Sobriety Theory & Practice

Sobriety Theory and Practice

When I came into the Fellowship, interaction with other people was difficult for me, both inside and outside of AA. For many years during my 'active alcoholism', I had not revealed much of myself to anyone (with one exception). So it took time for the example of others in the Fellowship, sharing in what I perceived as an open and honest way, to enable me to do likewise. At first, I found it difficult to put a few sentences together at meetings with any kind of coherence. I was relieved when an 'old-timer' told me to judge myself by how I was living my life, not on my ability to speak at meetings.

I had a long history of drinking before I went to my first meeting, with plenty of evidence of my alcoholism on show, particularly during one period when I was in and out of live-in jobs with some frequency, never knowing when the next move was going to be or who was going to initiate it. Alcohol was a factor in all the moves I made.

At one of my early meetings I was given a copy of 'Living Sober', which helped with a lot of practical suggestions. Reading the AA literature has been important to me, throughout my journey in sobriety. I believe that the reading of our literature and listening to other shares complement one another, I liken it to theory and practice.

Prior to coming to the Fellowship, I had no purpose or direction in life - I had just been existing. The practice of our Programme has enabled me to deal with life as it is. I enjoyed a 20-year career, in sobriety, which was much more satisfying than many of the previous jobs I had been in. I have a quality of life that I could not have envisaged when I began my journey in the Fellowship.

My home group is still as important to me as it was when I attended my first meeting on 28 January 1981 in Coventry (looking forward to my 39th AA Birthday). Continual contact with other AA members, regular attendance at meetings and involvement in service are routine parts of my life. Through the Fellowship I have been given the courage to be true to myself today.

KEVIN M, Coventry Wednesday Step