Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
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12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
I'm an alcoholic and my name is Larry
I introduce myself this way to remind myself that first and formost that I am an alcoholic and never can forget that.
Over the few 24's that I have been sober, there are times that I find myself forgetting the "Primary Purpose" and "Step 12". It is not just myself that I see doing this. I see old timers and not so oldtimers doing the same thing. I see it at AA meetings and just general gatherings of people in recovery.
I need to remind myself that in order to keep what I've been so freely given, I must, without a doubt, share it with the still suffering alcoholic. There have been times in my sobriety that there is a real good chance I could have taken that first drink. The thing that saved me was the strength and encouragement given to me by my fellow alcoholics. They reminded me that I have an HP who will listen to my prayers. They told me to read my book and follow the clear cut directions it gives me. They told me to call them when my butt is falling off.
Today I try to make myself available to all who need my help. Even when I chair a f2f meeting, I try to make it a point to ask if anyone has a topic or a "sobriety affecting issue" that they would like to or need to discuss. My home group even does this at book studies. To me that is following the "Primary Purpose". That is why I am here.
These are of course, my own opinions. I am sure some people will not agree with this. For me that is ok and they are entitled to theirs. I would ask though that we all remember what it was like when we were looking for help and none was there. It is a not a very good feeling. I am grateful to have sober people in my life today and will take some positive action and try to be there when someone needs me.
Thanks for letting me share!!! Love all of you, Larry
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