1

BIG BOOK AWAKENING

STEPS 1-2-3 QUESTION GUIDE

QUESTIONS AND ANSWER GUIDE for Steps 1- 3 These are compiled questions of the statements out of the Big Book of Alcoholics

Anonymous, that we turned into questions.

To download the most current versions of these worksheets, go to: www.BBAWorks.com NOTES: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2

CIRCLEANDTRIANGLE/PREFACEANDFORWARDS

AsIlookatthecircleandtriangleIwillconsidereachpart.Intheunitysidethefellowship.IfyouareaNEWCOMER,youcanwrite“N/A”ifitdoesn’tapply:

1. UNITYSIDE(Fellowship/TheBody)-HowamIdoingwithmymeetings?____________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIgotoenoughmeetings?______________________________________________________b. DoIhaveahomegroup?_________________________________________________________c. DoIhaveacommitmentatameeting?DoIgototoomanymeetings?

______________________________________________________________________________d. DoIgetthereearly?_____________________________________________________________e. DoIwelcomenewpeoplebeforeorafterthemeeting?________________________________f. DoIreachout?_________________________________________________________________g. DoIhelpwithsetuporsitdown?__________________________________________________

2. RECOVERYSIDE(12-Steps/TheMind)-Howamdoinginthe12steps?

____________________________________________________________________________________

a. AmIactivelygoingthroughthe12steps?____________________________________________b. HowamIdoingwithmystep10?__________________________________________________c. HowamIdoingwithmydailypracticeof11?_________________________________________d. HaveIfinishedalltheamendsonmy8-steplist?______________________________________

3. SERVICESIDE(Spiritual/AmIworkingwithothersandcarryingthemessage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

a. AmIworkingwithotherstakingthemthroughthebigbookaswastakenthroughit?______________________________________________________________________________

b. HavealookedtoseeifthewayItakepeoplethroughtheworkiseffectiveandaretheystayingintheprogram?________________________________________________________________

c. AmIgivingthemenoughattentionandtimeamIexplainingtheprocesswell?______________________________________________________________________________

d. DoIhaveacommitmentatahospitalorinstitution?______________________________________________________________________________

4. ThepromiseisthatifactionistakeninallthreeareasIcanbewhole.DoIfeelwhole?____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Thefirstpromiseishowhundredshave“recovered”.AmI“recovered”oramI“recovering”?____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Intheforwardtothefirstadditionitsaysthatwehave“recovered”fromaseeminglyhopelessstateof

mindandbody.Isthattrueforme?______________________________________________________

3

7. Ittalksaboutmanydonotcomprehendthatthealcoholicandaddictareverysickpeople.DoI?____________________________________________________________________________________

8. InthemeetingbetweenDr.BobandBillW.intheForwardtothe2ndEdition,whatstoodouttoyou

(pagexv-xvii):________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONSIDERATION:OnpageXX,ittalksaboutthepercentageofrecoveriesandhowitusedtobe75%andnowthelastsurveytakenwasitwasabout7%.Whatdoesthatmeantome?Whatdoesthattellme?WhatcanIdotomakeadifference?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

4

TheFirstStepTheBigBookofAlcoholicsAnonymousnevertellsusdirectlyhowtoworkthefirsttwosteps.Intheportionof‘HowIWorks”readatmanymeetings,weheat“OurdescriptionoftheAlcoholic,thechaptertotheagnostic,andourpersonaladventuresbeforeandaftermakeclearthreepertinentideas,thatwewerealcoholicandcouldnotmanageourownlives,thatprobablynohumanpowercouldhaverelievedusofouralcoholismandthatGodcouldandwouldifHeweresough.(pages58-60).Whatisnotreadisthesentencewhichfollows,“Beingconvinced,wewereatStep3.”Convincedofwhat?Theanswerisrightthere:“Convincedofthesethreepertinentideas.”Andhowdowegetconvinced?Wereadthedescriptionofthealcoholic,thechaptertotheagnostic,andthepersonalexperiencesbeforeandaftertheyarespecificallydesignedto“makeclearthesethreepertinentideas.”Intheoriginalmanuscript,itreadthatifwewerenotconvinced,“weoughttorereadthebooktothispointorelsethrowitaway.’Wecompareourexperiences;thewaywethoughtfelt,anddrank(orused)withtheexperiencesofthepeopledescribedinthebook,toseehowtheymatchup,thisishowwetakestepsoneandtwo.Relatingtotheirexperiencesmaycreateaproblemforthemodernreader.TheEnglishoftodayissignificantlydifferentfromthatof1939whenthisbookwasfirstpublished.IfyouhaveevertriedtoreadShakespeare,youareperhapsawareoftheeffecttimehasuponlanguage.GoingthroughtheBigBookinthewaydescribedhereshouldhelpyouovercomethislanguageproblem,andgiveyouanunderstandingoftheBigBookwhichisreflectedinyourownexperience.YoumaybegintoseetheBigBookinanewlight,andperhapsitwillhaverealmeaninginyourownlifetoday.MuchofthisworkbookconsistsofstatementsfromtheBigBookwhichhavebeenturnedintoquestions.Wefoundithelpfultoviewthebookinthislightratherthanasabookofanswers;theanswersyouwillfindonlyinyourownexperience,andwithinyouownheart.Forthesakeofclarity,somequestionsareparaphrasedratherthandirectlyquoted.Ifthereissomethingyourelateto,describeit,andaskyourself“whatwasmyexperiencewiththis?”“Didthishappentome?DidIfeellikethis?”“Thinklikethis?”or“Drink/uselikethis?”Thisisnota“homeworkassignment”werewetrytogetthroughitasquicklyaswecanwithaminimumeffort.Ifyouarereallyandalcoholic,and/ordrugaddict,havinganunderstandingofthesestepsmeansthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath.Thisworkbookissetuptobeusedbyalcoholicsanddrugaddict.However,someofusthoughtwewereonlyalcoholicsoronlyaddicts,andlaterdiscoveredwewereboth.Weaskyouonlytotrytokeepanopenmind.

