The Twelve Steps for Catholics ~part 4~

Each person’s journey to sobriety is different. After entering the program of Alcoholic’s Anonymous, I never really wanted another drink. My biggest worry was how to occupy myself while the barbeque was pre-heating. I didn’t suffer the “white-knuckle” syndrome so many of us face. And what’s worse, I never even knew it existed. I thought my experience was the litmus test for all drunks. I was still so wrapped up in myself that I looked with wonder at those that struggled. I was firmly planted on the pink cloud of sobriety and figured those that struggled were weak-willed. Now, how drunk was that thinking?

After about three or four years, I began to wonder why some people struggle with the physical desire for alcohol and others, like myself, just breeze right through. My only conclusion was that on that morning almost 18 years ago, I so completely “gave up” and surrendered myself to God, that a miracle of physical healing took place. This did not heal my mind or my heart. With the help of God, I’m still working out my salvation.

page 40 Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

…our friend’s life is still unmanageable even though he is sober, that after all, only a bare start on A.A.’s program has been made. More sobriety brought about by the admission of alcoholism and by attendance at a few meetings is very good indeed, but is bound to be a far cry from permanent sobriety and a contented, useful life.

...for it is God Who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose.. (Phil. 2:13)