Everyone should be required to share how much clean time they have before speaking that way everybody can get an actual sense about what’s fixing to be said
2:54 @@iamaliveyoucantstopnowWhat a stupid question. Somebody getting sober in 1984 probably had found more reasons to live other than materialism and sex. There is window of life to falling madly in love. It is only for children and the young childless married people. I'm 61 years old and will never have sex or fall in love again...what's the point? The West is a perverted maelstrom of materialism and sex. So you had better get right with God!
What plagues many, who go to AA (though they may not become Big Book-thumping, AA-Nazis, themselves), is that their proclivity for constantly espousing the virtues their program turns many outside people off, thus damaging any social interaction they might have, other than with fellow members. But this is something that is not much spoken of, nor is it acknowledged by AA, for obvious reasons.
I was in and out of AA for about 15 years, the most sobriety I achieved was 8 months. It wasn't until I completely surrendered and became open minded, honest and wiling that I was able to feel a very real sense that I was turning a corner. Today I have 630 days continuous sobriety and I hand my life and will over to a Higher Power every day and try to carry the message to the newcomer. We do recover.
You are 100% correct in every thing you said. It’s about trusting God, Cleaning house, and helping others! The first 3 steps are about trusting God. Steps 4 thru 10 are about getting and keeping your house clean. Step 11 is about trusting God and step 12 is about helping others. Step workers make it in my experience. I am Jim and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since 8/21/1986. God Bless !
@@JimmyKay1976 If you believe there is no God then you literally believe that no one created everything out of nothing. Do you really believe that? I hope you are not really a “Lone Wolf” if so join the pack! Much safer and more fun that way. God Bless
@@slobobba If you don't have saving faith in Jesus Christ then you're practicing a dead faith that cannot save you. Many people are spiritualiy dead in their own sin and they don't even know it. They believe in a false God that doesn't exist but a demon takes the place of the false God that doesn't exist deceiving you to believe it is god.
I was 11 years physically clean n sober and bat shit crazy going to meetings and just not drinking brought me to the brink of suicide. I reached out to an alcoholic and worked the 12 steps entirely as laid out in the big book had a complete psychic change and spiritual awakening the depression lifted and thoughts of harming myself lifted this was 1.5 years ago. I’ve taken over 10 men and one female through the 12 step process and as long as I’m breathing will continue to do so! You are 💯 percent correct ❤
NONSENSE!! Your suicidality had nothing to do with drinking or not drinking. If the AA fairy-tale works for you, that's great! But don't you dare infer that this 'spiritual' jibber jabber is the only way for a person to overcome addiction and live a happy life🤮😠
@@waynek805 that's a shame you feel that way. I suggest you read something before you comment on it. Just a suggestion, do what you want. How do you know that drinking or not drinking had anything to do with Keith's suicidality? You don't. Here's a clear-cut judgement... Ready? Apparently, you are one of the many, many people who have absolutely no idea what the 12 steps are actually about. It really doesn't look or appear by your comments that you are living a happy life. Maybe you should try it. Stop being so intolerant. So, belligerent. So, in denial. Actually, give it an honest shot. 6 months. Give the Program an honest 6 months. If it doesn't work, your misery will gladly be refunded. Other than that, you can move on. Contempt prior to investigation......
I have been a member of AA since March of 2020 and I've been sober since 9-13-2020 and my obsession of drinking has been gone for a long time time. I don't rely on humans in the program much. My strength comes from my faith in God.
Every time I relapsed someone in AA, I would ask, "So what's going to be different this time?" I would look at them in desperation and say I've done everything you have asked me to do. 90 meetings in 9p days, no relationships in the first year. I can go on and on. It was not until I got my current sponsor that she took me through the steps as outlined in the big book of AA. She helped me obtain that spiritual connection through working the steps and serving my primary purpose. To get sober and to help another Alcoholic a hieve sobriety. I had been in and out for 23 years before I heard the message of God. Today, I follow the instructions of the book because I want to be of service, not disservice, to another dying of alcoholism like I was. Thank you for this video. I hear a familiar Chris Raymer speaking.
AA is not failing. Never did. Never will. Alcoholics are failing to follow the path which is the 12 steps. Or they just aren't ready to surrender. God bless and help us all! I love AA and have been over 23 yrs sober thanks to God & AA..
No AA was written by a privileged white sexual predator who thought he spoke for god and others. He self reported that 75 percent. He probably drove at least a few young newcomers out by hitting on them. The constant victim blaming and gaslighting and syrupy platitudes are a practical guidebook for abusing people. They're not coming back cause it's basically toxic and hurts people. Take some fucking accountability for what Bill wrote. You have r*pists and victims in the room. Behind closed doors. You are leading them to be hurt... but it's all their own doing, right?
Thats wrong.....AA's all over the world are sober....many chose to remain anonymous....you won't have access to everyone....unless you seek help....afterall it's an ANONYMOUS PROGRAM......
Such a dopey statement. It's a disease right ? How many doctor's tell a sick patient, e.g, someone with cancer, "Hey, you're not DOING the treatment right, you are failing at the treatment". That would be insane right ? It's as insane as what you just said. What sanity would say is, hey, this treatment doesn't seem to work for you, we should try SOMETHING ELSE! That's what a doctor would logic would dictate. Blaming the patient is NUTS.
AA is failing how many times do you hear in meetings "put the plug in the jug" or "just dont drink" This is a cataclysmic failure that directly contradicts the book. These viruses are killing people most meetings are decent but the misinformation and disinformation is killing many people. Frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices yet to many meeting makers make solemn oaths and dont get any better, but there he is all lit up again.
I have been in and out of recovery for years now.... But recently with the passing of my sister from a fatal overdose I have made a new commitment to myself my family and my God.... I'm 2 moths clean and not looking back..... Great video.
@@regalherbsman5938 I'm doing pretty good..... I had a couple of slips but for the most part I'm holding true to my commitment..... It's been a hard thing to deal with. I'm not just dealing with staying sober I'm also dealing with combat related PTSD.... I was a Marine for 16 years.. I have 2 deployments to Iraq and 1 to Afghanistan... So that's also a daily struggle.... But I'll be okay... I'm doing a lot better than I was 3 months ago.... I want to thank you for caring enough to check in on me.... A guy you never met and dont know at all... Thank you for that it truly means a lot to me.
@@johnpharis8498 Keep it up. I know rapid eye movement in EMDR has actually HEALED many veterans from PTSD. I know a psychiatrist who tested it on many Vietnam vets who had bad PTSD. She was upset because the system has watered it down, and didn't want it to be a cure. You are a soldier today....these opiates and fentanyl thet have flooded our nation is meant to help genocide our people I have been to so many memorials of our people who didn't realize they were on the front lines of a war that wants us dead. Your sister and many others have fallen without even knowing it's a war. The only way to win is to NOT fight...not focus on the drugs or alcohol, not focus on how we feel. The only way to win is to realize it is a spiritual sickness inside ourselves. Once we work on healing that, we win and can pass it on.This action program heals our spiritual sickness. Hold on and know you have many who are fighting this fight side by side with you....all of us NOT fighting, but by focusing on action and helping. You can have a life that is truly happy, joyous and free.
I’m sorry for your loss … my deepest condolences. I’m glad you’re new commitment is to leave that alcohol all alone . Your family I’m sure is proud of you and your sister would be too. Stay the course . From one alcohol to another 🙏🏽♥️
By God's merciful and loving Grace I had the humble pleasure of celebrating 10 years of Sobriety on April 13th of this year (2024) I am so grateful for this program and for God's loving Grace. We do need to get this message out to more people. There is hope when you have this sickness, and I know this for sure. Because this program does work if you work it.
Interesting perspective-I've been 28 years sober and attended AA many years though currently do not attend regularly. I go by the AA mantra "take what you can use and leave the rest". I've met many good people in AA - I've also met many assholes. I think a lot of the principles are sound but I disagree with some others. The point I'm making is who cares? AA was not the sole force of my continued sobriety, but it was FREE and good starting point. Many factors and personal commitment have contributed to my continued sobriety - AA is part of that puzzle, but not the only complete solution to the problem .
Selfishness is the root of ALL troubles and by NOT regularly attending AA meetings to give back what has been so freely given clearly demonstrates that the spiritual malady of alcoholism has not been obtained. Achieving the spiritual experience is best accomplished by "working with others". I am praying for you.
@@McGeeSiding I’ll pray for your arrogance brother. You know nothing about me and you certainly can’t care for me. In my 28 years clean I have been extremely generous with my time, caring and money with alcoholics and plenty of non alcoholics too. I thank God daily for the sobriety that has allowed me to help others that would have been impossible if I’d continued drinking. Good luck to you.
He didn’t say that he stopped going to meetings or working with others.. I’ve been slacking in meetings to be honest with you because I work 48 hours a week, do a lot of church and church service and I’ve been hooked up to mentor youths at a group home because I’m 26 and the church thought I would relate to them and they’d listen and that eats up a lot of my time so I’m going to meetings less frequently but I still work the program 1-12 and over again. I don’t think you should pass judgement so quickly my friend
I love god and AA. It has brought me the willingness to live and be sober one day at a time. God has helped me over the years and is still helping me with my life. My god is of love for the alcoholic. I am sober 48 years one day at a time.
Powerful TRUTH -iv'e been saying this for years and for years have come under attack by new age AA'ERS I was banned from one group because i would share too much my experience from the big book - can you imagine that ! banned from an AA meeting for carrying the message of the Big book !
Just wanted to drop a note to say i am 47 days and the difference since discovering the program - but WORKING it, studying it, as intended, as well as meetings is really helping me. I relate so much to the message in your videos. YOu articulate it in such a relatable and powerful way, this has helped bring me around when my 'sticking thinking' and disconnected ays come. It helps bring me back. And i have shared with other new comers who have found it magic too. Keep spreading the message. STep 12'ing all over here. :) Love these videos so much. Thank you so much for taking time to make them. xxx
There's too much ego, hierarchy and bullying in my experience. Then again, it could be the PTSD I suffer from my AA ex-family. I used to assume that I was wrong, apologize and keep my side of street clean. Then after almost two years of sobriety, their true colors began to emerge. Belittling, yelling at, dismissing, and Gaslighting big-time. The Lord Christ is 1st, and I really accept the 12 Steps as written with Judeo-Christian teaching. Finding the effortless living zone is a lifestyle for the Soul. Clearing out the need to want to escape from the physical, and psychological pain is my biggest challenge. My spine is out of wack from S1 to my 11th Chakra. Finding peace within is all anyone can do the way things are so difficult with costs soaring. Resentments are difficult to manage as I watch kids, elders get abused by Doctors, Politicians and Cabal. God Bless, I will be in a meeting soon. No worries either way as it's just an adjustment to behavior...and Anniversary dates, along with chip system is not helpful for me. If it is really One Day At A Time, who is bothering to count days?? Lends to competition, and ego driven false authoritative narratives. Happy 2023!! 7 is Lucky,
Meeting makers make it...to meetings! It's not a social club or dating service, although many use it for that. I am sober (& clean) for 24 years this month because a woman in AA took the time to read the Big Book out loud w me and help me find myself in the pages. I was finally able to work the steps w desperation and then help new people do the same-that formula is still working for me-AA can be a precious miracle for anyone who can become honest w themselves about their problem. Thank you-I thought this was going to be another video bashing AA! Love Chris too. Good work.
Thank you Maria. What do you women think of Monica Richardson and her 13th step movie? Do predators cause these problems in groups you belong to or can a strong group run them off? I asked Amanda above the same question. I rarely hear folks defend A.A. against the detractors. But then again, I left A.A. 6 or so years ago because of politics. Another story for another day.
