Recovery From Alcoholism Is A Superheroic Effort!
We are told that most alcoholics never make it into recovery. They die prematurely - in car accidents, from liver and heart diseases, or a variety of other related causes. Of those who find the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous or similar institutions of recovery, a large percentage "falls off the wagon" and many of them will never achieve sobriety again.
This lens is dedicated to those who mustered the willpower to turn over what little ego-based will and power they had left, to a higher guidance. Thus they could bear witness to millions who came after them (myself included) - of a working solution to a seemingly hopeless problem.
Recovering alcoholics are my superheroes!
When Almost Everything Is Lost...
Quick! A Little Bit Of My Background Story...
Let's call it what it is: a drunkalog.
At home, there was always alcohol available. We lived good - and we celebrated a lot. Beer is the "iced tea" of Bavaria. And schnapps is like medicine for a stomach upset from huge portions of pig knuckles. Most folks can drink some times, and they can leave it alone at other times. Not me. I drink until I pass out. And then I start over, right away. I'm an alcoholic.My drinking started to get out of control when I was in my early twenties. My success as musician and record company executive provided me with money and plenty of occasions for socially acceptable excesses.
I drank heavily for about 20 years, until I "hit my bottom" in 1987 and walked through the doors of AA. I "fell off the wagon" in 1993, and I finally sobered up for good in 1997.
The picture above was taken last year, when I was a few months into my second decade of sobriety. However, it shall symbolize the countless situations when this alcoholic could be found dancing on tables, wearing something funny - and not much else.
Anonymous Survey - Part 1
It's good to be honest with ourselves...
How many years have you been drinking "too much"? Hopefully, you are sober by now. If not, look further down in this lens for some useful hints...
Official Resources - Free To All Sobriety Seekers!
You don't have to pay thousands of dollars for recovery - AA is free!
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Official web site of AA
- Big Book online
- Read the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous online, in English, Spanish, or French
- Al-Anon/Alateen
- Find meetings in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- Online AA Recovery Resources
- A huge resource site for all things "recovery".
Bill W., One Of The Co-Founders Of AA
Listen to the voice of a great man with even greater humility
The Meeting
My Superhero - My AA Sponsor Buddy T.
Did he save my behind? You bet!
Shortly after my return to AA, in January of 1997, I asked Buddy T. to be my sponsor. He agreed and we embarked on a 7-year friendship that ended when Buddy left for the "big meeting in the skies". My superhero died in 2004.A sponsor in AA is someone who enjoys a solid sobriety, works the 12-step program successfully in his own life, and then shares this experience with a newcomer.
Buddy T. is my superhero because he pointed out things to me that I could not see. One set of questions, in particular, stayed with me to this very day. Whenever I complained to Buddy about my financial worries (at least once or twice a week!), he asked me:
"Do you have food in your fridge?" (Yes)
"Did you pay your rent for this month?" (Yes)
"Do you have gas in your car so you can drive to work?" (Yes)
"Are all your bills paid for today?" (Yes)
"Then what are you worried about? Tomorrow is a whole new day and anything can happen between now and then."
From the moment I started working with Buddy, to this day, 11 1/2 years later, something always happened to rescue me from any financial difficulties. Usually, extra business from unexpected sources would materialize at the right time.
But sometimes it was almost eerie - like when my German music royalty company made a mistake and credited my account with $4,000 for a song I had not written. They subsequently let me "pay it off" by withholding my earnings for the next few years, which constituted an "interest-free loan" for the right amount, at exactly the right time.
Another time I had a car collision with minor body damage. With a high deductible, I couldn't afford the repair costs and delayed filing the claim. 18 months later my car was stolen and recovered with further damage. Naturally, I was extremely upset over my "bad luck". Buddy reminded me to watch out for "something good" coming from this situation. One month later, the insurance company declared it as "totaled" and offered to pay me the value dating back to the earlier collision incident. I received the insurance check over $4,200, and I sold the car "as is" for $1,000. What a deal, considering that I had bought it 5 years earlier for $6,900!