DOCTOR’SOPINIONStep1–Physicalcraving

Pagexxv-23

1. WhyamIinterestedintheplanofrecoverydescribedinthisbook?Pg.xxv–P1-L2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5

2. DoIbelieveconvincingtestimonymustsurelycomefromadoctorwhohadexperiencewiththesufferingsofalcoholicsandhavewitnessedtheirreturntohealth?Wouldthisbehelpfultome?Pg.xxvP1–L4____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. AmIthetyperegardedashopeless?Wantstoquitbutcan’t?pg.xxvP3–L3

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. AmIthetypewithwhomeverymethodItriedhadfailedcompletely?WhathaveItried?Pg.xxvP5-L2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. AmIwillingtobelievethisbookhasaremedyforme?Pg.xxv1P1L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. AmIwillingtorelyabsolutelyonanythingtheysayaboutthemselvesinthisbook?

Pg.xxviP1-L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Allergy”Definition:aconditionofunusualsensitivitytoasubstance,whichinlikeamountsdoesnotaffectothersandischaracterizedbysystematicdisorders.Note:It’slikehavinganallergicphysicalreactiontostrawberries.Ican’teatthemwithoutbreakingoutinaphysicalitch,nothingtodowithwhatI’mthinking.Aswithalcohol,whenIdrinkIbreakoutinanitchtohaveanotherdrink,thenanother,thenanother.Youwillseeyourexperiencewiththephysicalpowerlessnessnotintheamountyoudrank,butinyourlackofcontrol.

5. DoIbelievethatmybodyisquiteasabnormalasmymindafterthefirstdrinkordrug?Why?Pg.xxviP2–L2_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DidanyexplanationI’veheardeversatisfymeastowhyIcouldnotcontrolmydrinkingand/or

using?WhatdidIhear?WhathaveItoldmyself?Pg.xviP2–L7____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6

b. DoIbelievethesethingsweretruetosomeextent,infact,toaconsiderableextentwithme?Pg.xxv1P2–L10

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DoIbelievethatmybodywassickenedaswell?Pg.xxviP2–L11__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. DoIbelieveanypictureofmewhichleavesoutthisphysicalfactorfeelsincomplete?Explain

whatthephysicalfactorlookslikewithyouwhenyoudrinkoruse?Pg.xxviP2–L12__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

e. Doesthedoctor’stheorythatIhaveanallergytoalcoholinterestme?Pg.xxviP3–L1__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

f. Doestheexplanationabouttheallergymakegoodsense?Pg.xxviP3–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

g. DoesitexplainmaythingsforwhichIcannototherwiseaccount?Pg.xxviP3–L5

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. DoIbelieveIneedtofindaPowerwhichcanpullmebackfromthegatesofdeathandthatmustbeapowergreaterthanmyown?Explainwhy?Pg.xxviiP6–L9____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. DoIbelievethatthere-actionofalcoholonmeislikeanallergyandthereisacravingformorethat

occursafterthefirstdrinkordrug?Explainwhatthatlookslikewithyou?Pg.xxviiiP1–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. CanIsafelyusealcohol(and/ordrugs)inanyformatall?Pg.xxviiiP1-L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DidIformthehabit?Pg.xxviiiP1–L6

______________________________________________________________________________c. CouldIbreakIt?Pg.xxviiiP1–L7

______________________________________________________________________________

7

d. DidIlosemyselfconfidencethatanythinghumancouldkeepmesober?Pg.xxviiiP1–L7______________________________________________________________________________

8. DoIbelievefrothyemotionalappeal(likesomeonebeggingmetostop)neverworkedsothemessage

thatIbettergethereinthisprogramtointerestandholdme,musthavedepthandweightmorethanemotionalorintellectual?Pg.xxviiiP2–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. DidIdrinkbecauseIlikedtheeffectofalcohol?Whatwasthateffectlikeforme?Pg.xxviiiP4–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Wastheeffectsogreatthatafteratime,eventhoughyouknewitwasbadforyou,youcould

nottellthetrueformthefalse?(“Likeinvestingincocainetosellitorgoingtothebarforacoupleofbeers”)Pg.xxviiiP4–L2

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Didmyalcoholiclifeseentheonlynormalone?How?Pg.xxviiiP4–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. AmIrestless(uneasy)irritable(easilyannoyed)anddiscontented(neversatisfied)untilIexperiencea

senseofeaseandcomfortwhenIpickupadrugoradrink?Pg.xxviiP2–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. WhenIstarttodrinktochangethewayIfeel,amIabletostoponceIfellIwanttofeel?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. DoIbelievethatinrecoveryImustexperiencethesenseofeaseandcomfortthatIgotbydrinkingor

using,ifnot,willIgiveintothedesiretodrinkagain?Why?Pg.xxix____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. DoIpassthroughthewell-knownstagesofaspree,emergingremorseful,withthefirmresolutionto

neverdrinkoruseagain?WhathappenswhenImakeresolutionstonotdrinkoruse?Pg.xxixP(top)–L5____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8

a. Isthisrepeatedoverandover?Pg.xxixP(top)–L7

______________________________________________________________________________b. OrdoIhaveothersolutions?Pg.xxix

P(top)_________________________________________________________________________c. CanIstaystoppedonmyown?Pg.xxixP2–L3

