My Experience of the Helpline

I had the Helpline number long before I used it. Even when I used it, I really just wanted sympathy, or someone to listen. I didn’t want to stop drinking but I wanted my head to be quiet. But one day in a mess of self-pity, sobbing and crying, I did phone the Helpline. I just remember this calm, clear, quiet voice saying over and over “It doesn’t have to be like this. It doesn’t have to be like this.” I didn’t do anything as a result of that call; I just carried on drinking. It would be a while before I got to a meeting and longer still before I stopped drinking. But I have never, ever forgotten the power of that strong, calm voice – “It doesn’t have to be like this.” A seed was planted. AA was in my life, even although I didn’t want it.

Thanks everyone who gives service on the Helpline. You can never know what seeds you plant.

Dilys