For me I hit my bottom and stayed there for a long time. Finally when I couldn't see life with or without drinking I HUMBLY ask God to help me or let me go. Well that was May 28th 1983 and its just like they say a day at a time. Thank you God for hearing my prayers so long ago. Life is a lot better one day at a time.
Don't hesitate to try other things too. AA isn't the only way to get clean. Me and a few of my friends who I met in recovery have been sober for 4+ years and none of us do AA anymore and are happy. I got tired of constantly relapsing after working all the steps thoroughly just to relapse in the end so I accepted that AA just wasn't for me and I've been sober ever since. This is the longest clean time I've ever had too.
I've tried AA meetings in 2 different states and they were all the same. Guys hitting on me wanting to date me. And the leaders were of zero help having to search around myself for up to date info and meetings. It was polar opposite of what I was expecting. Oh well. I have amazing support system that doesn't require me to say I'm an alcoholic every comment I want to make
"Rarely have we seen a person fail, who has thoroughly followed our path." The 3 Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous, Unity-Recovery-Servcice are how we prevent relapse. *UNITY: fellowship *RECOVERY: doing the 12 Steps from the first 164 pages of the Big Book. *Service: carrying the message. AA is for alcoholics.
We will have, good days & bad days, the main point of AA is cleaning your house, making amends, and helping others if they want help. Thank you bill n bob!!
Great video. I’m looking forward to part 2. I’m reminded that in 1934-38, the foundational years of the program, modern society had drifted from spiritual solutions and was more enthralled with the eminence of science than perhaps than we are today. Medicines, machines, psychology… Bill’s commitment to a spiritual solution was out of step with current sentiments but he stuck with it and it works still. Thanks again. One piece of personal criticism- I always prickle when I hear “AA has an X% success ratio.” Do we know that? Who is taking a poll? We’re talking maybe tens of millions of people worldwide engaged with the fellowship in some way. Low percentage success rates are often used to disparage AA and that’s why I prickle.
For one thing, 5% is a miscalculation from the A.A. detractors, Orange Papers types. Who cares? If you get and stay sober, it's 100% for you. Take an A.A. group and find out how many are actually alcoholics. Next, find out how many of those want to quit for good and all. of those, you can figure out your percentages and go from there. If it helps you stay sober, great. If not, let the accountants worry about that chit.
When I first started watching this I thought you were bashing AA but I continued to watch it and you are absolutely right about the meetings these days not all are bad but the majority, my home group we talk about the solution and I'm grateful to know the difference because alot of people that come in don't, thank for making this video 😊🙏✌️
The greatest statement of hope from this video came near the end and was so enlightening, it almost makes me want to try A.A. meetings again some day. He said that despite the garbage going on in your middle of the road slogan meeting, you can still get and stay sober. You can do the program, read the book, do the steps, make the connections with God, get right with your fellows, and as time goes on, you won't want to drink booze.
This is right on. We aren't here to cure alcoholism. That symptom of the bigger problem goes away. We are here to help bring about the psychic change necessary to fix the spiritual issue. Meaning that we need a way to help us think differently. How many times in meetings do you hear "I am a completely different person than I used to be."? Good. Because you need to be a different person than you were. Once you embrace the fact that the only way to completely change is to surrender to your Higher Power and do what the book says. The goal of the Big Book is to have the psychic change necessary to bring about the spiritual enlightenment. Mind, Body and Spirit (kinda like the triangle).
this is a perfect example of why I dont go there. Its alot of semantic gymnastics with ethereal concepts like "psychic change" "higher power" "spiritual malady" "faith" and many more. They juggle the concepts in "shares" to produce awe in bewildered newcomers that has them running in circles in their head. Often the effect helps, as a placebo, in combination with other temporary aides like sociality, pink clouds and renewed motivation. And hey, Ill admit it helps kick start sobriety but MOST drink again, or they get sober but leave AA. Not everyone who "went back out" relapsed. Some of them are sober as a bird, but got sick of the bullsh!t pandering to bunk religious notions.
@@gravelpit5680 the idea that I had to change everything was one of the worst. AA helped me socialize sober, it helped me feel less alone, that's a lot. But the constant, severe platitudes and syrupy promises and toxic positivity and victim blaming really fucked me up. And yeah I always hear "AA is a microcosm" and "try a different meeting" but when the very literature chalks suffering up to "decisions based on self" and there's r*pe victims in the room, it just seems the potential to retraumatize and abuse people is built in. By the end I was basically sending my sponsor a list of my sins every night (inventory, sure) and feeling worse.
You do know trhat BIll W was off his face when he seen the bright light. He then concludes that it's god and spends time in his own recovery testing to see if LSD will do it again or for others. AAis good but it has never matured and accepted that Bill was human and whatever is useful in the BB it needs a rewrite and offer alternatives like, Have a god or no god but make changes in your life. People like Jeffrey Munn have written a secular set of steps which are much more in line and closer to our modern world without the need for magic.
I'm coming here from NA, alcohol is a drug. I'm clean because of my step work, I'm clean because the Basic Text focuses on the Spiritual malady so this video really resonates with me. The Truth of the self-work required, the assistance of a Sponsor who has and does work the steps, who doesn't let me BS my way through them. The NA Step working guide helps me dig deep into my personal defects of character seeking help from the quiet, but so powerful, voice within me. There is another voice here, so loud, so destructive, it tears down and destroys, it wants me dead, I have to be still and listen for the quiet power of the higher power we mention in our steps. The programs work if we undertake the effort to work the steps. Thank you for this message of recovery.
Alcohol is converted by our liver to acetaldehyde, causes DNA damage to our cells and prevents them from repairing themselves. Alcohol causes Cancer. Acetaldehyde is a volatile compound used in silvering mirrors also. There is no safe amount to consume. I wish more knew of these facts. I wish you Strength in your step-work and Recovery to us all.
Until the spiritual experiences came nothing could change! Today I strive to maintain my recovery through spiritual growth. Always rewarding to see the tears in the new Comer's eyes when they have that experience.
Former member of AA here. This video encapsulates exactly why I left! In my area (Western NY), it was my opinion that 90-95% of all AA members were not interested in the steps as laid out in the Big Book. These are good people, but only interested in attending meetings and fellowship events.
You're getting close, but take it one step further. It's all bullshit. Not just the meetings. It's simply that some meetings happen to be not so hardcore and therefore the cult seems a little more inviting and more palatable, until you realize the ideas behind the meetings have no substance whatsoever. And then it's just a social club that, depending on where you go, will have varying degrees of acceptance of that. But they all will have some resistance. I find it peculiar that AA/NA groups constantly talk about having an open mind, yet when you try to bring up problems you have with the ideas in the program itself, all the sudden the hypocrisy is crystal clear. Most meetings will run you right out of the room for, in their words, "trying to poke holes" and "thinking too much". Oh, is that what it is? Or are they just mad that I'm not falling for groupthink and causing them cognitive dissonance? Fuck the 12 steps.
@@JakeyT-g9iI hope you find peace and sobriety. I went to AA and I’m 32 years and 11 days sober with no desire to drink. Since then I got my second masters and a PhD. I’m a psychotherapist. I haven’t seen anything more successful than AA. In fact I honestly don’t think I’ve met any sober patients who didn’t get there without the 12 steps. None. I’m not saying there aren’t other ways to sobriety just that I haven’t seen that unicorn yet.
767 days sober and did the step work. All I can say is that AA uncovers the real reason I became an alcoholic and that was my overextended ego. The program works for me and helped me to have a more content and happier live.
I'm delighted for you. Do you know the difference between egoist and a narcissist (kind of copying mechanism, type of character, cluster b)? Egoist loves himself. Narcissist, person with narcissistic traits hates himself and creates a 'false persona' of someone better than anyone, all knowing, etc. Have you heard about 'Narcissistic Red Flags', Prof. Sam Vaknin and HG Tudor (both self aware narcissists), Dr. Ramani, Dr. Les Carter, Dr. Abdul Saad, Prof. Patricia Casey, Fr Dave Nix? Once you learn to recognize them you can spot them and help. There are therapies for them to feel better about the world otherwise they go through life in fear, then hurt and blame others, etc.
That’s the problem it doesn’t uncover the cost it’s just a bunch of BS. Pressing if you’re not drinking by the time you leave a damn meeting you’ll want to.
Absolutely. I see so many AA members, the majority, that the only thing they do is go to meetings and rely on group and sponsor support. And most remain very anxious about life, onoy now they don't drink. Don't get me wrong, they are much better not drinking, but they suffer too much. I am fortunate to have learned that the only real way to stop drinking, or any addiction, and have a satysfying and happy life is the spiritual path. Meditating, praying, doing the steps,
The first 100 was actually 64, yet when Bill W wrote the book he felt 100 sounded better. I am sober 35+ years after 6 years in and out of AA. Sober by working The Program through the Big Book and constant service to pay back what was so freely given to me!
Clear cut instructions and clear cut directions. It entirely up to the person to work the program!!!! 38 years and going strong, service and recovery and fellowship
I go to AA three times a week; I work the steps by myself and when I need to, I work a step with another human being. I have been sober for 237 days now. It's the steps, higher power, letting go, and letting myself be humbled that works for me. I lead by example in my life for others who are having a hard time with their dependency.
One thing I will note is that AA often puts a LOT of emphasis on God specifically for being the higher power that one draws strength from. However, in more recent years, there are many who aren't always comfortable with that, particularly as more and more people use holy texts to justify doing bad things to each other, and an increasing reputation for certain religious denominations. So for some people, pushing too hard from the God angle may put them more on guard. You don't need God to be your higher power. Your family's feelings, your baby, all of these can be "higher powers" that give you the strength to move forward.
How right you are. This video is too glossy and has avoided many important facts. Bill W had to expriment with LSD and vitamin B3 (in later years) to get his own "spiritual malady" arrested. That's not in the BB and the reason the fellowship is not stronger is down to it's failure to mature and move with the times. Bill found god when he was off his face but did go on to do many good things but the idea he got it right in the BB is madness. Chapter 4 is the most unhelpful chapter along with others in the 21st century.
This is an important video. I got sober in 1978 and haven't had a drink since. During that time I have worked the steps but I have been a very spirituality sick person. I have grown over the years but I have at times abandoned spiritual growth for years. I left AA for many years and have just recently returned. I'm trying to engage in the spiritual program again. I see so many new, struggling people and I want to help them but I'm also trying to get my own house in order. Thank you for redirecting us back to the 100.
10 years of Sobriety here on October 23, 2024. All due to AA, The Steps, The Big Book, The 12&12, a Sponsor, the meetings, the fellowship and MOST OF ALL, a Conscious Contact and Spiritual Awakening to A Higher Power of my own Understanding.
This is the VERY problem I am having in AA today in Key West....I'm catching hella shit for talking about what's in the book. The message here is so diluted that I cannot speak in a meeting without being ostracized. It is very very difficult for me. Today, 8.4.23, I left the club house because of this very thing. I feel alone in the hope of recovery from the deadly disease. My good friend you heard in this very video, can be found on you tube here. He and his friends are the only reason I continue the fight. I have never heard a message of AA from anyone but these men and woman. I have even come to the point that maybe I am the problem here at this clubhouse and it's meetings. I don't know what to do here....And it's very very lonely. Tha ks for reading this whoever does.
Keep speaking your truth brother. If you help one real alcoholic it's worth it. I'm so blessed 11 years ago someone was speaking the solution out of the Big Book or I would be dead today.
Humility is what happened in society to women for hundreds of years. Humility does not give you strength or power. AA was created by white collar conservative men. It is becoming powerful in your right to a good life that brings you peace of mind and assurance of who you are made to become!!!😊😊😊😊😊
Hi mate, don't listen to the garbage of maria, start a step group, find a step group, get online, find a sponsee and take them thru the book the original way. I know it sucks, untreated Alcoholics spewing garbage and using our Fellowship as a therapy group. Keep talking steps, they end up disappearing.
