Hi All,
Just launched the Alcoholics Anonymous Chandigarh website.
the address is www.aachandigarh.com
Your suggestions and feedback is welcome
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Public Information Meet at Punjab Police Jalandhar
Report on PI at Punjab Armed Police HQs at Jalandhar on 19th July 08
A God sent opportunity came our way through the person of Shri Rajiv Ahir IPS. Commandant 7th PAP battalion and with whole hearted blessings Shri Rajan Gupta ADGP, Incharge of Punjab Armed Police, to address all ranks of PAP and their families at the police HQ’s at Jalandhar.
Local AA members from Jalandhar & members from Chandigarh, Karnal & Kapurthala came together for this event.
The audience consisted of about a thousand persons.
Shri. Rajiv Ahir introduced us and Alcoholics Anonymous and his experience with AA of last three years since we conducted a workshop for police personnel under his command, when he was the police chief of Kapurthala.
Sudeep S. was given to conduct proceedings thereafter, which he did with plenty of flair. (With his tall frame he was an attractive presence.)
Sunil G. of Chandigarh shared his vast experience & informed the audience of the history of AA, its presence across the world, the Preamble of AA & his own brief story.
Sandeep S. (Sandy) of Chandigarh, in his native Punjabi, spell-bound the audience with his story. That really got the audience interested in the proceedings.
Sidhu sahib, himself an ex serviceman and an international sportsman & his gentle wife spoke of their own AA & Alanon journeys
Ramchander of Haryana police talked about his 8 months of sober life in AA. Also proof that AA works in police ranks.
Aloke D. of Karnal informed about how AA & Haryana police are co-operating for the last 3 years.
Are you an alcoholic? Questions were thrown at the audience, for each person to anonymously check his own relationship with alcohol.
That AA can be used as a resource by the police force, suggestions were put forth.
AA posters can be put up at police stations, police personal desirous of quitting can be encouraged to attend AA meetings & through the majority of police persons who are non-alcoholic; this life saving message can reach the masses in every village.
It was our good fortune that while this session was going on, Big FM radio, brodcast live interviews with Shri Rajiv Ahir & Anurag C. from Chandigarh. A one hour program with the underlined theme of AA & alcoholism was aired. Help calls came in. This radio station has offered to air more such programs.
A God sent opportunity came our way through the person of Shri Rajiv Ahir IPS. Commandant 7th PAP battalion and with whole hearted blessings Shri Rajan Gupta ADGP, Incharge of Punjab Armed Police, to address all ranks of PAP and their families at the police HQ’s at Jalandhar.
Local AA members from Jalandhar & members from Chandigarh, Karnal & Kapurthala came together for this event.
The audience consisted of about a thousand persons.
Shri. Rajiv Ahir introduced us and Alcoholics Anonymous and his experience with AA of last three years since we conducted a workshop for police personnel under his command, when he was the police chief of Kapurthala.
Sudeep S. was given to conduct proceedings thereafter, which he did with plenty of flair. (With his tall frame he was an attractive presence.)
Sunil G. of Chandigarh shared his vast experience & informed the audience of the history of AA, its presence across the world, the Preamble of AA & his own brief story.
Sandeep S. (Sandy) of Chandigarh, in his native Punjabi, spell-bound the audience with his story. That really got the audience interested in the proceedings.
Sidhu sahib, himself an ex serviceman and an international sportsman & his gentle wife spoke of their own AA & Alanon journeys
Ramchander of Haryana police talked about his 8 months of sober life in AA. Also proof that AA works in police ranks.
Aloke D. of Karnal informed about how AA & Haryana police are co-operating for the last 3 years.
Are you an alcoholic? Questions were thrown at the audience, for each person to anonymously check his own relationship with alcohol.
That AA can be used as a resource by the police force, suggestions were put forth.
AA posters can be put up at police stations, police personal desirous of quitting can be encouraged to attend AA meetings & through the majority of police persons who are non-alcoholic; this life saving message can reach the masses in every village.
