The other day, I had a funny, sad, tragic reminder of where untreated alcoholism takes us.
A fellow at my home group told me that he was outside smoking after the meeting and some guy who'd been at the meeting asked him if he had any pot. When being told no, he then asked my chum for some cash to buy some beer and then buzzed off after being refused.
Funny, b/c one would think that asking for drugs or panhandling expressly for booze money at AA meeting will probably at best get you a newcomers pack and Big Book (hopefully) or at worst, a punch to the head if the person you ask is some dry drunk who knows everything about alcoholism, life and the universe and doesn't approve of people doing that sort of things outside of AA meetings.
Sad, b/c that guy's disease has, in view of the above, obviously driven him to complete insanity, the jumping off point they talk about in the Big Book.
Tragic, b/c deep down that must be a Marianas Trench feeling of rock-bottom.
Prayers for the fellow and gratitude that just for today, I'm not having to do the same, thanks to AA.
Great perception and awareness Steve. I can see it as you describe it. I've witnessed this happening on different levels during the journey including the person leaving the meeting after they had gotten the money and bought the booze and/or drugs and had already used them. I agree about the grace of God being present cause I don't have any other explanation for it for me.
Thanks for the post Steve. Two of our members relapsed recently, because of untreated alcoholism. They thought our 4 & 5 step retreats were a weekend outing. While the serious members worked the program, some wanted to have a party. One ended up in jail for violating a court order and other is gone AWOL.
My sponsor saved my life by forcing me to do the steps. Thank God.
His flight back to reality may be short lived, but the hangover will last much longer. It's tough scenario though -the insidious predicament I mean, but the sober life does have its reward, it really does.
I hope he finds that avenue before it's too late, I truly do. Thanks again for the story Steve; it's another reminder of what 'not ' to do.
-- Edited by Mr_David on Friday 11th of May 2012 03:09:48 AM
