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Old 03-28-2015, 09:20 AM
  # 20 (permalink)  
Gottalife
12 Step Recovered Alcoholic
 
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 6,613
Hi Stella,

In 1946 a man named Ian was alone in New Zealand with a Big Book he had got from New York. He read the book, then studied the book, especially the first seven chapters. His only support was Bobbie R in New York who acted as his sponsor by mail, so they never actually met, and he had one or two sympathetic doctors. There was no established AA.

Ian travelled the country visiting churches, psychiatric hospitals, alcoholic asylums etc trying to find an alcoholic willing to work with him. This work kept him sober but it was two years before he found another alcoholic and they were able to form the first AA group in New Zeland in 1948.

The point is that the Big Book contained all that he needed to make a start. Ian went on to sponsor Irvan, who sponsored David, who sponsored me. thousands have since got sober because of Ian's initial work. Though you are alone with just the book, it shouldn't be too hard to find another to work with. Perhaps by writing to the AA office in your country, they will be able to put you in touch with someone local who would be pleased to make contact.
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