There's always some folks who want to use a pill or a book or a way of thought other than AA to stop or cut down on their drinking. If it works for them, fine. AA has no opinion on outside issues. But I know I need AA and I'm grateful for it.
I had a bizarre dream last night. For unknown crimes, I had been court-ordered to a new "alternative" rehab. The so-called treatment involved behavioral therapy wherein people were subjected to mild torture to raise their anxiety and talk therapy to lower it. Now, you could argue that our disease causes the former and AA meetings provide the latter. But in the dream, all this was somehow being done without their knowing what was going on. Therefore the disease went unrecognized and there was no spiritual experience involved. I woke up thanking GOD for AA and thanking AA for GOD.
AA is the easier, softer way.
I love you all. Thank you for being here. Keep coming back.
PS-- In the dream I caught on to the game being played on the clients. When I told the staff I knew what was going on, they were not happy about it. I think my dream symbolizes my long struggle OUT of AA and my serenity when I got back IN to AA. It also displays my Orwellian paranoia about authority figures.
-- Edited by jasperkent on Friday 20th of November 2009 08:28:36 AM
Howdy, Had a bit of time with some folks in "Behavior Modification " Yea Right. Like you jasperkent I needed a total psychic change. Nothing but a spiritual experience could have worked. I still do not like to see cop's in my rear view mirror. Seems to make my car weave.
You got that right ... AA is the easier , softer way without a doubt for this alcoholic.
I sometimes tell ppl that if they think its tuff in the rooms of AA, go out and have a few drinks , come back and tell me how easy it is. AA isn't the only way to stop drinking, but its the only way that works for me.
I giggled at Toad's remark about the cops in the rearview mirror ... pretty much so the same here, my hands get a tighter grip on the steering wheel for some strange reason .
Nice to have you share here Jasper, good attitude indeed ! thanks.
Thankyou Jasper, I enjoyed this jaunt into your other worldly consciousness lol Keep up your wonderful work with the steps. I enjoy your recovery. Godbless you & our brothers & sisters who you inspire too. Thanks for being here. Keep coming back, won't you! Grateful sobriety, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Oh, I was in "behavior modification" back in the late 70s. (or maybe the mid---who remembers?). My behaviour was modified only as long as I was in the facility.
Now, I know that only a heart with humility, humbleness and the willingness to surrender to our Higher Power as having the ultimate control in our lives, through the loving and honest words of the program of AA is the only modification that worked for me. I "modified" when my spirit broke and became willing to change, to turn my life over. Now, I need to daily repeat that process (sometimes hourly), knowing that, when the day is done, the only credit I can take for being sober and alive is that I am the one drawing the breath, but Someone else is directing that breath. Chris
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