Tom here, alcoholic.

This program is actually pretty simple -- but not easy. If it were easy, every meeting would be standing-room-only. Getting sober is without a doubt the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But staying sober is pretty easy now. Why simple? I found something that works a thousand times better than booze ever did. And if you haven't found that yet, there are only two reasons why: either you haven't been here long enough to find it, or you just don't want it as much as I did. That sounds harsh, I know, but it's the truth. This program requires that we "launch out on a course of vigorous action," do the uncomfortable, scary, inconvenient, pain-in-the-butt things that we spent most of our drunken lives avoiding. Like looking at ourselves and all our faults, being honest, caring, compassionate, understanding. What drunk knows anything about that stuff? I didn't. I had to be taught by sober members of AA. When I was 33 years old, my sponsor asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I felt like punching him in the mouth. Then I felt like crying because I really didn't know what I wanted to be ... never was sober long enough to think about it. But today, I know exactly what I want to be: I want to be a good dad, a good husband, a good son, a good brother, a sober and useful member of AA, and a child of God. Sound far-fetched? Not here, it isn't. This is the most remarkable program in the world, but it's not for people who would rather complain than change. If you want what we have, do what we did. But don't try doing it alone. You won't make it, I promise you. If you could do it alone, you wouldn't be here. If you're new, don't give up before the miracle happens. If you want to drink, that's your business. If you want to "not" drink, then it becomes our business. Simple, yes, easy, no, but it's possible. So ask yourself, "do I really want my life to change?" If you're willing to go to any lengths, AA has the answer. If not, good luck! You're going to need it!

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