______________________________________________________________________________d. DoIneedhelp?Pg.xxixP2–L3

______________________________________________________________________________

13. DoIbelievethatsomethingmorethanhumanpowerisneededtoproducetheessentialpsychic

changeandthatismyonlyanswer?Pg.xxixP3–L5________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. WhenIstartdrinking,canImentallycontrolwhenI’mgoingtostopdrinking?Pg.xxixP4–L6

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. Hasthiscravingatanytimebecomemoreimportantthanallotherinterests?(Job,family,etc.)Pg.xxix

P(top)L2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. WasIalwaysgoingonthewagon(swearingoff)forkeeps?Pg.xxxP2–L4

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. WasIover-remorsefulmakingmanyresolutionstoquit?Pg.xxxP2–L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. WasIunwillingtoadmitthatIcannottakeadrinkordrug?Why?Pg.xxxP3–L1

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DidIplanvariouswaysofdrinkinginanefforttocontrolmydrinking?Giveanexample.Pg.P3–

L2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9

b. DoIbelievethatafterbeingentirelyfreefromalcoholforaperiodoftimethatIcouldtakeadrinkwithoutdanger?Why?Pg.xxxP3–L4

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. HaveIidentifiedmyallergytoalcoholasacravingformoreonceIstartdrinking?Pg.xxxP5–L1

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. CanIstartdrinking(using)withoutdevelopingthephenomenonofcraving?Whathappens

whenIdo?Pg.xxxP5–L2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DoIbelievethisallergydifferentiatesmeandsetsmeapartfromotherpeople?I’mnotlike

otherpeoplewhenitcomestoalcoholand/ordrugs?Pg.xxxP5-L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DoIbelievetheonlyrelieftothisphysicalallergyisentireabstinence?Pg.xxxP5–L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. CanIdothatonmyown,justnotdrink?Pg.xxxP5-L8

______________________________________________________________________________

19. DoIfeeldoomed(whenitcomestoalcoholand/ordrugs)?Pg.xxxP6-L4________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20. WasIlivingtodrink(oruse)?Whatdidmydaylooklike?Pg.xxxiP2–L6

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONSIDERATIONS:HowisitthatIhaveasobrietydatethatonceItakethefirstdrinksomethinghappensinbothmybodyandmymindthatmakesitvirtuallyimpossibletostop____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IfIhaveasobrietydatethatis10daysormoreandIcan’tproduceasenseofeaseandcomfortpowerfulenoughtokeepmefromtakingthefirstdrink,howisitthatIcontinuetohavethissobrietydatenomatterhowIfelt?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10

BILL’SSTORYStep1

Pg.1-topofpage91stHalfofBill’sStory

1. Didyouturntoalcohol/drugswhenyouwerelonely?Page1P1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Weretherethigsthathappenedearlyinyourdrinking/usingcareer(ominouswarningswhichyoufailedtoheed?Pg.1P3____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Didyoudeveloptheoriesaboutyouwouldbesuccessfulinlifewhileloaded?Pg.2P2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Didyourfriendssometimesthinkyouwerecrazy?Pg.3TopP

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Diddrinkingand/orusingbecomemoreimportantovertime?Pg.3P1

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Didyourdrinkingand/ordruggingbecomemoreseriousduringthistime?Pg.3P2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Didyoufightwithyourspouseandfriends?Pg.3P2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Didyoubecomealoner?Pg.3P2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11

c. Didyoubegintodrinkand/oruseinthemorning?Pg.3P3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Didyoustarttodrinkand/ordrugtoescapefromproblems,sometimesbroughtonbythedrinking

and/ordrugging?Pg.4P1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Didyoubecomeanunwelcomehangeronatyourjob,atthebar,atthecrackhouse?Pg.5topP

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Didalcohol/drugs,atsomepoint,ceasetobealuxuryandbecomeanecessity?Explain.Pg.5P1–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. DidIstillthinkIcouldcontroltheconsequencesofdrinkinganddrugging?How?Pg.5P1–L9

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Didlifegraduallygetworse?How?Pg.5P2–L1

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Didyoufeelasenseofimpendingcalamity?Likesomethingbadwasalwaysabouttohappen?Pg.6P1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Didyounowhavetodrinkorgethightobeabletofunctionatall?Pg.6P1

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. Didyouthinkofsuicide?Pg.6P2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12

a. Didyoutrymixingheavysedatives(downers)withalcoholanddrugs?Pg.6,P2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Canself-knowledgefixme?Whyorwhynot?Pg.7P2–L9

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. WasIashopelessasBill,wantedtostopdrinkingbutcouldn’t?pg.8P1–L5____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Didyoufeelloneliness,despairandself-pity?Pg.8P2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Didyoueverfeelalcohol/drugswereyourmaster?Pg.8P2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Didthis(thatyouhadnopower)scareyou?Wereyouafraid?Pg.8P2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. Didthisfearkeepyousober?Ordidyoudrinkagainanyway?Pg.8P2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13

2ndHalfofBill’sStory

17. Hasyourhumanwillfailedyou?“Didyoureallydecidetostartdrinkingorusingagainordidyoujustconvinceyourselfitwasyourdecisionsoyoucouldfeellikeyouwereincontrol”?pg.11P3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Areyoureadytoadmitcompletedefeat?Whatmeaningdoesthishaveforyou?Pg.11P3___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. DoyouunderstandthatyoucanchooseyourownconceptionofGod?Thatitonlyhastomakesense

toyou?Pg.12P2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. DoIbelieveifIdidnotdothisworkwithothers,Iwouldsurelydrinkagain?OrlivelikeIneedadrink?Giveadescriptionofhowthatlooks.Pg.13topP–L3____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20. AmIwillingtoabandonmyselfwiththeenthusiasmtotheideaofhelpingotheralcoholicstoasolution

oftheirproblems?Pg.15P1–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. AmIwillingtoattendmeetingsfrequentlysothatthenewcomermayfindthefellowshiptheyseek?