Dude- it’s like you shot a basketball from NYC and put it through the hoop in LA. Money!!! I’m in NA clean 10 years 10 months and 5 days. None of this worked for me until I began working on my spiritual well being. I got with a sponsor who did step work had faith and had a sponsor who did the same. In so many meetings it seems more important to see who’s going to the diner than who’s doing step work. I was in a meeting where a guy was bragging to a room full of new comers that he hasn’t used in 15 years and never did a step and had no sponsor. It makes my heart hurt. Keep telling the truth. It’s vital now more than ever.
I think this is a culture thing as well. We are constantly reinforced that drinking is normal. In movies, in our towns, in our friendships and families. Our culture is rotted with alcohol. I imagine back in the day you didn’t have it flashed across your tv like we do now because they didn’t have tvs
Wise words. I just told last week in a meeting how I think the program. 12 steps like they are presented in "the Big Book" and "12/12" are like training program to me. Outside world is my gym, sponsor (when I at my first sober years had him) was mostly a reverend or a medicin man who heard my confession, and partly a personal trainer. Meetings are gyms locker rooms and saunas, were I can meet other trainees, share experiences with them, and strengthen my motivation.
I stayed sober but left aa after ten years. I simply got tired of non stop drinking stories. It was like a quicksand never moving forward. But aa did serve in getting me sober
Im currently experiencing what you’re talking about, These people make me feel so uncomfortable but it helps to cut the head of the snake. It’s not meant to stay in forever but some people use it as a cult now. It bothers me so much
I’m where you’re at right now. I learned tons from AA, and walked myself through the 12 Steps and had a spiritual awakening. The sponsors id tried just didn’t know how to actually work the steps as the book described. The meetings became repetitive and, frankly, boring. I got busy and was unable to make my home meeting for two months, and I noticed that not one person from that group called or texted me to see if I was okay. That was my queue that it was okay to move on. Thanks, AA. I won’t forget what you’ve done for me.
Well done my friend. 👍🏼 Love that video too. I subscribed. I appreciate and respect all the time and effort you put in. God bless you Greatly. I'm in FA 6 yrs. We read the Big Book too. I agree with your insite on the past vs. present day. My ex is battling alcohol. For years I'd ask why can't you stop drinking, now I learned, it was the same reason I couldn't stop eating. I got to 361 lbs. But for the grace of God 🙏🏼 I found FA and lost 225 pounds via the Big Book. I need help, I have 50+ years of bad habits, it will not go away over night. I need meetings, readings, fellows and most importantly God. TY again. 😇🌷
NA saved my life in the beginning. First time I opened the Basic Text, I was blown away, it was as if someone was following me and wrote a book about my life. I stopped attending meetings after my 2nd year. I made the decision because I kept hearing the same people talk about the same things for years, it was stagnate, so I went to AA to change it up.
I wasted years going to meetings and relapsing. Once I actually did the steps that cycle stopped. I also don't keep track of clean time. Cause I know all I have is today.
I wrote my sobriety date in my big book. That's the only way I could of would know how long it's been. I don't day count anymore. My sobriety date is 9-13-2020
I did the same thing by going to AA meetings but not working the steps and I kept relapsing, but when I finally decided that I needed to work the 12 steps with a sponsor, I got sober and stayed sober. However, after staying sober and sponsoring others for 23 years, I retired from my job, got bored, and began to smoke 'legal' Pot. After about a year of doing that, while still going to AA meetings, I knew I needed to stop smoking Pot, so I said a prayer to my Higher Power asking for help, and soon after that, I stopped smoking completely. I never relapsed back into drinking at any time after I first worked the 12 steps but I felt I had violated the principle of sobriety by smoking Pot. I continued to go to AA meetings during that year and occasionally talked about my Pot smoking even though some might have felt that I shouldn't talk about Pot in an AA meeting, but nevertheless my home group members tolerated me talking about the issue, and once again I am totally sober. It's only been about 100 days since I last smoked Pot, but I have no desire to return to that. Sobriety to me means to not take any mind or mood altering substances. I am much happier when I have a 'clear head' with which to deal with my day to day life. Helping others has always been key to my sobriety and I continue to go to AA meetings 1 or 2 times a week and share my story in the hope that I might help someone else to recover. Thank you.
Thank you for speaking the Truth. I am sober 25 years and agree with everything you’ve said I’ve done service beyond the Group level for 21 years.. Would love to talk with you sometime. Thank you for your service.
The only one who can take responsibility for your life is you. I personally find powerful tools in the Big Book to keep me sober. As for meetings, it just shows me I'm not alone and there are those who are sicker than me. And that makes me want to help when asked.
I feel the opposite. I feel that the Big Book was written by a manipulative man who broke off from his evangelical cult (Oxford Group), while picking and choosing the tidbits he wanted from that group, and adding his own gobbledegook supernatural quasi-religion to be more attractive to more people. Bill literally created his own religion. In the rooms I find close minded zombies that all say the same thing and spread the message of fear, powerlessness, and death, none of which are close to the truth of the human nature or experience. So, you see, not everyone can be easily brainwashed or convinced to believe in things that have nothing but anecdotal evidence to back their efficacy. For instance, saying alcoholics have an "allergy" to alcohol is medical nonsense. But to participate in AA and work through the steps you have to accept doctrine that has become gospel truth such as we have an allergy that we aren't allergic to, that god is a capital "h" Him, recite the Lord's prayer despite allegedly being able to conceive of our higher power as "a doorknob". It's a cult, meant for a specific type of person that is succeptible to being sold on garbage.
@@thisisgettingold It’s actually not medical nonsense because it’s agreed upon by mainstream medical science, the allergy is the disease and it is a disease, you are sadly wrong and seem very resentful, sucks your experience was that bad.
@@thisisgettingold You're full of garbage. Dr Bill was a rock spiritually. Bill had to try to recapture his Blue Light special. It don't matter. I found a way to get recovered. So you can take your Joe Biden agenda and go pound a dollar out of 15 cents.
Brilliant David, keep it up, the world needs to know this, I am back in AA for the second time after having stopped for 419 days. I never did the 12 Steps to their completion nor did I have a sponsor. I relied on self-knowledge and thought I could use part of the 12 Steps to overcome my illness. How wrong I was. It took me 8 years to return, with my life in tatters. This time I am doing it to the tee, exactly as the Big Book says and as I sit on 116 days today, I am happy, joyous, and free. Thank you!
“Rarely have we seen a person that throughly followed our path”. For the ones that throughly follow the path, the recovery rate is still the same percentage.
May be I am becoming the old guy (45), but I think newcomers get coddled a lot these days and that doesn’t really help them. When I first got clean and sober I was told to STFU and listen. They crushed me a little my first hear and the humility I got from that essentially became a solid foundation that opened me up to receive direction because you couldn’t tell me anything when I got here 14 years ago. Some of us needed to hear unpleasant truths about ourselves when we got here. That approach doesn’t fly a lot today It also may be a generational thing. Younger people today, you cannot talk to them the way the old timers talked to us back in the day. There is a lot more emphasis on the delivery as opposed to the message today. This is strictly my opinion and my experience of course and everyone has their own journey
I am only 42 years sober. And have always contended the Alcoholism isn’t a disease, having said that I have recovered. And live a fulfilling productive life. I apply the 12 healing steps. I Live what the book says. Not what clowns say at meetings that probably aren’t alcoholics. I don’t have a sponsor. Neither do I sponsor. Having said that I do ask a few simple questions 1Are you ready to go to any legend to get sober.? If I don’t get an affirming answer,I walk away. Carry the message not the person. The old times used to say to me . AA has 33 sign posts 12 steps 12 traditions and 19 slogans . Tonight I discovered that the 11 step has 33 words. God is hiding in plain sight
My home group is to the book, hundreds and hundreds of years of sobriety and the message isn’t diluted, I am so lucky. Remember if you got sober in AA please give back what was so freely given to you.
Thank you. I've been in since 1985...before the rehabs exploded. I had a sponsor, Rachel, who drilled into me that this program is the "fellowship of the spirit" NOT< the "spirit of fellowship". Like you said, it's spiritual recovery. Thanks.❤
90 meeting in 90 days does serve a purpose. Have to change patterns. Meet others for support. Find out how to get started. I've been in A.A for 33 years. The slogans do serve a purpose. Yes, things have got diluted . Don't agree with the 5% . When it's time to sober up it happens. Some just don't. I've seen a lot of changes over the years. Yes there is other ways to sober up.
I'm a alocholic and on the wagon I fall off now and then but keep on hoping back on I don't give up 🙏 AA I need it and won't stop trying to be Sober, 💪🙏 Feels Good to be sober it really does 🤩 don't give up 🙏 you can do it ✝️ 😊 🙏.
I attended AA meetings + done service for 10 yrs but always relapsed I kept hearing do lots meetings n keeping coming back I'm sorry it doesn't work the solution is in the big book n following directions basically trusting god cleaning house growing on this spiritual journey n helping others it really works n gave me peace of mind n contentment it said in book chapter 5 we beg of you to be fearless n thorough from the very start my sobriety date is 23 sep 2007 god bless all
I'm sober 19 years. Had I not effed around the first 10 years as a chronic slipper, I guess I could say I had 29 years. Who gives a flip? I'm sober today so I have a chance. God Bless y'all with a hellfire and brimstone blessing! God people have lost their sense of humor.
Keep coming, we will love you until you love yourself etc. Total nonsense, when the Spiritual Malady is overcome we straighten mentally and spiritually
Great video!! With a group that has there way of AA , it’s almost like a competition who has the best sobriety.. that my obsession has been lifted!!! Glad I found these videos cause I was at the point of being frustrated with AA because I wasn’t doing it this Groop’s way!,,
Thank you for sharing this video. I hope it reaches many people who are still struggling with their addiction and not focusing on the spiritual awakening as originally intended.
Thank you Amanda. What do you women think of Monica Richardson and her 13th step movie? Do predators cause these problems in groups you belong to or can a strong group run them off? I have my own opinion about what I've seen and experienced.
I've been a member since 1988 up and down up and down in the program today you made me understand the essence of the foundation the very engine and motor components of the program (uncle Steno reparations).
The failure is not in the 12 Step program itself but in the fact that so many try to get sober by going to AA meetings. The success rate for those who actually work the program is 75%, at least, and likely higher. Over a period of 12 years, I've never met anybody who didn't recover who was actually working and living the program.
ive had several years at a time sober in aa. you have to find the good meetings. solution-based meetings - and those meetings are out there. i can guarantee aa works very well. most people simply dont work the steps, dont work the program, dont make enough meetings, dont stay connected to the fellowship, dont follow suggestions. its a pretty demanding program, but it works without any doubt.
Just came across this channel. It's great. Video couldn't agree more. I'm so disillusioned with AA at the moment. Thank you for giving me back why I loved AA in first place,finding a solution with Spiritual principles
12th step work is not very promising. There are those who do get and stay sober, but unfortunately, there are many who don't! This is one of the realities of getting and staying sober. If you have a desire to not drink, then you're welcome to join us. If not, then please don't waste my time and yours, ty.
I've benefited from your thoughtful videos. I think you are correct: the restoration of AA hinges on one solution, that is, complete focus on the message penned in the first 164 pages of the big book and only this message. I hope you'll continue to upload more content. Thank you.
I became sober because of the message in the book, but by the grace of God. In the book, not in the meetings, I found alcoholics like me. In the meetings I just found alcoholics who controlled their drinking and they didn't enjoy drinking at some point of their life, so they sobered up and filled the meetings, just because doctors told to do so. I never was like that. I realized from the very beginning, that my drinking behavior was different from others. I had to drink quicker and more than others to get the same result and because of that, I had to guess how much to drink, to keep on the same level as all the other people around. But the point was that I always missed the right amount and so I was drunk and the truck was unstoppable, needing more and more fuel until the great oblivion occurred. In the meetings, people are talking about them still recovering. I am glad that this is not the message of the book, because I became very ill physically 12 years ago and if I would have still to recover from alcoholism after almost 22 years, I'd be screwed. By the grace of God, I have recovered from alcoholism and no longer have to worry.
