Exploring Some of the Contradictions in A.A.- by Vince Jones

A.A. FOLKLORE

We just don’t drink, no mater what!

Really? So, how does that jive with powerlessness? If alcoholics could just not drink, why the hell would they need AA or anything else for that matter?

If you don’t go to meetings you will get drunk.

When the book Alcoholics Anonymous was written and published (1939) there were no AA meetings. The first AA meeting took place on May 11,1939 in Cleveland. Meetings are where members find fellowship but sobriety comes by learning to live on the Spiritual Basis through the application of the steps in ones life.

Staying sober through “osmosis” in meetings is not just a myth, but deadly.

There is no wrong way to work the Steps.

Really? Then why do folks who have “worked” the steps drink? I have been approached time and time again by men and women who want help because they relapsed even though they were “working” the program.

I will ask these individuals questions about their experience and in 30 seconds or less it becomes obvious that they working the steps but only some of the steps. Have you ever baked a cake? If you left out an ingredient or two how would it have turned out.

“Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” From my observations strike rarely and write never.

Your program is unique to you.

Barbara Streisand. Nowhere in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous are options offered for working the steps. Your relationship with a power greater than yourself is unique to you, but the steps, the process are the same for all.

I will never forget the time I heard a “old timer” proudly say “If you worked the program the way I work the program you would probably get drunk.” So true, unfortunately in the end it didn’t work for them either.

If you got up before me this morning you are sober longer than I am.

I understand the sentiment, but a horse whipping is too light a punishment for whoever came up with this chestnut and I mean that with all love and tolerance. Completely discounts experience while trying to make the newcomer feel welcome. Which leads to…

The newcomer is the most important person in the room.

Why? And when does someone cross the line and become unimportant? And in whose eyes? Again I understand the sentiment but this is still more Barbara Streisand.

All of these sayings, and many others, originated from a good place. All of these sayings are rooted in someone’s desire to be helpful. But, as with so many attempts to be helpful (think about our government for example) they are not thought through.

Words have power. So remember, if it sounds too good to be true or offers a shortcut to Living on the Spiritual Basis, it probably is. The only "shortcut" is to be consistent, honest, willing and open minded in adherence to the spiritual path laid out for us by our predecessors in AA. Please feel free to send your favorite pieces of folklore for a future article.

Oh, and just don’t drink!

Vince Jones is our popular Monday night lecturer who is passionate about recovery and has spent many years learning and discussing the original text of AA. Vince helps our clients achieve a spiritual change to strengthen their new life of sobriety that they begin at our rehab facilities.

BIO: Fifteen years ago I developed a teaching curriculum that emphasizes a return to the roots of the process, to recapture the early success rates. I have worked with over a thousand individuals in the ensuing years and though I was sure at the beginning, I am convinced today that those early success rates can be recaptured for I have seen it happen. Additionally the principles will work for any who are suffering if they are willing, honest and remain open minded. As well as teaching these principles at Sober Living By The Sea I teach them to at risk High School students.