It was our good fortune that while this session was going on, Big FM radio, brodcast live interviews with Shri Rajiv Ahir & Anurag C. from Chandigarh. A one hour program with the underlined theme of AA & alcoholism was aired. Help calls came in. This radio station has offered to air more such programs.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Alcohol gave me wings to fly and then it took away the sky
My name is An... , and I am a recovering Alcoholic , away from my last drink since March 15, 1997.
My `drinking career' started at the age of 15, In the beginning it was just ok. I loved the effect of alcohol. I only wanted to be in the company of friends who drank. To be honest, in the initial years, I enjoyed drinking because as was within Limits. When I started my professional career in Marketing, my drinking increased. At the age
of 25 onwards I started drinking almost everyday in the evenings.
I got married at the age of 28, and by that time I was a full blown alcoholic. I remember, when I went on my Honeymoon, I carried couple of bottles with me. Gradually,my "problems" with alcohol
started. I also started having "black outs". I was not able to remember what all I had the previous night for dinner. Mornings were bad – Guilt and shame for my actions and behaviour as I had started quarrelling
with my wife and parents.
When I was 30 years old, my parents kicked me out of the house. Because of all the promises I had made to them about not drinking was of no avail. I used to sincerely promise them that I will not drink again but only God knew why I used to start all over again. Finally my wife also left me for sometime. But again because of my promises
again she came back. Sometimes I sincerely tried to do "controlled Drinking" but after one drink I could not stop…. I wanted more and more.
Then I got the message of the recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous. A few friends visited my place and shared about their experience about the drinking and AA. I could identify with them. So I started attending AA Meetings.
There I learned that I was suffering from a disease. It was a revelation. I always thought that I was "different and I could not control my liquor" but when I saw other people with exactly the same problem and same drinking pattern, I started believing that "if these guys could recover, Why can't I"
March 15, 1997 was the day I had my last drink. In the fellowship of AA I found true friends, who could understand me and were ready to help me regarding my problem with alcohol. Here I started to believe in a "Higher Power" whom we call God. Here I received unconditional love and understanding which my wife, my family could not give.
I started loving myself. I came to believe that I have to drink or not drink for nobody else but me.
I started staying from alcohol "one day at a time." Every morning when I get up I pray to God to help me to stay away from the first drink. When I retire in the evening, I thank God for keeping me sober during the day. So One day at a time we have to stay away from drinks.
Today, My wife understands me better, I have two beautiful daughters aged 5 and 3 and I have regained the trust of my parents, friends and coworkers. I am a different man today.
For any Help in India Please visit Alcoholics Anonymous India
or call AA Helpline Nos.: 91-22-2301 6767
Or leave a comment here and we will get back to you
My `drinking career' started at the age of 15, In the beginning it was just ok. I loved the effect of alcohol. I only wanted to be in the company of friends who drank. To be honest, in the initial years, I enjoyed drinking because as was within Limits. When I started my professional career in Marketing, my drinking increased. At the age
of 25 onwards I started drinking almost everyday in the evenings.
I got married at the age of 28, and by that time I was a full blown alcoholic. I remember, when I went on my Honeymoon, I carried couple of bottles with me. Gradually,my "problems" with alcohol
started. I also started having "black outs". I was not able to remember what all I had the previous night for dinner. Mornings were bad – Guilt and shame for my actions and behaviour as I had started quarrelling
with my wife and parents.
When I was 30 years old, my parents kicked me out of the house. Because of all the promises I had made to them about not drinking was of no avail. I used to sincerely promise them that I will not drink again but only God knew why I used to start all over again. Finally my wife also left me for sometime. But again because of my promises
again she came back. Sometimes I sincerely tried to do "controlled Drinking" but after one drink I could not stop…. I wanted more and more.
Then I got the message of the recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous. A few friends visited my place and shared about their experience about the drinking and AA. I could identify with them. So I started attending AA Meetings.
There I learned that I was suffering from a disease. It was a revelation. I always thought that I was "different and I could not control my liquor" but when I saw other people with exactly the same problem and same drinking pattern, I started believing that "if these guys could recover, Why can't I"
March 15, 1997 was the day I had my last drink. In the fellowship of AA I found true friends, who could understand me and were ready to help me regarding my problem with alcohol. Here I started to believe in a "Higher Power" whom we call God. Here I received unconditional love and understanding which my wife, my family could not give.
