There is a point of powerlessness that every alcoholic will eventually pass if drinking is not stopped. The alcoholic will not be able to stay sober. The choice will be made to drink again and again. Because drinking is causing severe trouble and the choice is made to drink again the drinker is thought of as insane. Insanity is probably the best word for this powerlessness over drink. Often the point of powerlessness has been passed before the drinker is aware of it. The drinker thinks stopping is his/her choice and this is not the case. The drinker has become powerless.

Most alcoholics cant quit without getting help. Therefore some can quit on their own. The help suggested to the drinker is to practice the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Practicing the 12 steps brings about a spiritual awakening. There is no mention in the book about how the alcoholic who can quit on his/her own does it. They are not seen as true or real alcoholics. Interestingly, the ones who quit on their own have also made the life changes that the ones who need help have made. They also work the 12 steps in some fashion. They also have spiritual awakenings. They have also done intense soul searching and have also become honest with themselves. There are both types of alcoholics attending AA. Both types work the 12 steps to stay sober and to become spiritually awakened. The Big Book say's it is not a comprehensive picture but only a rough idea of the true alcoholic.

Alcoholics anonymous is said to be based on the idea that alcoholic addiction is a disease. The cure or treatment is a moral change. The majority of the 12 steps are about moral changes. Some alcoholics recover from alcoholism and some remain powerless their whole life. Either way the way to stay sober is to do the 12 steps. Those who have recovered from the disease and have their power of choice back also continue to work the 12 steps in some fashion. My point here is the moral life change is common to all. The spiritual awakening is common to both. It is a must in order to be returned to sanity and to stay sane in regards to the drink. Sadly many alcoholics do not regain their sanity. The normal people that never go to Alcoholics Anonymous also work a moral program of some kind if they have ever had any life difficulty that warrants self introspection. The pain of existential choice brings about the soul searching and the desire for a spiritual awakening. There is a desire to be relieved of the suffering from painful choices. There is a desire for happiness.

Change must be made in thought and actions. Change must be made in dreams and desires. Selfishness is seen clearly as a problem that causes more pain to everyone. We begin to realize we cause trouble for others just by being here and we want to minimize it. We want to pay our own way. We want to give to others rather than take from others. We become very grateful for that which is given to us by others. We are grateful for being accepted. We begin to accept others unconditionally too. This is called unconditional love. It is what heals us. We are not to judge others only ourselves.

The life changes in Alcoholics Anonymous are based on a faith in a higher power. We turn our lives over to its care. This Higher power can be a God or it can be the AA way of life. Some say GOD stands for Good Orderly Direction. Atheists are welcome at AA. All religions are welcome at AA. If you want to quit drinking you are welcome at AA and are a member just as you are. AA is a suggested program not a required program.