One might call these stories "coincidences". I don't think so. Experiences like these are being shared in AA meetings on a daily basis. They are the results of a "Higher Power" working in our lives. Before I met Buddy, my circumstances were almost of an opposite pattern - everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I contribute my better life only to Buddy's guidance towards a more spiritually-oriented life style.
That's why Paul "Buddy" T. is my superhero.
Rest In Peace, Old Friend! - Buddy T., 1952 - 2004
The Most Powerful Insight - Not just For Alcoholics!
Father Joe Martin is a superhero for any recovering addicts...
"Am I My Brothers Keeper" by Father Joseph C. Martin
In this film, Father Martin explores the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous and points to the importance of helping others. Being of maximum service to others is an integral aim of the Twelve Steps. Father Martin reminds viewers that some of the most important twelve step work recovering individuals do is at home. This film is very insightful and is appropriate for the individual in treatment or the person in recovery that wants to grow in usefulness to others. Father Martin is one of the worlds most knowledgeable and effective educators on the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Father Joe's Great Sense Of Humor
He tells his famous "painter" joke...
"The Painter Joke", by Father Joseph C. Martin
Enjoy Father Martin's unique sense of humor! Recently, after filming a serious piece on the Mission Statement for Kelly Productions, Inc., Father broke into this joke. You never know when he will share one of his funny stories. Do you have a funny Father Martin joke or story? Share it with the world, here on You Tube.
Anonymous Survey - Part 2
Count your blessings, brother and sister!
Father Joe Martin Talks About Gratitude
A happy life through serenity - how do we get there?
"Grattitude" by Father Joseph C. Martin
The 12th Step, "having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we try to carry this message to the alcoholic and to practice these principles in all our affairs". Real gratitude is the 12th step in action. Action is the magic word. Gratitude is the hinge on which a sober life swings. It is the golden tray on which we offer to others what God has given us.
The Essence Of Recovery - More From Father Joe...
Why steps 4 and 5 are so important...
"Steps 4 & 5 of AA" by Father Joseph C. Martin
Is Recovery Simply A Matter Of My Own Willpower?
Do we really need to involve others?
Some might say, anyone can stop drinking or drugging if they really want to stop. Others insist that recovery is impossible without certain spiritual principles in place. For instance, we can stay sober only if we commit to helping others. What do you think?
Do we need to help others if we want to stay sober?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byIt's all my own thing. Don't need nobody else.
aprilt33 says:
While I agree that help from others can make the road ahead much less frightening, I also believe that it is up to the individual to ultimately make the decision to change their lives or keep on the same destructive path.
Posted July 28, 2008
XavierTCross says:
I have been to narcotics annonymous meetings which are based on AA and the way I interpet it all believe in a "higher power" or "god as I belief in him" is more important. Having a sponsor and sponsoring others is a great help though.
Posted July 15, 2008
Squidoophile says:
I think If you walked with the people, they won't make you sober, on the contrary, they will fight instead of you to be like them and - not sober- ...so they can feel good because everybody around them is deeply in trouble like they are....
Posted July 12, 2008
Dreamscape says:
You don't need someone else but most people would find other people a great help because of the dependent nature of the human being.
Posted July 11, 2008
Absolutely! Service to others is the key to a happy and sober life.
grandma_deal says:
If I could have done this alone, I would've gotten sober years earlier. People were there when I needed help. Now it's my turn to be there for the new person.
Posted August 07, 2008
richard_wheeler says:
Some alcholics do need help. But it all depends on the individual and his or her willpower to quit. My father drank for years and it killed him. Like I said it all depends on how much the individual wants to quit. And quitting will not be an over-night thing.
Posted August 06, 2008
Angeladtao says:
Absolutely! I think that the purpose of life is to learn to be giving of yourself and to learn that serving others is the way to happiness. If my neighbor is lifted up, then I am lifted up, too. I carry this message into my daily life and politics.
Posted July 30, 2008
njppa says:
I think it's got to be something within yourself. I quit smoking 6 years back and that was something only I could do. I knew the risks and continued. Then one day I found out I was pregnant and swept them into the trashcan deciding never again and that was that. I am thankful to have kicked the habit.
