Ranger

My observation has been that much of the friction associated with this simple phrase stems from the assertion (often made implicity) that saying it or typing it in underlined-bold font is indicative of "real" sobriety.

With that said, I should make clear that I totally dig the fact there are folks whose recoveries depend on being able to say, indeed repeat "I will never drink again". Whatever it takes....it's all good.

So here's the question: Functionally, is there any meaningful difference between a new AA member fully embracing Step 1 and a new AVRT practioner embracing the phrase "I will never drink again"? Both seem like watershed moments to me.