I was completely through the "Crucial phase" and in danger of beginning the "Chronic phase" when I got a DUI which was probably timed just perfectly to allow me to surrender.
I was in the "Chronic Phase" when I finally surrendered and turned my will and life over to God. It is by the grace of God that I still have the ability to speak, think and make daily decisions. In how it works it says we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. I point this out to newcomers to the program because I don't want them to get to where I was. After almost 22 years sober I know that if I ever take another drink I wil not sober up again so I work the program one day ata time and thank God for my daily reprieve.
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Tell me and I'll forget. Teach me and I'll remember. Involve me and I'll learn.
I was probably about 75% through the Crucial phase. Once my wife discovered the extent of my drinking and I started to need a couple of drinks to suppress the withdrawal symptoms during work days, I was so scared that I went to my doctor and spilled the beans and got into treatment.
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Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's.
Wow...haven't seen this for years. Great reminder of how much we owe those who have studied these disorders and provided us with continually improved information for treatment and relapse prevention. And the best are those who have firsthand experience along with education and science---what a wonderful combination!! AA would not be what it is without the willingness to receive input from such as Dr. Silkworth, Vernon Johnson, etc. etc.