I started loving myself. I came to believe that I have to drink or not drink for nobody else but me.
I started staying from alcohol "one day at a time." Every morning when I get up I pray to God to help me to stay away from the first drink. When I retire in the evening, I thank God for keeping me sober during the day. So One day at a time we have to stay away from drinks.
Today, My wife understands me better, I have two beautiful daughters aged 5 and 3 and I have regained the trust of my parents, friends and coworkers. I am a different man today.
For any Help in India Please visit Alcoholics Anonymous India
or call AA Helpline Nos.: 91-22-2301 6767
Or leave a comment here and we will get back to you
WHAT DOES A.A. DO ?
- A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or "sponsorship" to the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source.
- The A.A. programme, set forth in our Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.
- This programme is discussed at A.A. group meetings.
- Open speaker meetings-open to alcoholics and non alcoholics. (Attendance at an open A.A. meeting is the best way to learn what A.A. is, what it does, and what it does not do.) At speaker meetings, A.A. members "tell their stories." They describe their experiences with alcohol, how they came to A.A., and how their lives have changed as a result of A.A.
- Open discussion meetings-one member speaks briefly about his or her drinking experience, and then leads a discussion on A.A. recovery or any drinking-related problem anyone brings up.(Closed meetings are for A.A.s or anyone who may have a drinking problem.)
- Closed discussion meetings-conducted just as open discussions are, but for alcoholics or prospective A.A.s only.
- Step meetings (usually closed)-discussion of one of the Twelve Steps.
- A.A. members also take meetings into correctional and treatment facilities.
- A.A. members may be asked to conduct the informational meetings about A.A. as a part of A.S.A.P. (Alcohol Safety Action Project) and D.W.I. (Driving While Intoxicated) programme. These meetings about A.A. are not regular A.A. group meetings.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Alcoholics Anonymous India - News paper Articles Tribune Chandigarh
Hi,
Here are a few articles published in the Tribune Chandigarh on Alcoholics Anonymous
Here are a few articles published in the Tribune Chandigarh on Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous turns 73 (World wide)
Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 10, 2008
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), worldwide life-giving fellowship of over 3 million recovering alcoholics, is 73 today. In fact, like millions the world over, it was a day of thanksgiving for hundreds of once problem-drinkers in the tricity having contented
sobriety now. Read Complete news
Alcoholics Anonymous has turned 12 (Panchkula)
Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 25, 2008 - The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) movement in the tricity has achieved another milestone, with the Samarpan Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, Panchkula, completing 12 years of bringing back smiles on the faces of recovering alcoholics and their families. In fact, today was the big day for AA in the region as recovering alcoholics and their families joined together at the grand celebrations at the Community Centre, Mansa Devi Complex, Sector 5, Panchkula, in a bid to create awareness about alcoholism as a disease. >> Read Complete story
AA bringing hope to alcoholics
Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service
| Want to quit? Any problem drinker can contact the 24-hour AA Helpline at 9417037358. Meetings are held at different schools in the tricity on all weekdays. There is no fee or dues to be paid for recovery. |
Chandigarh, November 25
There is hope at last for alcoholics as life can be beautiful and fun again without drinks — this message echoed loud and clear at the 18th anniversary celebrations of the Welcome Group of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) at Carmel Convent School, Sector 9, here this evening. Read Complete article
(June 10, 2006) - As 200 members of Alcoholics Anonymous, who once couldn’t be trusted to bring home the pay packets, are gearing up to hold a three-day convention at Patni Top from June 15, Saurabh Malik talks to their families in Chandigarh to find out how they have cured themselves of their spouses and parents’ alcoholic illness
Rising from the grave of a dead family life, 15-year-old Dhruv (name changed to protect identity) is living again, lightheartedly.
Until a few years ago, the burden of breathing was suffocating him. Looking for steady existence amidst the rubble of shattered whisky bottles and smashed family life, he would often struggle hard to stop the tears from flowing, along with alcohol — the invigorating elixir that was killing his father slowly and ruthlessly.>> Read Complete Story
Alcoholics Anonymous members to meet at Patni Top
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 13, 2006
Recovery from alcoholism, once thought impossible, is now routine — with this message as many as 500 members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from all over the country, even abroad, are converging at Patni Top in Jammu and Kashmir for a four-day convention beginning from June 15. Read Complete Story
Alcoholics Anonymous enters 50th year (in India)
By Arun Sharma
Friday, May 5, 2006, Alcoholics Anonymous today enters 50th year of its inception in May 5, 1957.
