Phoenix alcoholics anonymous meetings: There is A Solution

From the forward to second edition, we could conclude that: when the 1st edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was published in 1939, there were just a few AA groups. The first one was at Akron, Ohio and the second in New York and in 1937, a third at Cleveland.

"Besides these, there were scattered alcoholics who had picked up the basic ideas in Akron or New York who were trying to form groups in other cities. "

Bill W while working on the 1st edition, intuitively knew (9th step promise) that we alcoholics have a tendency of looking for a buzz at once, tend to arrive at a conclusion swiftly.

So, In the chapter "There is a Solution" (page 17), Bill W starts off, describing the first power, namely, the power of the Fellowship, using the analogy of survivors of a ship-wreck. But quickly he points out that the fellow-ship is not the real solution:

"The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined. The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This is the great news this book carries to those who suffer from alcoholism" (Not the news of the Fellow-ship)
He also, intuitively knew that, people might have trouble distinguishing a 'real alcoholic' from other kind of drinkers.

For whom is the book addressed to?

To moderate Drinkers? No.
To hard Drinkers? No.

It is addressed to a Real Alcoholic.

"The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink."

"The alcoholic may say to himself in the most casual way, "It won't burn me this time, so here's how!" Or perhaps he doesn't think at all. How often have some of us begun to drink in this nonchalant way, and after the third or fourth, pounded on the bar and said to ourselves, "For God's sake, how did I ever get started again?" Only to have that thought supplanted by "Well, I'll stop with the sixth drink." Or "What's the use anyhow?"

When this sort of thinking is fully established in an individual with alcoholic tendencies, he has probably placed himself beyond human aid, and unless locked up, may die or to permanently insane. These stark and ugly facts have been confirmed by legions of alcoholics throughout history. But for the grace of God, there would have been thousands more convincing demonstrations. So many want to stop but cannot."

Then on Page 25 he describes the real solution (He repeats the Title of the Chapter here).

"There is a solution

The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves."

Further on, he offers clear-cut directions (in chapters: How it works, Into Action, Working with others) showing how the 1st 100 Alcoholics recovered.

If you are as seriously alcoholic and looking for a solution:

Crossroads, Inc. is a non-profit, drug and alcohol recovery, organization located in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Crossroads is a Level Four transitional facility licensed by the State of Arizona. The Crossroads program addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of alcoholism or drug addiction, by providing food, shelter, 12 step structure and discipline. We can help you find direction to sober living. Pick up the phone and call us: 602-279-2585. Visit our website at: http://sober360.com