Category: Self-Help

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is considered to be the greatest, most successful social movement of the 20^th century.  Formed in Akron Ohio in 1935 by Bill Wilson (Bill W) and Dr. Robert Smith (Dr. Bob), AA was the last block on the house for so many who could not stop drinking by any measures.  Both Bill W and Dr. Bob were low bottom alcoholics in their own rights.  Neither was able to stop drinking despite devastating consequences, numerous hospitalizations and significant wreckage.

It was largely believed at that time, that alcoholism was a sin, a lack of willpower and the sign of a weak mind.  During his hospitalizations, Bill W was treated by a gifted physician called Dr. William Silkworth. Dr. Silkworth, contrary to popular belief, understood alcoholism to be an illness rather than a mental defect.  Dr. Silkworth conceptualized that alcoholism was an allergy to alcohol, making compulsive drinking inevitable, combined with an obsession of the mind.  His belief was the only by breaking the cycle and becoming completely abstinent could the alcoholic recover.

At that time there was a religious based group known as the Oxford Group that was having some success in helping alcoholics to achieve abstinence.  Bill W was introduced to this program by an old drinking acquaintance of his named Ebby Thacher but he wasn’t able to adopt it and continued drinking.  Bill W admitted himself back into Towns Hospital where he allowed himself to be subjected to numerous treatments in his attempt to achieve sobriety.  While lying in bed depressed and despairing, Wilson cried out: “I’ll do anything! Anything at all! If there be a God, let Him show Himself” He then had the sensation of a bright light, a feeling of ecstasy, and a new serenity.  Bill W never drank again.

Roughly a year later, after many failed attempts to help other alcoholics, Bill W was on a business trip to Akron Ohio and had the temptation to drink.  At that moment he realized that if he didn’t talk to another alcoholic he ran a serious risk of drinking again.  He reached out to local ministers asking if any of them could connect him to a struggling alcoholic.  One of them had been trying to help Dr. Bob for some time and put the two men in touch.  Shortly thereafter Bill moved in with Dr. Bob and his wife and the two pioneers began their divine journey.

Today, Alcoholics Anonymous has a presence in over 170 countries around the world.  It is estimated that there are nearly 115,000 AA groups around the world and over 2,000,000 members.  Bill W and Dr. Bob’s legacy lives on and continues to grow and help people recover from alcoholism and rebuild their lives.  This year marks the 80^th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous’ incredible contribution to the world and its’ inhabitants.

Relapse is often one of the scariest words for anyone in recovery.  The notion that the entire house of cards can collapse with one impulsive decision can be a terrifying thought for anyone trying to get and stay sober.  The myth is that relapse is actually an impulsive decision.  There are many schools of thought regarding relapse, but in my experience the act of returning to a mood altering substance is the final action in a string of decisions.

Maintenance is the key to long term sobriety, recovery and success.  A consistent regiment of meetings, service and twelve-step work is what’s required to obtain the best odds at long term sobriety.  In some respects, one can look at long term recovery the same as an automobile.  When the car is driven off the lot, it is in prime working condition, the fluids are full and the engine is humming without issue.  Over time, wear and tear, weather, passengers, and other use related damage occur to the vehicle.  Without replacing the fluids, checking the oil and tire pressure, and going in for regular maintenance check-ups, the car begins to degrade rapidly.  So it is with sobriety.

Life can cause wear and tear on people.  Family issues, relationship struggles, work drama all play a part in how well the mental engine is humming.  The twelve steps are like the regular check-ups for the emotional vehicle.  Taking regular inventory of assets and liabilities inform about which fluids need to be replenished and conserved.  Meetings are like the fuel.  Constantly rejuvenating the spirit and fostering a sense of community allows for long-term travel and safety.  No one wants to drive a car on an empty tank.  The gas mileage isn’t good, and the fear of running out of gas in the middle of a trip is constant.  Regular attendance at meetings is a way to keep the tank full.

Finally, service work is like the steering and alignment.  Making sure the vehicle is moving safely in the right direction is the cornerstone to good driving.  Much the same, service work is the cornerstone to solid, long-term recovery.  Helping others less fortunate, making coffee, cleaning up and being there for another human being keeps the emotional car moving in the right direction.

If all parts are in working order, and regularly inspected, engines can last 200,000 miles or more.  So it is with recovery.  If all these components maintained, the risk of relapse is greatly diminished and long-term recovery can last a lifetime.