Ever since the first members stumbled into AA, there has been the question, “Why do some get it and others don’t?” Some stop drinking, come to their first meeting, and never drink again. Others put down the drink for some time, but always return to drinking or drugging for one reason or another. Usually, the real reason is well hidden, and an excuse is used or someone is blamed for the relapse. Frequently accused is the wife, the job or the kids. It’s always someone other than me.

What makes one stay sober while others are caught in a revolving door?

First, we have to look at what makes alcoholics different from those who don’t have this problem. Most alcoholics are raised with the idea that the world is a cruel and untrusting place, and they are getting what they deserve. The non-alcoholic has this crazy notion that growing up is a fun time. They believe the world is laid out for them, and life is beautiful. This group doesn’t need to escape from reality the same way the alcoholic does. For the alcoholic, life is tolerated until the first drink or drug is found. With that, the flight begins. The world became a much better place for me when the buzz was on. I discovered that what I thought was reality wasn’t. I followed the dark side, and my life unfolded negatively. At twenty years of age, I became a daily drinker. Life during those years was right on the edge of trudging through or calling it quits.

There came a time when my distorted reality was stronger than the escape tools I used. I could not stand me anymore. After being arrested and jailed, life crumbled before my eyes. I knew I must stop drinking and find a suitable substitute for alcohol.

It was late one Monday night, after attending my first meeting, when I was shown an alternative. I remember it like it was yesterday. I went home, knelt, and said, “Please, God, help me! I can’t stop drinking!” That was thirty years ago, and I haven’t had a drink since.

     I had the substitute but didn’t realize it until many years later. I knew deep within I didn’t have to drink anymore. It took a long time to forgive myself, but with God’s help, it did happen.

My spiritual journey has taken the place of drugs and alcohol. I have since learned to accept things as they are and how to deal with the adversities life sends my way. Life today isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot better than when alcohol was in the driver’s seat.