Jewels

Please tell me what is meant by the alcoholic's "soul sickness"?

Thanks!

Freedom1990

For as far back as I can remember, before I got into recovery, I had this big gaping hole inside of me that I kept trying to fill with outside things.

It made perfect sense to me the first time I heard someone refer to that as their God-shaped hole.

There was always something missing, that I could never put my finger on, when I was actively drinking.

For me, my disease is threefold-physical, emotional, and spiritual.

I had to address all three of those in order to maintain my recovery.

Does that make any sense to you?

:ghug :ghug

Jewels

Thank you. How did you fill that gaping hole besides quitting?

Freedom1990

I got active in 12 step recovery. Through working the 12 steps and doing what was suggested by others who had been where I was, I began to recognize a higher power in my life, a loving and kind higher power.

I did the work to fill that hole by recognizing it was an inside job, and could never be filled through outside sources.

Jewels

Yes, I guess the higher power is the answer! I'm not the alcoholic, but through Alanon I know the 12 steps. It's amazing how accepting that higher power is an impetus to getting better. I waver sometimes and then when I get back on track, and trust my higher power, I calm down and can let go.

Sad, but true, the two alcoholics in my life aren't there yet. However, through Alanon, I'm acceptping the higher power's direction. Seems like they needed it more than I did, but now I'm stronger because of what I've gone through and am still going through.

The only thing left for me to do is pray that the two alcohoics in my life find their "soul".

freya

Here's a link to a letter from Bill W. to Carl Jung:

Bill to Carl: BAREFOOTSWORLD.NET

There is also a link (in brown) near to top of that page to Carl Jung's reply to Bill.

These letters deal very specifically with the nature of Alcoholism as a spiritual malady.....and they're just friggin' awesome and fun to read.

freya

ChangingMyself

Thank you for the very interesting link, freya. I was entirely ignorant of the Oxford Groups' history, focus and international presence. Learning about it tonight provided a personal aha moment that was comforting.