Admission of Powerlessness Sobriety in AA is unconditional. This means that theres never been a reason for drinking, no matter how bad our circumstances may become. As the AA pioneers were fond of saying, THERES NOTHING THAT DRINKING WON'T MAKE WORSE. How do we know if we've been setting conditions on sobriety? Its revealed to us in our own thinking. If we believe, for example, that a certain setback such as the ending of a relationship is just cause for drinking, we have made our sobriety conditional.
In such cases, what we need to do is clear up our own thinking on the subject. Maybe further inventory is needed, or perhaps we should let ourselves learn from the experience of others. Self-honesty is also important in getting priorities in order. The decision to choose unconditional sobriety brings additional benefits in helping us to organize our lives. Once we completely understand that sobriety is all-important, it becomes easier to make other decisions that bear on keeping sober. We find ourselves choosing the ideas and activities that enhance sobriety, while rejecting other things that could threaten it.
Ill never waver in a moment from my relief that I must continue to seek sobriety unconditionally. There is nothing that could ever justify my taking a drink.
-- Edited by Larry_H on Friday 23rd of April 2010 02:21:48 AM
I agree, totally. Have to admit though, I was watching Survivor an older one where they hadn't really had much of anything but coconut and a few small fish for a month. They were offered something alcoholic as a honor by local tribespeople at a special gathering. I wondered if I was on the show and really there if I'd be tempted in that situation. The other contestants might ostracize you for refusing. I guess I'd better not go on that show.
Following from your thought, there can be no reason to drink, what so ever. The what if...is pointless, or at least always leads to the same result if we are real alcoholic and fully accept that.
This reminds me of a story where someone related being a special invited speaker in a foreign country in front of 1000 people. There was a language issue. They suddenly realized during the introduction that they were expected to lead a toast that included a glass of something alcoholic. She said there was total chaos for ten minutes while she tried to arrange for a glass of water, but just even one honorary sip was not OK.