WhatamIwillingtodo?Pg.15P2–L14____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14

THERE’SASOLUTIONPART1–PHYSICALCRAVING

Page17–Page23

1. WasIashopelessasBill(wanttoquitbutcan’t)Pg.17P1–L3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Isthereanyotherhopeforme?Inwhatway?Pg.17P1–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Isthefellowshipbyitselfenoughformetostaysober?Explainyouranswer.Pg.17P2-L16__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DoIhaveawaytostaycleanandsoberwithouthelp?Pg.17L3-P2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. HaveIcometobelieveIsufferfromanillness:Physically?Mentally?Spiritually?Explaineachone:pg.

18P1–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Diditaffectthepeoplearoundmeinawaynootherhumansicknesscan?Whowasaffected?

Pg.18P1–L2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Diditbringmisunderstanding?Fierceresentment?Financialinsecurity?Badtermswithfamily

orfriends?Employees?Warpedlivesofblamelesschildren?Sadwivesandparents?Listwhowasaffected.Pg.18P1–L7

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. WasIunabletodiscussmysituationwithoutlyingtomyspouse,parentsorintimatefriends?

Why?Pg.18P3–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Whenapproachingthenewcomer(youapproachingyoursponsor/steppartner)…Washe/shelikeme?pg.19topmargin:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15

a. Didhe/sheobviouslyknowwhattheyweretalkingabout?Pg.19P5–L2____________________________________________________________________________

b. Doeshis/herwholebehaviorshoutatthenewprospectthathe/sheisaman/womanwitharealanswer?Pg.18P5L2_________________________________________________________

c. Doeshe/shehavenoattitudeofHolierthanThou?Pg.18P5L5____________________________________________________________________________

4. Isjusttheeliminationofmydrinking/druggingenough,oristhisjustabeginning?Pg.19P1-L3

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. IfIkeepon‘justnotdrinking’eventhoughmuchgoodwillresult,doIbelievethesurfaceoftheproblemwouldhardlybescratched?Why?Pg.19P2–L1

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. DoesmylifedependuponmyconstantthoughtofothersandhowImayhelpmeettheirneeds?Asa

newcomerwhatcanIdotohelp?Pg.20P(top)–L2________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. AmIcurioustodiscoverhowandwhythesepeoplehaverecoveredfromahopelessconditionofmind

andbody?Pg.20P1-L3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. CanIusealcohol/drugsorjustleaveitalone?

Pg.20P3–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. CanIjustquit?Pg.20P3–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. CouldIhandlemyliquor?Drugs?Pg.20P3–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DoIhaveachoice?pg.20P3–L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. Ismywillpowerweak?Pg.20P3–L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16

e. CouldIstopifIwantedto?Pg.20P3–L6__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

f. CouldIstopforher/him?Whyorwhynot?Pg.20P3–L7

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. IfthedoctortoldmethatifIeverdrankagainitwouldkillme,couldIstop?

Pg.20P3–L8________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. DoIbelievethepeoplewhocandothesearephysicallyandmentallyverydifferentfromme?Pg.20

P4–L4________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The3TypesofDrinkers

THEMODERATEDRINKERType1:ThemoderateDrinker/Druguser.Wehaveallknownpeoplewhowouldhaveagladofwinewithdinnerandleavehalfofitonthetable,orafteracoupleofdrinks,somethinglike“Oh…I’mstartingtofeelthis,Ibetternothaveanymore”.Therewerealsopeoplewhocouldstashagramofcocaineindefinitely,ordidacoupleoflinesandquitbecausetheyhadtogotowork.

10. CouldIgiveupliquor(drugs)entirelyifIweregivenagoodreasonforit?Pg.20P5–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. CanItakeitorleaveitalone?Alcohol?Drugs?Pg.20P5–L3

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Doyouhavelittletroublequittingentirelyifgivengoodreason?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________b. Canyoutakeitorleaveitalone?___________________________________________________c. Doesthisdescribeyouordoyouknowpeoplelikethis?

______________________________________________________________________________

12. AmIamoderatedrinker?User?HaveIeverbeen?Pg.20–endP5L3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17

THEHARDDRINKERType 2: There were those people too, who we drank or used with, who were able to keep up with us. They drank as much as we did, used the same drugs we did, but something happened which caused them to stop or moderate on their own. Perhaps they got married, had a child, got a DUI, or went back to school. They grew out of it, while we continued to grow into it. Though they may have drank or used as much or more than we did, they are very different from a real alcoholic or drug addict.