Incidentally, the World Health Organisation has declared alcoholism the third biggest disease affecting the people from all over the world. The first two biggest diseases are heart diseases and cancer.
Long back in 1935, two sober alcoholics met. One was Bill Willson (William Griffith Wilson), a stockbroker based at New York and the other was Dr Bob Smith (Robert Holbrook Smith), a surgeon from Ohio. They both decided to keep trying in order to protect their own sobriety and hence became the co-founders of the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). >> Read Complete Story
Alcoholics Anonymous, a fellowship of love minus lectures
Charu Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 11, 2006 Delhi
Alcoholism is a disease that wastes itself out in numberless villages, small towns, cities and metropolises spread across the nation.
While the alcoholics grapple with their addiction to liquor, their near and dear have to put up with the trauma of seeing their husband or son slowly degenerate due to the hold of alcohol.
Statistics show that worldwide over two million people die each year due to alcoholism. Read Complete Article
Alcoholic Anonymous comes of age
Rahul Das
Tribune News Service
Ambala, September 25, 2002
The Ambala chapter of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) seems to have come of age.
Not only has it succeeded in helping many to leave alcohol, the local chapter of AA is all set to organise the first-ever public information meeting here in less than a week’s time. The public information meeting is likely to be a path-breaking initiative, as those who have left alcohol for good are going to be role models for alcoholics.
Although apparently the holding of a public information meeting may look like a simple task, there is going to be courage involved on part of those reformed alcoholics who are going to set an example for others. “We are going to stand up in front of the gathering and tell them about alcoholism and how one can recover. And perhaps there cannot be a better example than us, who have managed to leave alcohol,” he said. Read Complete Story
Alcoholics Anonymous — a successful battle with Bacchus
Rahul Das Tribune News Service
Ambala, May 9, 2001
Mr X is feeling that he is losing control on his life and his world is coming apart. The years of hardwork seem to be going down the drain due to his drinking habit but he refuses to accept that he is an alcoholic.
Mr Y’s family members are unhappy since alcohol has begun to dominate his life. His relationships are strained and Mr Y, who has always performed well in academics, seems now to be bereft of logic and clear thinking in his alcoholic haze.
There is help which is not far to seek. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has undertaken a yeoman’s service here and the process of reforming the alcoholics has begun here. >> Read Complete news
Friday, November 9, 2007
MONEY-What is enough???
Dear All,
I am sitting here without a drink and really feeling greatfull for whatever I have.I could wish all my friends,HAPPY DIWALI.Diwali is considered to be a festival of LAXMI/money to my mind.Recovery from alcholism to me was lots of money.As the time passed by,I am trying to understand that money is only the means to my end and is only important,if I am using the same to help others.today also I want money but not at the cost of my honesty.Today i can see miracles around, which money cannot buy.The biggest miracle is that I am part of big international family and living life,which I could never imagine in my wildest dreams.Ther are times,when I feel that I don't have enough and I don't know what is enough for me.I would appreciate answer to my question.
lots of love
Satya B.
I am sitting here without a drink and really feeling greatfull for whatever I have.I could wish all my friends,HAPPY DIWALI.Diwali is considered to be a festival of LAXMI/money to my mind.Recovery from alcholism to me was lots of money.As the time passed by,I am trying to understand that money is only the means to my end and is only important,if I am using the same to help others.today also I want money but not at the cost of my honesty.Today i can see miracles around, which money cannot buy.The biggest miracle is that I am part of big international family and living life,which I could never imagine in my wildest dreams.Ther are times,when I feel that I don't have enough and I don't know what is enough for me.I would appreciate answer to my question.
lots of love
Satya B.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
We know so much more today
Contributed by Vasu
While there is a tendency to believe that "we know so much more today," which we do in almost every area of our society, that appears not to be true where recovery from alcoholism is concerned. The truth is that "alcoholism" has not changed since the beginning of recorded history. God certainly has not changed since 1939. And, nobody has demonstrated a more successful program of recovery than the action of the Twelve Steps Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is so clearly outlined in the book, "ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS". So, what's new?
