I was thinking about the word “abstinence” since yesterday, when I saw that it was the word of the day on the my Internet server.
I hadn’t thought of that word since I was young, when I came into the program. Back then I associated it with the Lenten season. Never concerning alcohol of course. But then I read about it in the BB. It said something about the alcoholic, if he wanted to stay sober, was going to have to practice abstinence. But then I was to learn that it was going to take more than abstinence, if I wanted to stay sober. In my experience, observing others, I don’t believe abstinence alone is an answer for what’s wrong with me.
Through my sponsor’s guidance, I found what I needed, to not only get sober and stay sober, but to live a life free from the power alcohol had over me. Through the practice of working the 12 Steps I found a new freedom and a new happiness. I was restored to sanity from the insanity of alcohol. Had I stayed with the concept of abstinence alone, I might have ended up drinking again and died a long time ago.
Today I can’t conceive of living a life without the help of a higher power. Somehow I have been given a consciousness of living a life on a spiritual basis. I often look around the rooms of AA and see so many others, who not only talk about this, but are obviously living this way of life. It is so evident in their demeanor. When I hear their stories of what they used to be like and then see what they have become, it is absolutely stunning to me.
Yet my own experience is just like theirs. I am aware of the truth of the power of this program and what it can do for anyone suffering from this disease.
On the other hand, I have heard the story of those, who have tried to get by with just practicing abstinence. For whatever reason, they missed the message of what power this program has to offer them. I’m just grateful that I heard that message and was given the help I needed to accomplish what was asked of me. The power of alcohol was overwhelming for me. But the power of this program proved to be so much greater. I just pray that I may keep this in my awareness each day that comes along in my life. I know that meetings and talking to others is what helps me to stay aware and sober.
Anyway, I was thinking about this word today and reflecting on how grateful I have to be for all the help I have been given in this program from my higher power and the people who were willing to give so freely of themselves.