13. DidIhavethehabitbadlyenoughtograduallyimpairmephysicallyandmentally?Pg.20P6-L2

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Coulditcausemetodieafewyearsbeforemytime?Pg.21P(top)L1

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. CouldIstaystoppedifgivenasufficientlystrongreason?_______________________________

Illhealth?__________________________________________________________________Fallinginlove?When?___________________________________________________________________________Changeofenvironment?When?___________________________________________________________________________Thewarningofadoctor?Pg.21P(top)L2___________________________________________________________________________

c. Ifadoctor,employer,judgeorprobationofficertoldyoustopforgood,couldyoudoit?Pg.21

P1___________________________________________________________________________

d. Ifyoufellinlove,andshe/hetoldyoutostopforgood,couldyoudoit?_________________________________________________________________________________________________

e. Ifyoumovedtoadifferentplace,couldyoustopforever?Pg.21P1______________________________________________________________________________

14. AmIaharddrinker?User?pg.21endofP(top)L7

____________________________________________________________________________________

a. Doesthisdescribeyouordoyouknowpeoplewhodidstopforreasonslikethese?Describe.Page20,P6.Page21TopP_______________________________________________________

18

THEREALALOHOLIC

15. DidIstartoffasamoderatedrinker?User?pg.21P1–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DidIbecomeacontinuousharddrinker?Druguser?Pg.21P1–L2

______________________________________________________________________________

16. DidIatsomestageofmydrinkingand/orusinglosecontroloftheamountIdrank(orused)onceIstartedtodrink?Usedrugs?Pg.21P1–L3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. CanIstaystoppedonmyownlikethemoderateorharddrinkercan?AmIphysicallyareal

alcoholicand/oraddict?Pg.21topmargin_________________________________________________________________________________

b. Didyoudoabsurdandtragicthingswhiledrinkingand/orusing?

______________________________________________________________________________

c. WereyouarealaDr.JekyllandMyHyde?______________________________________________________________________________

d. Wereseldommildlyintoxicated?Moreorlessinsanelydrunkorhigh?Explain______________________________________________________________________________

e. Wasthepersonyoubecamewhiledrunkorhighverydifferentfromwhoyouweresober,ifsohow?_________________________________________________________________________

f. Didyoubecomedangerouslyantisocialwhenloaded?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

g. Didyouhaveaknackforgettingloadedattheworstpossibletime?______________________________________________________________________________

h. Areyouincrediblyselfishanddishonestwerealcoholanddrugswereinvolved?______________________________________________________________________________

i. Doyougotobedloadedandwakeuplookingforabottle,ajointandtherestofthecocaineorcrystal?_______________________________________________________________________

j. Didyoustashalcoholanddrugsaroundsonobodywouldgetitall?______________________________________________________________________________

k. Didyoumixdrugswithalcoholjustsoyoucouldfunction?______________________________________________________________________________

19

l. Doesthisdescriptionroughlysoundlikeyou?Inwhatways?______________________________________________________________________________

17. Whycan’tIstaystopped?Pg.22P2–L4

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. WhathasbecomeofmycommonsenseandwillpowerthatIstillsometimesdisplaywith

respecttoothermatters?Pg.22P2L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DoesmyexperienceabundantlyconfirmthatonceItakeanyalcoholwhateverintomysystem,

somethinghappensbothinmybodyandmymindwhichmakesitvirtuallyimpossibleformetostopuntilIgettothatplace?Pg.22P4–L4

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. DoesmyexperienceabundantlyconfirmthatonceItakeanyalcohol/drugswhateverintomysystem,

somethinghappensbothinmybodyandmymindwhichmakesitvirtuallyimpossibletostopuntilIgettothatplace,itmaybe3hoursor3days?Pg.22P4________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ENDOFPHYSICALCRAVING,BEGINNINGOFMENTALOBSESSION.

20

THEREISASOLUTION–part2Step1–TheMentalObsession

Page23–29

AmImentallypowerlessoveralcoholbeforeItakethefirstdrink?

1. AretheseobservationsaboutthephysicalcravingimportanttoknowbutpointlessifIjustnevertookthefirstdrink,thatsetstheterriblecycleinmotion?(CRAVING…OBSESSION/CRAVING…OBESSION)Pg.23P1–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Therefore,doIbelievethemainproblemcentersinmymindratherthaninmybody?Pg.23P1

–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. CouldIalwaysfindanexcusetodrink?Pg.23P-L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DidthismaladyofthemindhavearealholdonmeandwasIbaffled?Pg.23P2–L6__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. HaveIsufferedfromtheobsessionthatsomehow,someday,Iwillcontrolandenjoymydrinking?

Using?Pg.23P2–L7____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIsuspectthisobsessionfalse?Pg.23(writeattheendofP2)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. DoIbelieveIcanassertmypowerofwilltostaystoppedforever?Pg.23P3–L5

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. HaveIlostmentalcontroloverstayingstopped?Pg.23P4–L2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Willmystrongestdesiretostopdrinking/usingkeepmesober?WhathaveItried?Pg.24P(top)–L3

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21

a. HaveIlostthepowerofchoiceindrinkordidIreachapointwhereIchosenottodrink?…orwastheremoreinvolvedthanchoice?Pg.24P1–L2

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Hasmysocalledwillpowerbecomeweakandpracticallynon-existent?Pg.24P1–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. WasIunableatcertaintimes,tobringintomymindwithsufficientforce,thememoryofthe

sufferingandhumiliationofevenaweekoramonthago?Giveanexample.Pg.24P1–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. AmIwithoutdefenseagainstthenextdrugordrink?Pg.24P1–L7

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DidIeverchoosenotto,butdrankanyway?Pg.24P1__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. DoIthinktheconsequencesthatfollowtakingevenaglassofbeeroralineofcokewouldstopme?