Practical experience shows us that nothing will so much ensure our immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. Pick up the phone for that 12th step call share your experience strength and hope. You may be someone’s only exposure to AA carry the message. Recovery is possible. Today I’m granted a reprieve based on my spiritual fitness.
“ Very seldom have we ever seen a member fail who is WILLING to follow our path “. “Those who do not recover are often incapable of being honest with themselves, there are such unfortunates… “ The first 100 was actually closer to 1000, however 100 were desperate enough and had had a spiritual awakening brought on by the 12 Steps which allows for the desire and passion, care and concern to carry the good news to those who still suffer. “Any Alcoholic can and does recover if they are WILLING to put in the work”. I am recovering because I chose to get honest. I want recovery. I have the gift of desperation. I have a home group. I put in the work. I do the steps. I attend meetings. I have a sponsor. I have a working and living concept (step 2) of God and practice principles to the best of my ability. I read literature and take interest in my fellow members, my community and my society. I am a grateful recovering member of the 12 Step organisation.
Fantastic video! AA has been a blessing to me. My home group is a very small group on a very small town who operate according to the 12 and 12. Sad to say a lot of meetings aren’t this way…
Sober 35 years, spiritual is absolutely essential but my concern is that many think relapse is part of recovery. AA is designed to stop drinking NOT to go in and out umpteen times.
Excellent video one again! You are indeed right about the dilution of AA. I have no problem with AA as an entity, it's the people in it. Too many people think that one's Higher Power HAS to be a religious entity. Too many people parroting slogans that have NOTHING to do with AA, like "You Got This!" or "Easy Does It". The Qualfication for membership is "A desire to stop drinking" - a lot of people think the key word is "desire", for me it is "stop". Too many people cannot or will not come to terms that this means "stop for the rest of your life" and will use "One day at a time" (again, a phrase that is never used in the main body of the Big Book) as a convenient get-out clause.
You need to get over your problem with God if you are ever going to get the AA program and have a vital spiritual experience or awakening. That is what will get and keep you sober. That is what will remove the mental obsession to drink. God is what removes your spiritual sickness. When that is straightened out the physical and mental straighten out as well. I hope that you find God and get and stay sober. But if you have a problem with God then maybe AA isn't for you. God is mentioned over 400 times in the Big Book and Twelve and Twelve book. God is mentioned directly or indirectly in seven of the Twelve Steps. If you are a real alcoholic whom has lost control of his drinking as the Big Book describes then God is the only answer. But if you are just an alcoholic of the hard drinking variety or alcohol abuser or problem drinker whom drinking causes problems in their life BUT can quit or moderate if you really have to. Then you are not really an Alcoholic of the Big Book type. That type can get sober and stay sober without a vital religious experience. Give God a chance. The age of miracles is still alive and well.
@@rodneyjohnson7327 I haven't got a problem with a God of my own understanding. But it's not a religious God as you seem to think it has to be. What do you feel about atheists and agnostics? Are you going to try and convert them or tell them that AA isn't for them as well?
@@nevillejackson7766 Read the chapter in the Big Book titled "We agnostics ". It does not matter what I personally think about atheist and agnostics. What matters is what the Big Book says. It is the text book for our program. It has written in it the only way to sobriety for real alcoholics. God is the answer according to the Big Book. Take it or leave it, literally.
Read the morning and evening prayers in the Big Book. Particularly " On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day" throughout the prayer it never goes to the future it always stays the focus on the day that is. "In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy." The evening prayer does not even include a word about the following day, in its entirety it just focuses on a review of what has happened on that day.
Amazing work my brother! You said what I have been feeling so often in the rooms. I love your message and look forward to watching more of your videos Keep connecting with alcoholics and talking about the spiritual malady Respect
I tried AA for ~12 yrs desperately trying to get sober. I would have sober periods - no more than ~6 mo. I found a wonderful church that offered sm group classes. As I got closer to God the desire to numb myself started to fade. Today I am totally free from the chains of addiction for 8 yrs now. I have nothing against AA - I saw many people get real sobriety there. I just needed more.
This video is soooo close to the Truth.. The only problem.. It's a physical "dis-ease", mental "dis-ease", emotional "dis-ease" and spiritual "dis-ease".. We do recover...
I always wanna mention that. My bands name was Dis-ease. And evwryone would always fuck it up first and then be like ohhhh that clever....well its a very real feeling but the book os where i got it from. Its just crazy how rarely i see that word
I am having a great difficulty with AA at the moment. I am being ostracized by the groups I attend. I think this is based on gossip, hatred, jealousy, envy, fear. Many women in AA have called me handsome and it makes me nervous, now it is difficult to talk to girls because their sponsor will charge in between and tell me I can't talk to her. What happened? I turned a girl down for sex and she hates me and spreads gossip and slander around. We are supposed to be "loving and inclusive." Last month a new and very pretty girl decided to sit next to me, and I made her laugh. (Usually pretty girls will only stay a few weeks for fear of the predators) Towards the end of the meeting this woman and two others called me a thirteen stepper, a predator. "We are not a glum lot!" That is bullshit to me because of these actions against me. So what, I made a girl laugh. I am seriously thinking about leaving, been there four years but public slander is kind of hard to get past.
I agree with your assessment of cruelty and gossip they engage in, it's like high school 🙄. They may be sober for the day but they lack maturity. Date who you want, some sponsors simply like the power they have been given and do not practice what they expect of you.
This is the most modernized delivery of the state of AA, and also very poignant. Maybe the one of 5he most powerful AA based video I have seen on TH-cam during my 5 years of recovery. Keep pushing the message, you will help save many many lives.
You have to work on yourself to get sobe and drop your ego. I have one relapse before I got sober. I have many addicts in my AA who relapse again and again. I watched what they did, and did the opposet of them.
I am in a NA homegroup I have an awesome sponser and have found and trust my higher power though it may not be GOD as any of the Bibles depict it to be my higher power is more along the lines of having a Group Of Druggies I can confide and trust to unload living life on life’s terms I have worked the steps once through when I was at a treatment centre and have started working them again! I know there is a power greater than me and I need it to take the load of life when it becomes to much for me to bear! The feeling of relief after leaving a meeting and sharing the struggles I encounter and getting feedback from those farther down the path of recovery is amazing and that is why I will KEEP COMING BACK!
The things you learn a AA stay with you for life. Did not stop drinking at the time but when I did I was glad I went to the meeting years before it really does help even if you don't stop straight away 6 years now clean and no wish to return to the old ways
I always find it interesting when they talk about AA success statistics. I have never ever seen nor heard of anyone keeping track of the people who come into the rooms and their success rate. Not once not ever. And never have I seen those statistics printed, scrutinized, checked and rigorously subjected to the scientific method.
From what I have heard the way they count is by the the sobriety chips that are sold , another thing is that the courts send lots of people that don't even want to be there they assume that if someone gets a drunk driving that they are alcoholic, so in my opinion there's alot of people that don't even belong there or don't want to be there
Stats can be deceiving , for example 100% of people that have consumed just 1 tomato in their life have either died or will die. Now that's ridiculous I know but it's true.... Right? So my experience of 36 years of sobriety is those that do the work make it and those that don't do the work do not make it! Get a sponsor and work the steps. If the stat is that 2/3 don't make it then 2/3 did not do the work! Half measures availed us NOTHING. Our program works if you work it but won't if you don't! My name is Jim and I am an alcoholic. God Bless!
Why wouldn't AA want official stats regarding success and failure rates? Seems fishy. If AA worked so well, you'd think they'd welcome the scrutiny to back it up.
I've been in AA for almost six months now, four while I was still drinking and two while in rehab via zoom. In both instances, the rooms are full of A.A.slogans and catchphrases. It makes me sick to continue to listen to them day after day. I associate these occurences with a saying we had while I was in the Navy: "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance baffle them with bullshit".
When you get to steps 4 and 5, you might for the first time in your life realise what a miserable shit you can be and you might realise too that you are not so wonderful that you can judge others. Wait till you get to step12......... and you are expected to help others!!! Selfish fools are critical always..... And sadly.... WILL get drunk again.
Get on the waitlist for my upcoming book:
mailchi.mp/b529e312532b/the-sober-empire-book
Everyone should be required to share how much clean time they have before speaking that way everybody can get an actual sense about what’s fixing to be said
I've been sober since my first meeting back in 1984. Pass it on, we do recover and we do get well. God Bless
What’s your romantic life like?
Perpetual recovery as opposed to recovered. Abstinence is NOT the only way, research The Sinclair Method
2:54 @@iamaliveyoucantstopnowWhat a stupid question. Somebody getting sober in 1984 probably had found more reasons to live other than materialism and sex. There is window of life to falling madly in love. It is only for children and the young childless married people. I'm 61 years old and will never have sex or fall in love again...what's the point? The West is a perverted maelstrom of materialism and sex. So you had better get right with God!
What plagues many, who go to AA (though they may not become Big Book-thumping, AA-Nazis, themselves), is that their proclivity for constantly espousing the virtues their program turns many outside people off, thus damaging any social interaction they might have, other than with fellow members. But this is something that is not much spoken of, nor is it acknowledged by AA, for obvious reasons.
What about all those that have failed? AA is bullshit
I was in and out of AA for about 15 years, the most sobriety I achieved was 8 months. It wasn't until I completely surrendered and became open minded, honest and wiling that I was able to feel a very real sense that I was turning a corner. Today I have 630 days continuous sobriety and I hand my life and will over to a Higher Power every day and try to carry the message to the newcomer. We do recover.
that is exactly my story too. Victory is found in surrendering
You are 100% correct in every thing you said. It’s about trusting God, Cleaning house, and helping others! The first 3 steps are about trusting God. Steps 4 thru 10 are about getting and keeping your house clean. Step 11 is about trusting God and step 12 is about helping others. Step workers make it in my experience. I am Jim and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since 8/21/1986. God Bless !
What if there's no God?
@@JimmyKay1976 If you believe there is no God then you literally believe that no one created everything out of nothing. Do you really believe that? I hope you are not really a “Lone Wolf” if so join the pack! Much safer and more fun that way. God Bless
@@initiated1111 Yes
Doesn’t matter. Practice faith and change occurs
@@slobobba If you don't have saving faith in Jesus Christ then you're practicing a dead faith that cannot save you. Many people are spiritualiy dead in their own sin and they don't even know it. They believe in a false God that doesn't exist but a demon takes the place of the false God that doesn't exist deceiving you to believe it is god.
I was 11 years physically clean n sober and bat shit crazy going to meetings and just not drinking brought me to the brink of suicide. I reached out to an alcoholic and worked the 12 steps entirely as laid out in the big book had a complete psychic change and spiritual awakening the depression lifted and thoughts of harming myself lifted this was 1.5 years ago. I’ve taken over 10 men and one female through the 12 step process and as long as I’m breathing will continue to do so!
You are 💯 percent correct ❤
NONSENSE!! Your suicidality had nothing to do with drinking or not drinking. If the AA fairy-tale works for you, that's great! But don't you dare infer that this 'spiritual' jibber jabber is the only way for a person to overcome addiction and live a happy life🤮😠
@@waynek805 I never said the 12 steps is the only way! I shared my personal experience, you sound angry! Sorry you are suffering
@@keitht8183 Spoken like a true Big Book thumper. Shove that book up your ass!!
@@keitht8183 Suffering by having to read the nonsense of Big Book thumpers like you!!
