What about this business of working with another alcoholic? The BB tells us that nothing can do more to insure our sobriety and keep it safe than carrying the AA message to another alcoholic. This has been the the experience of AA throughout its history.
Yet the opportunity of going out on Twelfth Steps calls has been diminished by the growth of “rehabs” over the past years. Rarely have I had the chance to meet an alcoholic on his home ground, as we did in the past. So, who can I carry that message to under the present circumstances?
Though all the above is true, I never seem to be without a day going by, when I find myself doing something with other alcoholics, which is truly a Twelfth Step call. I find that in meetings, before and after meetings, and in other ways. It’s not always the new man or woman, I have found, who needs to hear the message.
I was thinking about this today. How many times I have been blessed with being able to talk to someone about what this program can do for them and their being able to achieve sobriety for one more day. The message I received so long ago is still true. There is a solution to not only my alcoholism, but about everything which can affect my life in trying to stay sober. The solution is spiritual. Finding a higher power and practicing the principles I have learned through applying the Twelve Steps to my life.
Part of this is to just be an example to others that this program really works. It has worked for me for a long time and sometimes just showing up at meetings is a testimony to others that they too can stay sober, if they want it. Another way is by talking at meetings and expressing just that there is a solution and how it works in my life and my experience, strength, and hope. The purpose of the group; the Fifth Tradition of this program.
But I often think of others, who, though they may have time in sobriety under their belts, find themselves struggling. I know I have suffered from such struggles, though not thinking about a drink, can find myself lost in some dangerous thoughts and feelings about some “problem”. I know from experiences of talking with others what that is about. And the message is still the same: there is a solution. It has worked for me. If nothing else it has carried the message to the one who needs it the most.