Pg.24P2–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. IfIstarttothinkitthroughwhenthesethoughtsoccur,aretheyhazy?Pg.24P2–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. HaveIsaidtomyselfinacasualway“itwon’thurtmethistime?”pg.24P3–L1__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. …orperhapsattimesIdidnotthinkatall?Pg.24P3-L3

______________________________________________________________________________

d. Basedonyourownexperience,isthereanyreasonwhy“thinkingthroughthefirstdrinkordrug”willeverworkinthefuture?Pg.24____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. HaveIaskedmyselfbefore“howdidIevergetstartedagain?”pg.24P3–L6

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22

a. Hasthissortofthinkingfullyestablisheditselfinme?Pg.24P4–L1__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. HaveIplacedmyselfbeyondhumanaid?Pg.24P4–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. DoIthinkanythinghumancanstopthatpartofmethattakesmetothefirstdrink?(Likethreatsof

losingmyjobormarriage)Pg.24P4–L3____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. DoIbelievethatthis12-stepprocessiswhat’srequiredformetochangeandthatismyonlysolution?

Explainwhy.Pg.25P1–L4____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. HaveIseenthatitreallyworkedinothers?Who?Pg.25P1–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. HadIcometobelieveinthehopelessnessandfutilityofmylifeasIhadbeenlivingit?Pg.25P1–L5

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. WasIapproachedbyotherinwhomtheproblemhadbeensolved?Who?Pg.25P1–L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Isthereanythingleftformebuttopickupthesimplekitofspiritualtoolslaidatmyfeet?pg.

25P1–L9__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. DoIbelievethere’sanythinglessformethanadeepandeffectivespiritualexperiencewhichwill

revolutionizemywholeattitudetowardlife,towardmyfellowsandtowardGod’suniverse?Explain.Pg.25P2–L2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23

12. DoIbelievethereisanymiddleoftheroadsolutionforme?Why?(Amiddleoftheroadsolutionisanythingthatdoesn’thelpmehaveadeepandeffectivespiritualexperience)Pg.25P3–L1_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. WasIinapositionwherelifewasbecomingimpossible,andIhadpassedintotheregionfromwhichthereisnoreturnthroughhumanaid?“Whatcouldanypersontellyouordoforyouthatwouldmakeyoustopdrinkingorusing”?Pg.25P3–L3

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DoIhaveanyalternatives:Buttogoontothebitterend,blottingouttheconsciousnessofmy

intolerablesituationasbestIcould(actingoutinotherareasofmylife);ortoacceptspiritualhelp?Explain.Pg.25P3–L5

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. DoIhonestlywanttoandamIwillingtomaketheefforttoacceptspiritualhelp?Howwillthatlook?Pg.25P(top)–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. DoIbelievethatwithaprofoundknowledgeoftheinnerworkingofmymindthatrelapseis

unthinkable?Why?Pg.26P1-L11____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIthinkIcanquitforeverwithoutspiritualhelp?Whyorwhynot?Pg.27P1–L2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. DoIbelieveIhavethemindofachronic(persistent&reoccurring)alcoholic?Drugaddict?Pg.27P2–

L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. AmIanalcoholic(drugaddict)anddoIreallywantthisprogram?Whatmakesmetherealalcoholic

and/oraddict?Pg.29P3–L6____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

24

17. IfIamanalcoholic,powerlessoveralcoholandnevergoingtoregaincontrol,doIhaveachoice?ExplainPg.29(topparagraph)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. HowcanIadmitpowerlessnessoveralcohol/drugs,thensayIhaveachoicetoday,orthatIeverdid?(pg.29(topparagraph)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. HowisitthatIhaveasobrietydateifonceItakethefirstdrinkordrugsomethinghappensinbothmy

bodyandmindthatmakesitvirtuallyimpossibletostop?Pg.25________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25

MOREABOUTALCOHOLISMPART1

Step1–TheMentalObsessionPage30–top37

HaveIbeenunwillingtoadmitI’marealalcoholicand/oraddict?

1. AmIbodilyandmentallydifferentfromothers?Pg.30P1–L3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Hasmydrinkingcareerbeencharacterizedbycountlessvainattemptstocontrolmydrinking

and/orusing?Giveafewexamples.Pg.30P1–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. Hastheideathatsomehow,somedayIwillcontrolandenjoymydrinking/using,beenan

obsessionofmine?Pg.30P1–L6__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. Wasthepersistenceofthisillusionastonishing(Icouldcontrolmydrinkingandusing

astonishing)anddidIpursueitintothegatesofinsanityordeath?Pg.30P1–L9__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. HaveIlearnedthatIhadtoconcedetomyinnermostselfthatIamanalcoholic?Addict?Pg.30P2–L1

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIbelievethedelusionthatI’mlikeotherpeople,evennowsober,hastobesmashed?HowI

amdifferent?Pg.30P2–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. HaveIlosttheabilitytocontrolmydrinking/using,theamountItake,orstayingstopped?Pg.30P3–

L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIbelievethatIwilleverrecovercontrol?Pg.30P3–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

26

b. HaveIfeltattimesIwasregainingcontrol?How?Pg.30P3–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. Butweren’tsuchintervals–usuallybrief–andinevitablyfollowedbystilllesscontrol,which

ledintimetodoingthingsIpromisedIwouldneverdo?Giveafewexamples.Pg.30P3–L4___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. AmIconvincedthatI’minthegripofaprogressiveillnessandoveranyconsiderableperiodI

getworse,neverbetter?Pg.30P3–L8__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Doesthereappeartobeanykindoftreatmentwhichwillmakemelikeotherpeople?Pg.30P4–L2

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Insomeinstances,hastherebeenbriefrecovery?When?Pg.31P(top)L2

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Wasn’titfollowedalwaysbyastillworserelapse?Giveanexample.Pg.31P(top)–L3____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIbelievethereisnosuchthingasmakinganormaldrinkeroutofanalcoholicand/oraddict?