@@waynek805 that's a shame you feel that way. I suggest you read something before you comment on it. Just a suggestion, do what you want. How do you know that drinking or not drinking had anything to do with Keith's suicidality? You don't. Here's a clear-cut judgement... Ready? Apparently, you are one of the many, many people who have absolutely no idea what the 12 steps are actually about. It really doesn't look or appear by your comments that you are living a happy life. Maybe you should try it. Stop being so intolerant. So, belligerent. So, in denial. Actually, give it an honest shot. 6 months. Give the Program an honest 6 months. If it doesn't work, your misery will gladly be refunded. Other than that, you can move on. Contempt prior to investigation......
I have been a member of AA since March of 2020 and I've been sober since 9-13-2020 and my obsession of drinking has been gone for a long time time. I don't rely on humans in the program much. My strength comes from my faith in God.
Every time I relapsed someone in AA, I would ask, "So what's going to be different this time?" I would look at them in desperation and say I've done everything you have asked me to do. 90 meetings in 9p days, no relationships in the first year. I can go on and on. It was not until I got my current sponsor that she took me through the steps as outlined in the big book of AA. She helped me obtain that spiritual connection through working the steps and serving my primary purpose. To get sober and to help another Alcoholic a hieve sobriety. I had been in and out for 23 years before I heard the message of God. Today, I follow the instructions of the book because I want to be of service, not disservice, to another dying of alcoholism like I was. Thank you for this video. I hear a familiar Chris Raymer speaking.
AA is not failing. Never did. Never will. Alcoholics are failing to follow the path which is the 12 steps. Or they just aren't ready to surrender. God bless and help us all! I love AA and have been over 23 yrs sober thanks to God & AA..
No AA was written by a privileged white sexual predator who thought he spoke for god and others. He self reported that 75 percent. He probably drove at least a few young newcomers out by hitting on them.
The constant victim blaming and gaslighting and syrupy platitudes are a practical guidebook for abusing people. They're not coming back cause it's basically toxic and hurts people. Take some fucking accountability for what Bill wrote. You have r*pists and victims in the room. Behind closed doors. You are leading them to be hurt... but it's all their own doing, right?
Thats wrong.....AA's all over the world are sober....many chose to remain anonymous....you won't have access to everyone....unless you seek help....afterall it's an ANONYMOUS PROGRAM......
Thank you for this. I agree 100% with you.
Such a dopey statement. It's a disease right ? How many doctor's tell a sick patient, e.g, someone with cancer, "Hey, you're not DOING the treatment right, you are failing at the treatment". That would be insane right ? It's as insane as what you just said. What sanity would say is, hey, this treatment doesn't seem to work for you, we should try SOMETHING ELSE! That's what a doctor would logic would dictate. Blaming the patient is NUTS.
AA is failing
how many times do you hear in meetings "put the plug in the jug" or "just dont drink"
This is a cataclysmic failure that directly contradicts the book.
These viruses are killing people
most meetings are decent but the misinformation and disinformation is killing many people.
Frothy emotional appeal seldom suffices yet to many meeting makers make solemn oaths and dont get any better,
but there he is all lit up again.
I have been in and out of recovery for years now.... But recently with the passing of my sister from a fatal overdose I have made a new commitment to myself my family and my God.... I'm 2 moths clean and not looking back..... Great video.
How you holding up 3 months later?
@@regalherbsman5938 I'm doing pretty good..... I had a couple of slips but for the most part I'm holding true to my commitment..... It's been a hard thing to deal with. I'm not just dealing with staying sober I'm also dealing with combat related PTSD.... I was a Marine for 16 years.. I have 2 deployments to Iraq and 1 to Afghanistan... So that's also a daily struggle.... But I'll be okay... I'm doing a lot better than I was 3 months ago....
I want to thank you for caring enough to check in on me.... A guy you never met and dont know at all... Thank you for that it truly means a lot to me.
@@johnpharis8498 Keep it up. I know rapid eye movement in EMDR has actually HEALED many veterans from PTSD. I know a psychiatrist who tested it on many Vietnam vets who had bad PTSD.
She was upset because the system has watered it down, and didn't want it to be a cure.
You are a soldier today....these opiates and fentanyl thet have flooded our nation is meant to help genocide our people
I have been to so many memorials of our people who didn't realize they were on the front lines of a war that wants us dead.
Your sister and many others have fallen without even knowing it's a war.
The only way to win is to NOT fight...not focus on the drugs or alcohol, not focus on how we feel.
The only way to win is to realize it is a spiritual sickness inside ourselves.
Once we work on healing that, we win and can pass it on.This action program heals our spiritual sickness.
Hold on and know you have many who are fighting this fight side by side with you....all of us NOT fighting, but by focusing on action and helping.
You can have a life that is truly happy, joyous and free.
I’m sorry for your loss … my deepest condolences.
I’m glad you’re new commitment is to leave that alcohol all alone . Your family I’m sure is proud of you and your sister would be too.
Stay the course . From one alcohol to another 🙏🏽♥️
@@republicanamerican8707 thank you.... I thank you so so very much....
Sober since 2004 through the program and fellowship of AA! Still an active, service oriented joyful alcoholic.
By God's merciful and loving Grace I had the humble pleasure of celebrating 10 years of Sobriety on April 13th of this year (2024) I am so grateful for this program and for God's loving Grace. We do need to get this message out to more people. There is hope when you have this sickness, and I know this for sure. Because this program does work if you work it.
Me too 10 years 29th April🎉
Interesting perspective-I've been 28 years sober and attended AA many years though currently do not attend regularly. I go by the AA mantra "take what you can use and leave the rest". I've met many good people in AA - I've also met many assholes. I think a lot of the principles are sound but I disagree with some others. The point I'm making is who cares? AA was not the sole force of my continued sobriety, but it was FREE and good starting point. Many factors and personal commitment have contributed to my continued sobriety - AA is part of that puzzle, but not the only complete solution to the problem .
Selfishness is the root of ALL troubles and by NOT regularly attending AA meetings to give back what has been so freely given clearly demonstrates that the spiritual malady of alcoholism has not been obtained. Achieving the spiritual experience is best accomplished by "working with others". I am praying for you.
@@McGeeSiding I’ll pray for your arrogance brother. You know nothing about me and you certainly can’t care for me. In my 28 years clean I have been extremely generous with my time, caring and money with alcoholics and plenty of non alcoholics too. I thank God daily for the sobriety that has allowed me to help others that would have been impossible if I’d continued drinking. Good luck to you.
@@McGeeSidinglol
Definitely a cult
He didn’t say that he stopped going to meetings or working with others.. I’ve been slacking in meetings to be honest with you because I work 48 hours a week, do a lot of church and church service and I’ve been hooked up to mentor youths at a group home because I’m 26 and the church thought I would relate to them and they’d listen and that eats up a lot of my time so I’m going to meetings less frequently but I still work the program 1-12 and over again. I don’t think you should pass judgement so quickly my friend
@@McGeeSiding that's something else AA gets wrong. Just speak for yourself, k?
I love god and AA. It has brought me the willingness to live and be sober one day at a time. God has helped me over the years and is still helping me with my life. My god is of love for the alcoholic. I am sober 48 years one day at a time.
Powerful TRUTH -iv'e been saying this for years and for years have come under attack by new age AA'ERS I was banned from one group because i would share too much my experience from the big book - can you imagine that ! banned from an AA meeting for carrying the message of the Big book !
When a person works the 12 steps to the best of their ability they will change in spite of themselves.
Just wanted to drop a note to say i am 47 days and the difference since discovering the program - but WORKING it, studying it, as intended, as well as meetings is really helping me. I relate so much to the message in your videos. YOu articulate it in such a relatable and powerful way, this has helped bring me around when my 'sticking thinking' and disconnected ays come. It helps bring me back. And i have shared with other new comers who have found it magic too. Keep spreading the message. STep 12'ing all over here. :) Love these videos so much. Thank you so much for taking time to make them. xxx
There's too much ego, hierarchy and bullying in my experience. Then again, it could be the PTSD I suffer from my AA ex-family. I used to assume that I was wrong, apologize and keep my side of street clean. Then after almost two years of sobriety, their true colors began to emerge. Belittling, yelling at, dismissing, and Gaslighting big-time.
The Lord Christ is 1st, and I really accept the 12 Steps as written with Judeo-Christian teaching.
Finding the effortless living zone is a lifestyle for the Soul.
Clearing out the need to want to escape from the physical, and psychological pain is my biggest challenge. My spine is out of wack from S1 to my 11th Chakra.
Finding peace within is all anyone can do the way things are so difficult with costs soaring. Resentments are difficult to manage as I watch kids, elders get abused by Doctors, Politicians and Cabal.
God Bless, I will be in a meeting soon. No worries either way as it's just an adjustment to behavior...and Anniversary dates, along with chip system is not helpful for me. If it is really One Day At A Time, who is bothering to count days??
Lends to competition, and ego driven false authoritative narratives.
Happy 2023!!
7 is Lucky,
Meeting makers make it...to meetings! It's not a social club or dating service, although many use it for that. I am sober (& clean) for 24 years this month because a woman in AA took the time to read the Big Book out loud w me and help me find myself in the pages. I was finally able to work the steps w desperation and then help new people do the same-that formula is still working for me-AA can be a precious miracle for anyone who can become honest w themselves about their problem. Thank you-I thought this was going to be another video bashing AA! Love Chris too. Good work.
Cult member
Ilive my recovery out loud and I have been sober for almost 20 years in AA and this video gave me cold chills and its the truth! Thank you
Thank you Maria. What do you women think of Monica Richardson and her 13th step movie? Do predators cause these problems in groups you belong to or can a strong group run them off? I asked Amanda above the same question. I rarely hear folks defend A.A. against the detractors. But then again, I left A.A. 6 or so years ago because of politics. Another story for another day.
@@sirmcgowington13th Stepping is a myth spread by ugly women.
For me I hit my bottom and stayed there for a long time. Finally when I couldn't see life with or without drinking I HUMBLY ask God to help me or let me go. Well that was May 28th 1983 and its just like they say a day at a time. Thank you God for hearing my prayers so long ago. Life is a lot better one day at a time.
Are you a recovered alcoholic? Is booze still your problem?
Don't hesitate to try other things too. AA isn't the only way to get clean. Me and a few of my friends who I met in recovery have been sober for 4+ years and none of us do AA anymore and are happy. I got tired of constantly relapsing after working all the steps thoroughly just to relapse in the end so I accepted that AA just wasn't for me and I've been sober ever since. This is the longest clean time I've ever had too.
Focusing on character defects nearly constantly isn't a good idea. I don't like the "ego-deflation" intention of step 4 and 5.
I've tried AA meetings in 2 different states and they were all the same. Guys hitting on me wanting to date me. And the leaders were of zero help having to search around myself for up to date info and meetings. It was polar opposite of what I was expecting. Oh well. I have amazing support system that doesn't require me to say I'm an alcoholic every comment I want to make
Clean is for drug abuse, dry is for Alcoholics
"Rarely have we seen a person fail, who has thoroughly followed our path." The 3 Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous, Unity-Recovery-Servcice are how we prevent relapse.
*UNITY: fellowship
*RECOVERY: doing the 12 Steps from the first 164 pages of the Big Book.
*Service: carrying the message.
AA is for alcoholics.
AA is for Alcoholism, keep clean is for Drug Addicts , totally different symptom read Drs opinion that's why it's different wrong message
We will have, good days & bad days, the main point of AA is cleaning your house, making amends, and helping others if they want help. Thank you bill n bob!!
Great video. I’m looking forward to part 2. I’m reminded that in 1934-38, the foundational years of the program, modern society had drifted from spiritual solutions and was more enthralled with the eminence of science than perhaps than we are today. Medicines, machines, psychology…
Bill’s commitment to a spiritual solution was out of step with current sentiments but he stuck with it and it works still. Thanks again.