Before taking a look at what is so often heard in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, let's examine some of the statements made by the Authors of this Basic Text. For example:
"We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book." AA, pg. xiii
(Note: PRECISELY - "Exactly or sharply defined or stated. Minutely exact; not varying in the slightest degree from truth." Webster's Collegiate Dictionary - circa 1936.)
So, let's examine the TRUTH!
" If you are an alcoholic who wants to get over it, you may be asking - 'What do I have to do?' It is the purpose of this book to answer such questions specifically. We shall tell you what we have done." AA, pg. 20
"Lack of power was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?
Well, that is exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself that will solve your problem." AA, pg. 45
"Further on, clear-cut directions are given showing how we recovered." AA, pg. 29
There is a Spiritual Axiom that applies to recovery from alcoholism:
"Noah, an amateur, with God's guidance, built the Ark. Professionals, with all their smarts, built the Titanic."
Now, let's review what is so often "Heard" in the meetings.
Heard - "Don't be so hard on yourself."
BB - "The rule is we must be hard on ourselves, but always considerate of others."
AA, pg. 74
Heard - "Alcoholism is a problem of denial."
(Note: Denial - "Refusal to admit the truth. - Webster's Collegiate Dictionary - circa 1936.) Sure sounds like lying, doesn't it? Alcoholics are real good at that.
BB - "Whatever the definition of the word may be, we call it plain insanity." AA, pg. 37
"However intelligent we may have been in other respects, where alcohol has been involved, we have been strangely insane." AA, pg. 38
"Again it was the old, insidious insanity--that first drink." AA, pg. 154
And what is the hope of Step Two? That we can find a Power greater than ourselves that could restore us to sanity.
Heard - "It is my opinion that ......." or
"I don't know anything about the Big Book but here is the way I do it.'
BB - "We have concluded to publish an anonymous volume setting forth the problem as we see it. We shall bring to the task our combined experience and knowledge. This should suggest a useful program for anyone concerned with a drinking problem."
AA, pg 19
(Note: The Big Book is based solely on the experience and knowledge of the first one hundred recovered alcoholics. The Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous has been unable to find any way to improve on its effectiveness since it was first published. It contains no opinions because one thing the early members learned was that opinions have the power to kill alcoholics.)
Heard - "My sponsor told me that, if in making an amend I would be harmed, I could consider myself as one of the 'others' in Step Nine."
BB - "Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences might be." AA, pg. 79
Heard - "Be good to yourself."
BB - " The rule is we must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others."
AA, pg. 74
Heard - "Never pray for patience. You'll regret it if you do."
BB - "So clean house with the family, asking each morning in meditation that our Creator show us the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness and love." AA, pg. 83
Heard - "Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help program."
BB - "We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves." AA, pg. 84
It would appear from this that it is a God-help program.
Heard - "We don't work the steps, we just take them."
BB - "Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us-sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. But they will always materialize if we work for them." AA, pg. 84
"If he did not work, he would surely drink again." AA, pg. 15
"On each of these occasions we worked with him, reviewing carefully what had happened." AA, pg.35
"Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well." AA, pg. 63
"It works, if we have the proper attitude and work at it." AA, pg. 86
"Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity form drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail." AA, pg. 89
"Now we try to put spiritual principles to work in every department of our lives."
AA, pg. 116
And there are more for serious students to find.
Heard - "Oh, just turn it over."
BB - "Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid." AA, pg. 14
Heard - "Your Higher Power can be whatever you want It to be; a door knob, a Dr. Pepper can, a light bulb, just any old thing.
BB - "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." AA, pg. 59 (A door knob?)
"Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a Power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves." AA, pg. 45 (A Dr. Pepper can?)
"The great fact is this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences* which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute
certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way that is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us that we could never do by ourselves." AA, pg. 25 (A light bulb?)
