June 2026 – Share Editorial
Dear Reader
It seems incredible now that I spent so many years trying to BREAK THE HABIT by controlling and limiting my drinking, all to no avail. When I arrived at Step Six, it was clear how many other bad habits I had. Being argumentative, aggressive, arrogant and self-pitying. Manipulative, attention-seeking, inconsiderate, dishonest – the bad behaviours continue. Staring at these words on my Step Six list made me feel ashamed and undeserving. My sponsor was very clear that change was coming. She told me to write a list of assets on the other side of page – I had to look words up online because at first, I couldn’t think of any assets! This process was really helpful in demonstrating change had already begun. I was showing up to meetings, doing service, giving people lifts, being approachable, telling the truth. I realised I absolutely was ‘entirely ready’ to let go of the defects which time and again had led me to a drink. With AA’s help, dialling the volume down on my defects has led me to an enjoyable sober life that I want to hang on to!
It took me a while to understand the dangers AA could face if endorsing other facilities became normal practice (advised against in Tradition Six). When I was newly sober, I wanted AA treatment centres and joint collaborations to pop up everywhere – it would save the world! I now see that wherever humans, money and prestige are combined – there are usually plenty of problems too. Defects are hard to rein in within this type of environment it seems! On balance, it seems much more sensible for us to keep to ourselves and be there to help when a person who wants to stop drinking wishes to join us.
A quick reminder of our ‘Prisons’ theme in September, please write to us about staying sober in prison or sponsorship/AA service in prisons. I am truly humbled and inspired by articles already received.