One piece of personal criticism- I always prickle when I hear “AA has an X% success ratio.” Do we know that? Who is taking a poll? We’re talking maybe tens of millions of people worldwide engaged with the fellowship in some way. Low percentage success rates are often used to disparage AA and that’s why I prickle.
For one thing, 5% is a miscalculation from the A.A. detractors, Orange Papers types. Who cares? If you get and stay sober, it's 100% for you. Take an A.A. group and find out how many are actually alcoholics. Next, find out how many of those want to quit for good and all. of those, you can figure out your percentages and go from there. If it helps you stay sober, great. If not, let the accountants worry about that chit.
When I first started watching this I thought you were bashing AA but I continued to watch it and you are absolutely right about the meetings these days not all are bad but the majority, my home group we talk about the solution and I'm grateful to know the difference because alot of people that come in don't, thank for making this video 😊🙏✌️
The greatest statement of hope from this video came near the end and was so enlightening, it almost makes me want to try A.A. meetings again some day. He said that despite the garbage going on in your middle of the road slogan meeting, you can still get and stay sober. You can do the program, read the book, do the steps, make the connections with God, get right with your fellows, and as time goes on, you won't want to drink booze.
This is right on. We aren't here to cure alcoholism. That symptom of the bigger problem goes away. We are here to help bring about the psychic change necessary to fix the spiritual issue. Meaning that we need a way to help us think differently. How many times in meetings do you hear "I am a completely different person than I used to be."? Good. Because you need to be a different person than you were. Once you embrace the fact that the only way to completely change is to surrender to your Higher Power and do what the book says. The goal of the Big Book is to have the psychic change necessary to bring about the spiritual enlightenment. Mind, Body and Spirit (kinda like the triangle).
this is a perfect example of why I dont go there. Its alot of semantic gymnastics with ethereal concepts like "psychic change" "higher power" "spiritual malady" "faith" and many more. They juggle the concepts in "shares" to produce awe in bewildered newcomers that has them running in circles in their head. Often the effect helps, as a placebo, in combination with other temporary aides like sociality, pink clouds and renewed motivation. And hey, Ill admit it helps kick start sobriety but MOST drink again, or they get sober but leave AA. Not everyone who "went back out" relapsed. Some of them are sober as a bird, but got sick of the bullsh!t pandering to bunk religious notions.
@@gravelpit5680 the idea that I had to change everything was one of the worst. AA helped me socialize sober, it helped me feel less alone, that's a lot. But the constant, severe platitudes and syrupy promises and toxic positivity and victim blaming really fucked me up. And yeah I always hear "AA is a microcosm" and "try a different meeting" but when the very literature chalks suffering up to "decisions based on self" and there's r*pe victims in the room, it just seems the potential to retraumatize and abuse people is built in. By the end I was basically sending my sponsor a list of my sins every night (inventory, sure) and feeling worse.
You do know trhat BIll W was off his face when he seen the bright light. He then concludes that it's god and spends time in his own recovery testing to see if LSD will do it again or for others. AAis good but it has never matured and accepted that Bill was human and whatever is useful in the BB it needs a rewrite and offer alternatives like, Have a god or no god but make changes in your life. People like Jeffrey Munn have written a secular set of steps which are much more in line and closer to our modern world without the need for magic.
@@gravelpit5680 Try ouit some AA secular meetings if you feel you need help. No god or magic in those metings.
Then do it ur way ..
12 days sober. 3 meetings. Feeling good.
Day 17 today?
I'm coming here from NA, alcohol is a drug. I'm clean because of my step work, I'm clean because the Basic Text focuses on the Spiritual malady so this video really resonates with me. The Truth of the self-work required, the assistance of a Sponsor who has and does work the steps, who doesn't let me BS my way through them. The NA Step working guide helps me dig deep into my personal defects of character seeking help from the quiet, but so powerful, voice within me. There is another voice here, so loud, so destructive, it tears down and destroys, it wants me dead, I have to be still and listen for the quiet power of the higher power we mention in our steps. The programs work if we undertake the effort to work the steps. Thank you for this message of recovery.
Alcohol is converted by our liver to acetaldehyde, causes DNA damage to our cells and prevents them from repairing themselves. Alcohol causes Cancer.
Acetaldehyde is a volatile compound used in silvering mirrors also. There is no safe amount to consume. I wish more knew of these facts.
I wish you Strength in your step-work and Recovery to us all.
Until the spiritual experiences came nothing could change!
Today I strive to maintain my recovery through spiritual growth.
Always rewarding to see the tears in the new Comer's eyes when they have that experience.
Cheers to that relapse. There is no higher power beyond your self. Did you have a “God Shaped Hole”?
Once a junkie always a junkie
What does 'spiritual' mean here?
I’m gonna get a sponsor
Man.... this video should have millions of views. Very well put together
Former member of AA here. This video encapsulates exactly why I left! In my area (Western NY), it was my opinion that 90-95% of all AA members were not interested in the steps as laid out in the Big Book. These are good people, but only interested in attending meetings and fellowship events.
Coulda went to different meetings
It’s your recovery maybe you needed to focus on yourself and your sponsor.
Imagine wanting sober company.
You're getting close, but take it one step further. It's all bullshit. Not just the meetings. It's simply that some meetings happen to be not so hardcore and therefore the cult seems a little more inviting and more palatable, until you realize the ideas behind the meetings have no substance whatsoever. And then it's just a social club that, depending on where you go, will have varying degrees of acceptance of that. But they all will have some resistance. I find it peculiar that AA/NA groups constantly talk about having an open mind, yet when you try to bring up problems you have with the ideas in the program itself, all the sudden the hypocrisy is crystal clear. Most meetings will run you right out of the room for, in their words, "trying to poke holes" and "thinking too much". Oh, is that what it is? Or are they just mad that I'm not falling for groupthink and causing them cognitive dissonance?
Fuck the 12 steps.
@@JakeyT-g9iI hope you find peace and sobriety. I went to AA and I’m 32 years and 11 days sober with no desire to drink. Since then I got my second masters and a PhD. I’m a psychotherapist. I haven’t seen anything more successful than AA. In fact I honestly don’t think I’ve met any sober patients who didn’t get there without the 12 steps. None.
I’m not saying there aren’t other ways to sobriety just that I haven’t seen that unicorn yet.
Today I have 2 years COMPLETELY SOBER 💝
Saturday, 09/11/2021
HALLELUJAH 🙏
We certainly do recover 😄
Congratulations
@@thesoberempire Thank you kindly 🌻
Oh you are cured?
@@921shamrock Are you in NEED of healing ❓❓
@@blessedmslady7341 answer my question, do you think you are cured?
767 days sober and did the step work. All I can say is that AA uncovers the real reason I became an alcoholic and that was my overextended ego.
The program works for me and helped me to have a more content and happier live.
I'm delighted for you. Do you know the difference between egoist and a narcissist (kind of copying mechanism, type of character, cluster b)? Egoist loves himself. Narcissist, person with narcissistic traits hates himself and creates a 'false persona' of someone better than anyone, all knowing, etc. Have you heard about 'Narcissistic Red Flags', Prof. Sam Vaknin and HG Tudor (both self aware narcissists), Dr. Ramani, Dr. Les Carter, Dr. Abdul Saad, Prof. Patricia Casey, Fr Dave Nix? Once you learn to recognize them you can spot them and help. There are therapies for them to feel better about the world otherwise they go through life in fear, then hurt and blame others, etc.
That’s the problem it doesn’t uncover the cost it’s just a bunch of BS. Pressing if you’re not drinking by the time you leave a damn meeting you’ll want to.
What does it mean "overextended ego"?
Absolutely. I see so many AA members, the majority, that the only thing they do is go to meetings and rely on group and sponsor support. And most remain very anxious about life, onoy now they don't drink. Don't get me wrong, they are much better not drinking, but they suffer too much. I am fortunate to have learned that the only real way to stop drinking, or any addiction, and have a satysfying and happy life is the spiritual path. Meditating, praying, doing the steps,
The first 100 was actually 64, yet when Bill W wrote the book he felt 100 sounded better. I am sober 35+ years after 6 years in and out of AA. Sober by working The Program through the Big Book and constant service to pay back what was so freely given to me!
Clear cut instructions and clear cut directions. It entirely up to the person to work the program!!!! 38 years and going strong, service and recovery and fellowship
Denial is strong after 38 years
So is sobriety. Congratulations
@@Terence.Tristan0806 middle of the road horsebleep. You're just jealous.
It's SUGGESTIONS, like it's suggested to pull the rip cord on a parachute, that's what my sponsor says!!
I go to AA three times a week; I work the steps by myself and when I need to, I work a step with another human being. I have been sober for 237 days now. It's the steps, higher power, letting go, and letting myself be humbled that works for me. I lead by example in my life for others who are having a hard time with their dependency.
This video should be a requirement at every treatment facility.
One thing I will note is that AA often puts a LOT of emphasis on God specifically for being the higher power that one draws strength from. However, in more recent years, there are many who aren't always comfortable with that, particularly as more and more people use holy texts to justify doing bad things to each other, and an increasing reputation for certain religious denominations. So for some people, pushing too hard from the God angle may put them more on guard.
You don't need God to be your higher power. Your family's feelings, your baby, all of these can be "higher powers" that give you the strength to move forward.
Like Tinkerbell says: "Your happy thought..."
How right you are. This video is too glossy and has avoided many important facts. Bill W had to expriment with LSD and vitamin B3 (in later years) to get his own "spiritual malady" arrested. That's not in the BB and the reason the fellowship is not stronger is down to it's failure to mature and move with the times. Bill found god when he was off his face but did go on to do many good things but the idea he got it right in the BB is madness. Chapter 4 is the most unhelpful chapter along with others in the 21st century.
This is an important video. I got sober in 1978 and haven't had a drink since. During that time I have worked the steps but I have been a very spirituality sick person. I have grown over the years but I have at times abandoned spiritual growth for years. I left AA for many years and have just recently returned. I'm trying to engage in the spiritual program again. I see so many new, struggling people and I want to help them but I'm also trying to get my own house in order. Thank you for redirecting us back to the 100.
Trish, I got sober in Cleveland in 72. Where were you living in 78?
10 years of Sobriety here on October 23, 2024.
All due to AA, The Steps, The Big Book, The 12&12, a Sponsor, the meetings, the fellowship and MOST OF ALL, a Conscious Contact and Spiritual Awakening to A Higher Power of my own Understanding.
The algoritm sent me straight here, which was Really good timing. Thank you AA. Thank God and community and Program
You nailed it when you said,"no desire to drink or use"..Addiction is not a disease it is a character defect and dilutes our message.
Chris r is the man, I love his no BS attitude. Have the spiritual experience by doing the work quickly and live life.
3 weeks in, on step 1 but got a sponsor and have started the work. Taking one day at a time
This is the VERY problem I am having in AA today in Key West....I'm catching hella shit for talking about what's in the book. The message here is so diluted that I cannot speak in a meeting without being ostracized. It is very very difficult for me. Today, 8.4.23, I left the club house because of this very thing. I feel alone in the hope of recovery from the deadly disease. My good friend you heard in this very video, can be found on you tube here. He and his friends are the only reason I continue the fight. I have never heard a message of AA from anyone but these men and woman. I have even come to the point that maybe I am the problem here at this clubhouse and it's meetings. I don't know what to do here....And it's very very lonely. Tha ks for reading this whoever does.
Keep speaking your truth brother. If you help one real alcoholic it's worth it. I'm so blessed 11 years ago someone was speaking the solution out of the Big Book or I would be dead today.
Maybe if you drank again you'd come back humbled.
