One of the things, which stood out today at our meeting, was understanding. It was a great moment to watch and listen to our members talking to a person, who was struggling with sobriety.
This person’s story of coming back, after once having time in the program, was highlighted by their story of emotional problems on the job. Instead of sinking into a group psychotherapy session, the emphasis was on not drinking. The 1st Step, accompanied by those talking identifying with this young person. They understood. We all understood.
However it was emphasized over and over that all a drink could do for them was to head them into disaster, even death. They were reminded to go back and look at what brought them into the program in the first place. The pain and misery they suffered from, as a result of this disease. It was clear from those talking that everyone knew exactly what had driven them through the doors of this program. None of them ever wanted to go back to what they had, when they were drinking.
I was pushed back to think of how difficult it was for me, when I came in. I definitely didn’t want to ever drink again. But my early days in were difficult. It was hard for me to understand what was going on. In fact, that didn’t just last for days, it was up and down for a long time. What saved me was what my sponsor told me. I related this to the person we were talking to. I was told to never quit, to stick with the winners, and to keep coming back. And that’s what I did.
But what was illustrated to me this day, and I hope this person was able to get the message, was what we all need…each other. The message that I can’t stay sober by myself. That was abundantly clear to everyone in the room today.
It wasn’t sympathy which was extended to this person, but empathy. And I don’t know if this person felt it, but I did. And that was the hope being extended to this person. That was what was given to me, when I came in. Hope that led to faith. That’s what I and others I know were hoping for. The primary purpose of the group, the 5th Tradition. Carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.