Posted by miss communicat

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking."

I like this tradition. And lucky we are to have it too, otherwise surely
somebody would be trying to block people from joining.

Very true, and I would add that those who stray could not return to AA and be welcomed with open arms..

[brigid]

Originally Posted by jmhs002

You are not alone.

Yes ... alcoholism is isolating ... I like this one ... no mention of alcohol ... no mention of the future ... no promises ... sharing ... understanding ... no judgement!

Regardless of anything else .... YOU ARE NOT ALONE