While there is a tendency to believe that "we know so much more today," which we do in almost every area of our society, that appears not to be true where recovery from alcoholism is concerned. The truth is that "alcoholism" has not changed since the beginning of recorded history. God certainly has not changed since 1939. And, nobody has demonstrated a more successful program of recovery than the action of the Twelve Steps Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is so clearly outlined in the book, "ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS". So, what's new?
Before taking a look at what is so often heard in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, let's examine some of the statements made by the Authors of this Basic Text. For example:
"We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book." AA, pg. xiii
(Note: PRECISELY - "Exactly or sharply defined or stated. Minutely exact; not varying in the slightest degree from truth." Webster's Collegiate Dictionary - circa 1936.)
So, let's examine the TRUTH!
" If you are an alcoholic who wants to get over it, you may be asking - 'What do I have to do?' It is the purpose of this book to answer such questions specifically. We shall tell you what we have done." AA, pg. 20
"Lack of power was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?
Well, that is exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself that will solve your problem." AA, pg. 45
"Further on, clear-cut directions are given showing how we recovered." AA, pg. 29
There is a Spiritual Axiom that applies to recovery from alcoholism:
"Noah, an amateur, with God's guidance, built the Ark. Professionals, with all their smarts, built the Titanic."
Now, let's review what is so often "Heard" in the meetings.
Heard - "Don't be so hard on yourself."
BB - "The rule is we must be hard on ourselves, but always considerate of others."
AA, pg. 74
Heard - "Alcoholism is a problem of denial."
(Note: Denial - "Refusal to admit the truth. - Webster's Collegiate Dictionary - circa 1936.) Sure sounds like lying, doesn't it? Alcoholics are real good at that.
BB - "Whatever the definition of the word may be, we call it plain insanity." AA, pg. 37
"However intelligent we may have been in other respects, where alcohol has been involved, we have been strangely insane." AA, pg. 38
"Again it was the old, insidious insanity--that first drink." AA, pg. 154
And what is the hope of Step Two? That we can find a Power greater than ourselves that could restore us to sanity.
Heard - "It is my opinion that ......." or
"I don't know anything about the Big Book but here is the way I do it.'
BB - "We have concluded to publish an anonymous volume setting forth the problem as we see it. We shall bring to the task our combined experience and knowledge. This should suggest a useful program for anyone concerned with a drinking problem."
AA, pg 19
(Note: The Big Book is based solely on the experience and knowledge of the first one hundred recovered alcoholics. The Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous has been unable to find any way to improve on its effectiveness since it was first published. It contains no opinions because one thing the early members learned was that opinions have the power to kill alcoholics.)
Heard - "My sponsor told me that, if in making an amend I would be harmed, I could consider myself as one of the 'others' in Step Nine."
BB - "Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences might be." AA, pg. 79
Heard - "Be good to yourself."
BB - " The rule is we must be hard on ourself, but always considerate of others."
AA, pg. 74
Heard - "Never pray for patience. You'll regret it if you do."
BB - "So clean house with the family, asking each morning in meditation that our Creator show us the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness and love." AA, pg. 83
Heard - "Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help program."
BB - "We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves." AA, pg. 84
It would appear from this that it is a God-help program.
Heard - "We don't work the steps, we just take them."
BB - "Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us-sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. But they will always materialize if we work for them." AA, pg. 84
"If he did not work, he would surely drink again." AA, pg. 15
"On each of these occasions we worked with him, reviewing carefully what had happened." AA, pg.35
"Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well." AA, pg. 63
"It works, if we have the proper attitude and work at it." AA, pg. 86
"Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity form drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail." AA, pg. 89
"Now we try to put spiritual principles to work in every department of our lives."
AA, pg. 116
And there are more for serious students to find.
Heard - "Oh, just turn it over."
BB - "Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid." AA, pg. 14
Heard - "Your Higher Power can be whatever you want It to be; a door knob, a Dr. Pepper can, a light bulb, just any old thing.
BB - "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." AA, pg. 59 (A door knob?)
"Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a Power by which we could live, and it had to be a Power greater than ourselves." AA, pg. 45 (A Dr. Pepper can?)
"The great fact is this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences* which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute
certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way that is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us that we could never do by ourselves." AA, pg. 25 (A light bulb?)
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