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STRATEGIES TO QUIT
Is Alcoholics Anonymous the Only Way To Get Sober?
My opinion: There are several avenues and resources to attain sobriety
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done.” -Alcoholics Anonymous
Back in 2010, I went to rehab. During my 30-day stay, I was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous. Each morning we would get up for an early morning meeting.
On our way to the first one, I was terrified. Back then, I didn’t know much about it other than it was probably in a dingy, dark church with a bunch of old white men.
Well, that part was true, but it wasn’t just old white men, there were people from all walks of life.
If you haven’t been to a meeting, the format always goes something like this:
You pray in, most likely with the serenity prayer.
“God, grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
There is a leader of the meeting that usually asks others to read certain things, like the 10 steps and 10 traditions of AA.
They might read The Daily Reflections, which is a little book with a message for each day of the year.
You will go around the room and identify yourself.
Everyone states their name and that they are an alcoholic.
“Hi, my name is Michele and I’m an alcoholic.” I would always cringe. I hate that word still, but it is what it is.
Some meetings do chips, which are a reward or sentiment for various lengths of sobriety. They range from newcomers (under 30 days) to as long as 40 years. I have yet to see someone get a chip for longer than that, but it is possible.
Then, they open the meeting for sharing. Members discuss their experiences, strength, and hope with the group. Although, some just complain.