Humility is what happened in society to women for hundreds of years. Humility does not give you strength or power. AA was created by white collar conservative men. It is becoming powerful in your right to a good life that brings you peace of mind and assurance of who you are made to become!!!😊😊😊😊😊
@@mariaquiet6211perhaps you should put that cotton back in your mouth.
Hi mate, don't listen to the garbage of maria, start a step group, find a step group, get online, find a sponsee and take them thru the book the original way. I know it sucks, untreated Alcoholics spewing garbage and using our Fellowship as a therapy group. Keep talking steps, they end up disappearing.
Dude- it’s like you shot a basketball from NYC and put it through the hoop in LA. Money!!! I’m in NA clean 10 years 10 months and 5 days. None of this worked for me until I began working on my spiritual well being. I got with a sponsor who did step work had faith and had a sponsor who did the same. In so many meetings it seems more important to see who’s going to the diner than who’s doing step work. I was in a meeting where a guy was bragging to a room full of new comers that he hasn’t used in 15 years and never did a step and had no sponsor. It makes my heart hurt. Keep telling the truth. It’s vital now more than ever.
I think this is a culture thing as well. We are constantly reinforced that drinking is normal. In movies, in our towns, in our friendships and families. Our culture is rotted with alcohol. I imagine back in the day you didn’t have it flashed across your tv like we do now because they didn’t have tvs
Many people don't suffer alcoholism. So why should they give a chit? Because it bothers you? I wish there was a Homelessness Anonymous.
Wise words. I just told last week in a meeting how I think the program. 12 steps like they are presented in "the Big Book" and "12/12" are like training program to me. Outside world is my gym, sponsor (when I at my first sober years had him) was mostly a reverend or a medicin man who heard my confession, and partly a personal trainer. Meetings are gyms locker rooms and saunas, were I can meet other trainees, share experiences with them, and strengthen my motivation.
I stayed sober but left aa after ten years. I simply got tired of non stop drinking stories. It was like a quicksand never moving forward. But aa did serve in getting me sober
Im currently experiencing what you’re talking about, These people make me feel so uncomfortable but it helps to cut the head of the snake. It’s not meant to stay in forever but some people use it as a cult now. It bothers me so much
@@gotchabud3047 you can succeed without non stop drunk meetings I did
I’m where you’re at right now.
I learned tons from AA, and walked myself through the 12 Steps and had a spiritual awakening. The sponsors id tried just didn’t know how to actually work the steps as the book described.
The meetings became repetitive and, frankly, boring. I got busy and was unable to make my home meeting for two months, and I noticed that not one person from that group called or texted me to see if I was okay.
That was my queue that it was okay to move on.
Thanks, AA. I won’t forget what you’ve done for me.
@@unclerhombus life has so much more to offer after the drink. That was another person a lifetime ago
Gotta love them war stories
Well done my friend. 👍🏼 Love that video too. I subscribed. I appreciate and respect all the time and effort you put in. God bless you Greatly.
I'm in FA 6 yrs. We read the Big Book too. I agree with your insite on the past vs. present day. My ex is battling alcohol. For years I'd ask why can't you stop drinking, now I learned, it was the same reason I couldn't stop eating. I got to 361 lbs. But for the grace of God 🙏🏼
I found FA and lost 225 pounds via the Big Book. I need help, I have 50+ years of bad habits, it will not go away over night. I need meetings, readings, fellows and most importantly God.
TY again. 😇🌷
Thx for subscribing. I'm glad you like the videos!
@@thesoberempire aa is a cult - you need to research more man
What does FA stand for? Hopefully not what I think.....
@@natnat5082 Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous. 😊💕
@Nat Nat Think what you want Nat. We're adults here. Some are sicker than others I hear.
NA saved my life in the beginning. First time I opened the Basic Text, I was blown away, it was as if someone was following me and wrote a book about my life. I stopped attending meetings after my 2nd year. I made the decision because I kept hearing the same people talk about the same things for years, it was stagnate, so I went to AA to change it up.
I wasted years going to meetings and relapsing. Once I actually did the steps that cycle stopped. I also don't keep track of clean time. Cause I know all I have is today.
Fuckin a
I wrote my sobriety date in my big book. That's the only way I could of would know how long it's been. I don't day count anymore. My sobriety date is 9-13-2020
I did the same thing by going to AA meetings but not working the steps and I kept relapsing, but when I finally decided that I needed to work the 12 steps with a sponsor, I got sober and stayed sober. However, after staying sober and sponsoring others for 23 years, I retired from my job, got bored, and began to smoke 'legal' Pot. After about a year of doing that, while still going to AA meetings, I knew I needed to stop smoking Pot, so I said a prayer to my Higher Power asking for help, and soon after that, I stopped smoking completely. I never relapsed back into drinking at any time after I first worked the 12 steps but I felt I had violated the principle of sobriety by smoking Pot. I continued to go to AA meetings during that year and occasionally talked about my Pot smoking even though some might have felt that I shouldn't talk about Pot in an AA meeting, but nevertheless my home group members tolerated me talking about the issue, and once again I am totally sober. It's only been about 100 days since I last smoked Pot, but I have no desire to return to that. Sobriety to me means to not take any mind or mood altering substances. I am much happier when I have a 'clear head' with which to deal with my day to day life. Helping others has always been key to my sobriety and I continue to go to AA meetings 1 or 2 times a week and share my story in the hope that I might help someone else to recover. Thank you.
I don't believe you because the Steps are not done they are a lifetime practice.
@@rick-be You are 💯 correct.
Thank you for speaking the Truth. I am sober 25 years and agree with everything you’ve said I’ve done service beyond the Group level for 21 years.. Would love to talk with you sometime. Thank you for your service.
The only one who can take responsibility for your life is you. I personally find powerful tools in the Big Book to keep me sober. As for meetings, it just shows me I'm not alone and there are those who are sicker than me. And that makes me want to help when asked.
I feel the opposite. I feel that the Big Book was written by a manipulative man who broke off from his evangelical cult (Oxford Group), while picking and choosing the tidbits he wanted from that group, and adding his own gobbledegook supernatural quasi-religion to be more attractive to more people. Bill literally created his own religion. In the rooms I find close minded zombies that all say the same thing and spread the message of fear, powerlessness, and death, none of which are close to the truth of the human nature or experience. So, you see, not everyone can be easily brainwashed or convinced to believe in things that have nothing but anecdotal evidence to back their efficacy.
For instance, saying alcoholics have an "allergy" to alcohol is medical nonsense. But to participate in AA and work through the steps you have to accept doctrine that has become gospel truth such as we have an allergy that we aren't allergic to, that god is a capital "h" Him, recite the Lord's prayer despite allegedly being able to conceive of our higher power as "a doorknob". It's a cult, meant for a specific type of person that is succeptible to being sold on garbage.
@@thisisgettingold It’s actually not medical nonsense because it’s agreed upon by mainstream medical science, the allergy is the disease and it is a disease, you are sadly wrong and seem very resentful, sucks your experience was that bad.
@@thisisgettingold You're full of garbage. Dr Bill was a rock spiritually. Bill had to try to recapture his Blue Light special. It don't matter. I found a way to get recovered. So you can take your Joe Biden agenda and go pound a dollar out of 15 cents.
Brilliant David, keep it up, the world needs to know this, I am back in AA for the second time after having stopped for 419 days. I never did the 12 Steps to their completion nor did I have a sponsor. I relied on self-knowledge and thought I could use part of the 12 Steps to overcome my illness. How wrong I was. It took me 8 years to return, with my life in tatters. This time I am doing it to the tee, exactly as the Big Book says and as I sit on 116 days today, I am happy, joyous, and free. Thank you!
Sober for over ten years and grateful to AA.
Weak man needed God huh?
I got 5 also very thankful for AA .. might not be perfect but it's better than it's not. Thank God it's here !!
“Rarely have we seen a person that throughly followed our path”. For the ones that throughly follow the path, the recovery rate is still the same percentage.
May be I am becoming the old guy (45), but I think newcomers get coddled a lot these days and that doesn’t really help them.
When I first got clean and sober I was told to STFU and listen. They crushed me a little my first hear and the humility I got from that essentially became a solid foundation that opened me up to receive direction because you couldn’t tell me anything when I got here 14 years ago. Some of us needed to hear unpleasant truths about ourselves when we got here. That approach doesn’t fly a lot today
It also may be a generational thing. Younger people today, you cannot talk to them the way the old timers talked to us back in the day. There is a lot more emphasis on the delivery as opposed to the message today. This is strictly my opinion and my experience of course and everyone has their own journey
I am only 42 years sober. And have always contended the Alcoholism isn’t a disease, having said that I have recovered. And live a fulfilling productive life. I apply the 12 healing steps. I Live what the book says. Not what clowns say at meetings that probably aren’t alcoholics. I don’t have a sponsor. Neither do I sponsor. Having said that I do ask a few simple questions 1Are you ready to go to any legend to get sober.? If I don’t get an affirming answer,I walk away. Carry the message not the person. The old times used to say to me . AA has 33 sign posts 12 steps 12 traditions and 19 slogans . Tonight I discovered that the 11 step has 33 words. God is hiding in plain sight
My home group is to the book, hundreds and hundreds of years of sobriety and the message isn’t diluted, I am so lucky. Remember if you got sober in AA please give back what was so freely given to you.
I left A.A.
@@sirmcgowington Good for you. We'll be here when you need us. You will.
Thank you. I've been in since 1985...before the rehabs exploded. I had a sponsor, Rachel, who drilled into me that this program is the "fellowship of the spirit" NOT< the "spirit of fellowship". Like you said, it's spiritual recovery. Thanks.❤
90 meeting in 90 days does serve a purpose. Have to change patterns. Meet others for support. Find out how to get started. I've been in A.A for 33 years. The slogans do serve a purpose. Yes, things have got diluted . Don't agree with the 5% . When it's time to sober up it happens. Some just don't. I've seen a lot of changes over the years. Yes there is other ways to sober up.
'There is a Solution.' A program for living which demands rigorous honesty.
I'm a alocholic and on the wagon I fall off now and then but keep on hoping back on I don't give up 🙏 AA I need it and won't stop trying to be Sober, 💪🙏 Feels Good to be sober it really does 🤩 don't give up 🙏 you can do it ✝️ 😊 🙏.
For your sake, get a real sponsor and do the steps.
"Just dont drink no matter what" FUCK THAT, work the steps and be RECOVERED.
I attended AA meetings + done service for 10 yrs but always relapsed I kept hearing do lots meetings n keeping coming back I'm sorry it doesn't work the solution is in the big book n following directions basically trusting god cleaning house growing on this spiritual journey n helping others it really works n gave me peace of mind n contentment it said in book chapter 5 we beg of you to be fearless n thorough from the very start my sobriety date is 23 sep 2007 god bless all
I'm sober 19 years. Had I not effed around the first 10 years as a chronic slipper, I guess I could say I had 29 years. Who gives a flip? I'm sober today so I have a chance. God Bless y'all with a hellfire and brimstone blessing! God people have lost their sense of humor.
Keep coming, we will love you until you love yourself etc. Total nonsense, when the Spiritual Malady is overcome we straighten mentally and spiritually
Great video!! With a group that has there way of AA , it’s almost like a competition who has the best sobriety.. that my obsession has been lifted!!! Glad I found these videos cause I was at the point of being frustrated with AA because I wasn’t doing it this Groop’s way!,,
I agree 💯%
The AA of the 30's, 40's, and 50's were a lot different than the AA of today. A lot better, in my opinion 📖
Thank you for sharing this video. I hope it reaches many people who are still struggling with their addiction and not focusing on the spiritual awakening as originally intended.
Thank you Amanda. What do you women think of Monica Richardson and her 13th step movie? Do predators cause these problems in groups you belong to or can a strong group run them off? I have my own opinion about what I've seen and experienced.