Pg.31P(top)–L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. ByeveryformofdenialandexperimentationhaveItriedtoprovemyselfanexceptiontotherule

thereforenon-alcoholicand/oraddict?Pg.31P1–L2________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. HaveItriedhardandlongenoughtodrinkanduselikeotherpeople?HowdidIfoolmyself?

Pg.31P1–L8__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

27

8. DoIbelievehavingalongperiodofsobrietywillbepowerfulenoughformetochoosewhetherIdrinkoruseagain…ornot?Pg.32L2–L13____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. DoIbelievetostopdrinking(using),theremustbenoreservationofanykind,noranylurkingnotion

thatsomeday,somehow,Iwillbeabletousealcohol/drugs,normally?Pg.33P1–L9____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. OnmyownpowercanIstaystopped?Pg.33P2–L2

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. DoIfeelIhadgoneondrinking(using)yearsbeyondthepointwhereIcouldquitonmyownwill

power?Pg.34–P1–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. CouldIleaveliquorordrugs(meth,heroin,marijuana)aloneforoneyearonmyown?Pg.34–

P1–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DoIdesiretostopentirely?Pg34P2–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. CanIstaystoppeduponanonspiritualbasis,bychoice?Pg.34P2–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. HaveIlostthepowertochoosewhetherIwilldrinkornot?Pg.34P2–L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

e. WasIconfusedaboutmyutterinabilitytoleavealcohol(drugs)alone,nomatterhowgreatthe

necessityorthewish?Pg.34P2–L10__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. DoIbelievethementalstatesthatprecedearelapseintodrinking(using)isthecenterofmyproblem?

Pg.35P(top)–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

28

13. DoIbelievethatifIfailtoenlargemyspirituallifeIwilldrink(use)again?OrlivelikeIneedadrinkordrug?Pg.35P3–L5________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Weretheretimeswhenallgoodreasonsfornotdrinkingwereeasilypushedasideinfavorofthe

foolishideathatIcouldcontrolmydrinking(using)?Example?Pg.36P3–L6____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Listbelowthe10mostinsanethingsyoueverdidwhenyouwereloaded-afteryoutookthefirstdrinkordrug:

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________2. ____________________________________________________________________________________3. ____________________________________________________________________________________4. ____________________________________________________________________________________5. ____________________________________________________________________________________6. ____________________________________________________________________________________7. ____________________________________________________________________________________8. ____________________________________________________________________________________9. ____________________________________________________________________________________10. ____________________________________________________________________________________

29

MOREABOUTALCOHOLISMPART2

Step1–TheMentalObsessionPage37-43

1. HaveIsufferedfromadistortedabilitytothinkstraightaboutmydrinking(using)toseethetruth?Pg.

37P1–L3________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. DidmybestthinkingfailtoholdmeincheckanddidmyinsaneideawinoutsoIdrankorused

anyway?Example?Pg.37L2–P8________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gobackandreviewthelistofthe10mostinsanethingsyoueverdidwhenyouwereloaded.Themostinsanethingyoueverdidisprobablynotonthislist,becauseyoudiditsober.Inalllikelihood,themostinsanethingyoudidwasthis:withthethingsonthislisthappeningwhenyougotloaded,youmadeadecisiontodrinkorusedrugsagain,andyoumadethisdecisionwhenyouwereassoberasyouarenow.

3. DoIbelieveIcouldstaystoppedonthebasisofself-knowledge?Pg.39P1–L7________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. DoIbelievethatthehumiliatingexperience,plustheknowledgeIhadacquired,(applyingallthese

thingsyouhavelearnedaboutyourselfandyourdiseaseuptothispoint)keepmesobertherestofmylife?Self-knowledgewouldfixme?Pg.40P(top)–L4________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. DoIbelievethathavinganalcoholic(addict)mind,thetimeandplacewouldcomewhenbymyself,on

myownpower–Iwilldrink(use)again?Pg.41P2–L8________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Onmyownpower,thoughImayraiseafight,wouldIsomedaygivewaytosometrivialreasonfor

havingadrink(drug)?Pg.42P(top)–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. DoIbelievethisproblemhasmehopelesslydefeated?Pg.42P(top)–L9__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

30

b. DoIbelievemyproblemisahopelesscondition?Pg.42P1–L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. HasthisprocesssnuffedoutthelastflickerofconvictionthatIcoulddothejobmyself?“Ican

keepmyselfsober?”Pg.42P1–L9__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. DoIbelieveIwillhavetothrowseverallifelongconceptionsoutofthewindowtogothroughthis

programofaction?Giveanexample.“Icandothejobmyself”Pg.42P2–L6____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. DoIbelieveit’simportanttodiscoverhowspiritualprincipleswillsolveallmyproblems,andthatthis

isnotjustaboutnotdrinkingorusing?Pg.42P3–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. IsthereanydoubtinmymindthatI’m100%hopeless,apartfromdivinehelp,oristhereany

othersolutionforme?What?Pg.43P3–L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DoIbelieveatcertaintimesIhavenoeffectivementaldefenseagainstthefirstdrinkordrug?DoIknowwhenthattimeis?Pg.43P3–L1

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DoIbelievethatnohumanbeingcanprovidesuchadefense?Pg.43P3–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. MustmydefensecomefromaHighPowerotherthanhuman?Pg.43P3–L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

e. …thenhowcanIdependonthegroupasmyHigherPower?Pg.43P3___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONSIDERATIONIfIhaveasobrietydatethatis10daysormoreandIhavenoeffectivementaldefenseagainstthefirstdrink,howisitthatIcontinuetohavethissobrietydatenomatterwhatI’vethought?

