What happens when an alcoholic is actively caught up in their disease, drinking like there is no tomorrow and beyond all human aid? On page 52 in the Big Book is a passage that some refer to as the anti-promises:
“We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn’t control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn’t make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn’t seem to be of real help to other people…”
I wasn’t seeking this stuff out when I was drinking but it was part of what I was getting. And the longer I gave into my obsession and activated my craving, the more “side-effects” I experienced.
The point of this passage in the Big Book, as a part of the chapter to agnostics, is to raise a simple question. If these are the results we are getting by running our unmanageable life on self will, shouldn’t we at least consider that spiritual assistance might be something we could try? The spiritual approach is something that others say works. Could it possibly be worse than the anti-promises?
Of course the answer for most alcoholics, most of the time, to trying the spiritual approach is no. Most drunks either believe they are not quite down for the count and can somehow manage their drinking or are so far gone they feel it is hopeless to try to stop. The spiritual approach is as easily pushed aside as anything else that gets in the way of our drinking.
I am blessed to be one of the fortunate recovering alcoholics that is able to spend some of my life sober. No booze put in = an end to the anti-promises. For today at least I am willing to allow God to intercede. I can let him help me to pursue more promising actions and enjoy the fruit these efforts produce.
Wishing you all the best in sobriety,
AA Blogger