I've been a member since 1988 up and down up and down in the program today you made me understand the essence of the foundation the very engine and motor components of the program (uncle Steno reparations).
The failure is not in the 12 Step program itself but in the fact that so many try to get sober by going to AA meetings. The success rate for those who actually work the program is 75%, at least, and likely higher. Over a period of 12 years, I've never met anybody who didn't recover who was actually working and living the program.
Facts .......
I’m speaking tonight and this is top notch information!! 17 years of the SoberLife!! Thanks to some old time AA in Lansing Michigan
I have been sober since 12-27-1982 By the Grace of God and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Let go and let God
ive had several years at a time sober in aa. you have to find the good meetings. solution-based meetings - and those meetings are out there. i can guarantee aa works very well. most people simply dont work the steps, dont work the program, dont make enough meetings, dont stay connected to the fellowship, dont follow suggestions. its a pretty demanding program, but it works without any doubt.
Just came across this channel. It's great. Video couldn't agree more.
I'm so disillusioned with AA at the moment. Thank you for giving me back why I loved AA in first place,finding a solution with Spiritual principles
12th step work is not very promising. There are those who do get and stay sober, but unfortunately, there are many who don't! This is one of the realities of getting and staying sober. If you have a desire to not drink, then you're welcome to join us. If not, then please don't waste my time and yours, ty.
An honest desire to stop drinking and be willing to go to any lengths to do something about it.
Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path!!
Love the Chris Raymer dialog. Great message!!!! What this man is talking about is what saved my life 9 years ago. Thank you for posting this!
I've benefited from your thoughtful videos. I think you are correct: the restoration of AA hinges on one solution, that is, complete focus on the message penned in the first 164 pages of the big book and only this message. I hope you'll continue to upload more content. Thank you.
I became sober because of the message in the book, but by the grace of God. In the book, not in the meetings, I found alcoholics like me. In the meetings I just found alcoholics who controlled their drinking and they didn't enjoy drinking at some point of their life, so they sobered up and filled the meetings, just because doctors told to do so. I never was like that.
I realized from the very beginning, that my drinking behavior was different from others. I had to drink quicker and more than others to get the same result and because of that, I had to guess how much to drink, to keep on the same level as all the other people around. But the point was that I always missed the right amount and so I was drunk and the truck was unstoppable, needing more and more fuel until the great oblivion occurred.
In the meetings, people are talking about them still recovering. I am glad that this is not the message of the book, because I became very ill physically 12 years ago and if I would have still to recover from alcoholism after almost 22 years, I'd be screwed. By the grace of God, I have recovered from alcoholism and no longer have to worry.
U made some good points about sticking with the originals. Thanks for posting!
Sober 45 years August 10, 1979! Good points!
Practical experience shows us that nothing will so much ensure our immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. Pick up the phone for that 12th step call share your experience strength and hope. You may be someone’s only exposure to AA carry the message. Recovery is possible. Today I’m granted a reprieve based on my spiritual fitness.
“ Very seldom have we ever seen a member fail who is WILLING to follow our path “.
“Those who do not recover are often incapable of being honest with themselves, there are such unfortunates… “ The first 100 was actually closer to 1000, however 100 were desperate enough and had had a spiritual awakening brought on by the 12 Steps which allows for the desire and passion, care and concern to carry the good news to those who still suffer. “Any Alcoholic can and does recover if they are WILLING to put in the work”. I am recovering because I chose to get honest. I want recovery. I have the gift of desperation. I have a home group. I put in the work. I do the steps. I attend meetings. I have a sponsor. I have a working and living concept (step 2) of God and practice principles to the best of my ability. I read literature and take interest in my fellow members, my community and my society. I am a grateful recovering member of the 12 Step organisation.
Gaslighting!!
Fantastic video! AA has been a blessing to me. My home group is a very small group on a very small town who operate according to the 12 and 12. Sad to say a lot of meetings aren’t this way…
You absolutely speak the truth. I did relapse because I did not have a spiritual awakening because I did not work the steps.
Sober 35 years, spiritual is absolutely essential but my concern is that many think relapse is part of recovery. AA is designed to stop drinking NOT to go in and out umpteen times.
Excellent video one again! You are indeed right about the dilution of AA. I have no problem with AA as an entity, it's the people in it. Too many people think that one's Higher Power HAS to be a religious entity. Too many people parroting slogans that have NOTHING to do with AA, like "You Got This!" or "Easy Does It". The Qualfication for membership is "A desire to stop drinking" - a lot of people think the key word is "desire", for me it is "stop". Too many people cannot or will not come to terms that this means "stop for the rest of your life" and will use "One day at a time" (again, a phrase that is never used in the main body of the Big Book) as a convenient get-out clause.
You need to get over your problem with God if you are ever going to get the AA program and have a vital spiritual experience or awakening. That is what will get and keep you sober. That is what will remove the mental obsession to drink. God is what removes your spiritual sickness. When that is straightened out the physical and mental straighten out as well.
I hope that you find God and get and stay sober. But if you have a problem with God then maybe AA isn't for you. God is mentioned over 400 times in the Big Book and Twelve and Twelve book. God is mentioned directly or indirectly in seven of the Twelve Steps. If you are a real alcoholic whom has lost control of his drinking as the Big Book describes then God is the only answer. But if you are just an alcoholic of the hard drinking variety or alcohol abuser or problem drinker whom drinking causes problems in their life BUT can quit or moderate if you really have to. Then you are not really an Alcoholic of the Big Book type. That type can get sober and stay sober without a vital religious experience. Give God a chance. The age of miracles is still alive and well.
@@rodneyjohnson7327 I haven't got a problem with a God of my own understanding. But it's not a religious God as you seem to think it has to be. What do you feel about atheists and agnostics? Are you going to try and convert them or tell them that AA isn't for them as well?
@@nevillejackson7766 Read the chapter in the Big Book titled "We agnostics ". It does not matter what I personally think about atheist and agnostics. What matters is what the Big Book says. It is the text book for our program. It has written in it the only way to sobriety for real alcoholics. God is the answer according to the Big Book. Take it or leave it, literally.
@@rodneyjohnson7327 I left it and it was the best decision of my life.
Read the morning and evening prayers in the Big Book. Particularly " On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day" throughout the prayer it never goes to the future it always stays the focus on the day that is. "In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. We relax and take it easy." The evening prayer does not even include a word about the following day, in its entirety it just focuses on a review of what has happened on that day.
Amazing work my brother! You said what I have been feeling so often in the rooms. I love your message and look forward to watching more of your videos
Keep connecting with alcoholics and talking about the spiritual malady
Respect
I tried AA for ~12 yrs desperately trying to get sober. I would have sober periods - no more than ~6 mo. I found a wonderful church that offered sm group classes. As I got closer to God the desire to numb myself started to fade. Today I am totally free from the chains of addiction for 8 yrs now.
I have nothing against AA - I saw many people get real sobriety there. I just needed more.
This video is soooo close to the Truth.. The only problem.. It's a physical "dis-ease", mental "dis-ease", emotional "dis-ease" and spiritual "dis-ease".. We do recover...
I always wanna mention that. My bands name was Dis-ease. And evwryone would always fuck it up first and then be like ohhhh that clever....well its a very real feeling but the book os where i got it from. Its just crazy how rarely i see that word
I am having a great difficulty with AA at the moment. I am being ostracized by the groups I attend. I think this is based on gossip, hatred, jealousy, envy, fear. Many women in AA have called me handsome and it makes me nervous, now it is difficult to talk to girls because their sponsor will charge in between and tell me I can't talk to her.
What happened? I turned a girl down for sex and she hates me and spreads gossip and slander around. We are supposed to be "loving and inclusive."
Last month a new and very pretty girl decided to sit next to me, and I made her laugh. (Usually pretty girls will only stay a few weeks for fear of the predators) Towards the end of the meeting this woman and two others called me a thirteen stepper, a predator. "We are not a glum lot!" That is bullshit to me because of these actions against me. So what, I made a girl laugh. I am seriously thinking about leaving, been there four years but public slander is kind of hard to get past.
I agree with your assessment of cruelty and gossip they engage in, it's like high school 🙄. They may be sober for the day but they lack maturity. Date who you want, some sponsors simply like the power they have been given and do not practice what they expect of you.
This is the most modernized delivery of the state of AA, and also very poignant. Maybe the one of 5he most powerful AA based video I have seen on TH-cam during my 5 years of recovery. Keep pushing the message, you will help save many many lives.
You have to work on yourself to get sobe and drop your ego. I have one relapse before I got sober. I have many addicts in my AA who relapse again and again. I watched what they did, and did the opposet of them.
What are the other 4?
I am in a NA homegroup I have an awesome sponser and have found and trust my higher power though it may not be GOD as any of the Bibles depict it to be my higher power is more along the lines of having a Group Of Druggies I can confide and trust to unload living life on life’s terms I have worked the steps once through when I was at a treatment centre and have started working them again! I know there is a power greater than me and I need it to take the load of life when it becomes to much for me to bear! The feeling of relief after leaving a meeting and sharing the struggles I encounter and getting feedback from those farther down the path of recovery is amazing and that is why I will KEEP COMING BACK!
The BB is THE solution ❤thank you for delivering the message SO eloquently😊
The things you learn a AA stay with you for life. Did not stop drinking at the time but when I did I was glad I went to the meeting years before it really does help even if you don't stop straight away 6 years now clean and no wish to return to the old ways
I always find it interesting when they talk about AA success statistics. I have never ever seen nor heard of anyone keeping track of the people who come into the rooms and their success rate. Not once not ever. And never have I seen those statistics printed, scrutinized, checked and rigorously subjected to the scientific method.
From what I have heard the way they count is by the the sobriety chips that are sold , another thing is that the courts send lots of people that don't even want to be there they assume that if someone gets a drunk driving that they are alcoholic, so in my opinion there's alot of people that don't even belong there or don't want to be there
Stats can be deceiving , for example 100% of people that have consumed just 1 tomato in their life have either died or will die. Now that's ridiculous I know but it's true.... Right? So my experience of 36 years of sobriety is those that do the work make it and those that don't do the work do not make it! Get a sponsor and work the steps. If the stat is that 2/3 don't make it then 2/3 did not do the work! Half measures availed us NOTHING. Our program works if you work it but won't if you don't! My name is Jim and I am an alcoholic. God Bless!
@@jimwestmoreland4415 love that
@@genstonewall The last part of your comment has to do with changes in the laws. Getting a DWI does not mean you're an alcoholic
Why wouldn't AA want official stats regarding success and failure rates? Seems fishy. If AA worked so well, you'd think they'd welcome the scrutiny to back it up.
It’s Work, If Ya Work It. 💯
So Work It, ‘Cause Ya Worth It.
I've been in AA for almost six months now, four while I was still drinking and two while in rehab via zoom. In both instances, the rooms are full of A.A.slogans and catchphrases. It makes me sick to continue to listen to them day after day. I associate these occurences with a saying we had while I was in the Navy: "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance baffle them with bullshit".
When you get to steps 4 and 5, you might for the first time in your life realise what a miserable shit you can be and you might realise too that you are not so wonderful that you can judge others. Wait till you get to step12......... and you are expected to help others!!! Selfish fools are critical always.....
And sadly.... WILL get drunk again.
@@mikespencer4922 you must be fun at a party...
@@chamicels yep. When I with your mother.
@@mikespencer4922 you better beg for forgiveness from your Sky Daddy or you might drink you lush ...lol
@@chamicels Sky Daddy... ???with capital letters..... ???
Old sunday school habits die hard ya sweet old fraud.
Wow, Telling The Truth, A A Saved My Life. Lead Me To Outside Help. Getting Back To The Roots That Work. THANK YOU.❤