31

WEAGNOSTICStep1

…andthatourliveshadbecomeunmanageablePage44,45,&52

Unmanageability,untreatedalcoholism,spiritualmalady.

Thisconditionexistsbeforeandafterthefirstdrink,drunkorsober

1. IntheprecedingchaptershaveIlearnedsomethingaboutalcoholism?WhatisthemainthingImusthavetobearealalcoholic/addict?Pg.44P1–L1________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Havetheymadeclearthedifferencesbetweenthealcoholicandthenonalcoholic?Whatarethemain

differences?Pg.44P1–L2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. WhenIhonestlywantedtodidIfindIcouldnotquitentirely?Pg.44P1–L4

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. WhendrinkingorusingdidIhavelittlecontrolovertheamountItookafterthefirstdrink?Drug?Pg.

44P1–L5____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. AmIanalcoholic?Anaddict?Orboth?Pg.11P1–L7

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Facedwiththesetwoproblems,doIbelieveI’msufferingfromanillnesswhichonlyaspiritual

experiencewillconquerordoIhaveanyotheroptions?Explain.Pg.44P1–L7____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. AmIanalcoholic(and/oraddict)ofthehopelessvariety,onewhowantstoquitbutcan’t?pg.44P2–

L3____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32

8. HaveIfacedthefactthatImustfindaspiritualbasisoflife–orelse…what?Pg.44P3–L5

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Inmycaseisamerecodeofmoralsorabetterphilosophyoflifesufficienttoovercomealcoholism(or

drugaddiction)oriftheywerewouldIhaverecoveredlongago?Pg.44P4–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. DoIbelieveknowingthewayofthinkingandlivingdescribedinthisbookwillsaveme,ordoIneed

accesstoPowerfromthisprocesstoovercomealcoholism(addiction)?Pg.44P4–L2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. HaveIfoundthatsuchcodesandphilosophiesdidnotsaveme,nomatterhowmuchItried?What

haveItried?Pg.45P(top)L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. CouldIwishtothinkandactrightandpullitoff?Pg.45P(top)L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. DidIwishtohaveabeliefsystemthatcomfortsme?Pg.45P(top)L4__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c. DidIwantthesethingswithallmymightbutfoundtheneededpowerwasn’tthere?Pg.45

P(top)L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Havemyhumanresources(job,education,everythingIbringtothetable,etc.),asguidedbymywill

power(mymind),notbeensufficienttocratethelifeIwant?DidIfailcompletely?Pg.45P(top)L6____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. Islackofpowermyproblem(dilemma)?Pg.45P1–L1

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

33

14. MustIfindapowerbywhichIcanlive?pg.45P1–L2____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Isthisobvious?Why?Pg.45P1–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. WhereandhowamItofindthisPower?Pg.45P1–L3__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The3rdpartofthefirststepdealswiththeunmanageabilityofthespirit.Whyisitthatnomatterwhattheconsequences,wealwaysenduptakingthefirstdrinkorthefirstline?Withoutsomethingtotaketheplaceofalcoholand/ordrugsinourlives,wearedoomed.Manyofusthoughtthatifwejuststayofftheboozeanddrugs,lifewouldbewonderful,butwelaterdiscoveredthiswasnotso.Abstinencefromdrinkingorusingalone,withoutworkingthestepsmayfeelgoodforawhile,butit’smuchlikepeeinginyourpantsonareallycoldday.Itfeelsniceandwarmforawhile,butwhenthecoldwindblowsitisobviouslynotalong-termsolution.Webecomesorestless,irritableanddiscontentthatafteratime,wecannotimaginehowgettingdrunkorhighcouldgetusanyworst,sowedo.Wesomehowfindawaytoexperienceasenseofeaseandcomfortwithoutdrinkingortakingdrugs.Thisspiritualunmanageabilityiswhattheother11stepstreat.Whenthespiritualmaladyisovercome,westraightenoutmentallyandphysically(page64).Thispartofstep1,unmanageability,hasnothingtodowithGod.Justusonourownpowertryingtorunourownlivesdrunkorsober.

15. AmIwillingtochangemypointofviewconcerningmyhumanproblemsasIchangedmypointofviewconcerningtheobsessionandthecraving?Maybetheproblemisinsideratherthantheoutside?Pg.52P2–L1____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. Areyouhavingtroublewithpersonalrelationships?Withwhom?(Family,Fellowship,Intimate

Relationship,Friends,Work)Pg.52P2–L3____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b. CanIcontrolmyemotionalnature?How?Pg.52P2–L4___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

34

c. AmIpreytomiseryanddepression?When?Pg.52P2–L5__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

d. CanImakealivingsatisfyingenoughtokeepmehappyorsober?Pg.52P2–L6__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

e. DoIhaveafeelingofuselessness?Inwhatway,athome,work?Pg.52P2–L6__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

f. AmIfulloffear?Whatareyouafraidof?Pg.52P2–L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

g. AmIunhappy?Inwhatway?Pg.52P2–L7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

h. DoIseemunabletobeofrealhelptootherpeople?Pg.52P2–L8__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

i. Isabasicsolutionfortheseproblemsoflackofpowerimportantforme?Pg.52P2–L9__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONSIDERATION:IfIhaveasobrietydatethatis10daysormoreandIlackthepowertoliveonthenecessaryspiritualbasisoflife,howisitthatIcontinuetohavethissobrietydate,nomatterwhatformsthespiritualmaladyistaking?