Posted July 28, 2008
quirkymoo says:
With alcoholics, alcohol becomes the focus of their lives. Replacing that focus is the aim of the game, and replacing it with helping people is not only noble, it's successful.
Posted July 26, 2008
jacquelinestone says:
Yes!
You have to give it away to keep it. It is the act of giving of ourselves that heals us.
Posted July 24, 2008
Sandra says:
You got to give it away to keep it.
Posted July 23, 2008
jen872 says:
Thank you so much for your insight and advice- (some of us need it more than others)
Posted July 15, 2008
qlcoach says:
Yes, we absolutely need to reach out for help. Unfortunately there is a part of us that suggests we don't need help, and it tries to convince us that we can change on our own. I call this process of denial and dishonesty our dark secret. The good news is that walking in the Light always makes the darkness go away. Your lense is a wonderful beacon of Light. Keep letting it shine!
Gary Eby, author, therapist, addiction counselor.
Posted July 13, 2008
BABYKITTY says:
Wonderful Lens!! What courage you've shown to put your life out there for everyone to see. I applaud you!
There are so many types of addictions that people must fight and I truly believe it's much, much easier to fight your way through to success with the help of others. And when you give back to the ones just starting out it not only helps them but reinforces what you've just learned over again.
God Bless!
Posted July 13, 2008
grandpasmiles says:
yes. I think it is the right thing to do so other people
dont copy the wrong people.
Posted July 13, 2008
passion4lifehealth says:
Thankfully, I quit drinking and smoking in 1983 when I faced the truth about my alcoholism. The truth was that it was killing my desire for a happy, productive,positive life.
I quit cold turkey, no meetings, never have had another drink and have no desire to. Everyone has to face their own truth and there are many paths to the truth. Some people have to be led down a path and some seek truth on their own.
Service to others IS the key to a Happy Life.
In Conclusion: I did it without ceremony or drama whereas some people can't be successfully sober without a strong support group and spiritual guidance.
Posted July 12, 2008
whiteline says:
With out a doubt! A strong support group combined with the strength found in a higher power (whatever - whoever that is for you) is the only way. Congrats dude! You are my SUPERHERO!
Posted July 12, 2008
Debbie S. says:
You Wrote: "A sponsor in AA is someone who enjoys a solid sobriety, works the 12-step program successfully in his own life, and then shares this experience with a newcomer."~ChefKeem
I would like to add; A sponsee in AA is a newcomer who shares and reminds a sponsor, about what it was like, what happened, and what it is like now, and this reminder works to ensure, that the sponsor will continue to choose sobriety one day at a time.
The paradox and the miracle are a two way street.
(SOB 11.21.93)
Those who say, 'anyone can stop if they want to,' are right. I stopped for 7 years without AA, but, what they don't tell you is that a sober alcohoic without a program is a maniac on the edge of insanity. Sobriety can be a 'happy joyous and free' experience when you add 'WE' into the equation.
Posted July 12, 2008
Recession-Proof says:
Sweet lens, great idea. I'm sure you're making Buddy very proud. 18 months ago I would have said that you don't have to help others to stay sober, I still think that that's possible for some people. But it's become clear that for me personally I have to help others to stay sober. I think it's in that "capacity to be honest with ourselves" that to really own something you have to be willing and able to give it away. . . sobriety included.
Posted July 12, 2008
Adam_Chandler says:
Wow! First off, what an inspiring lens! I think helping others should be the goal in everything we do for a few reasons. First, because there will always be someone in a worse situation no matter how bad we think we have it. Also helping others and being a positive influence attracts other positives in our lives and improves the good of the community. In this case it is a global community.
Posted July 11, 2008
Smplyuniq says:
This is a WONDERFUL lens! It's wonderful for alcoholics, but I found wonderful advice for my life here too, and I'm not an alcoholic. I have other burdens and that's just life. It would be dull without challenges.
Posted July 11, 2008
bcarter says:
We all need a shoulder to lean on when times get tough. Involving others gives us this shoulder.
Helping someone else that's in need even better because it can help one realize that things could be worse. Helping others should be a focus for everyone, once you start to help others good things do come. Helping others should allow someone to feel good about themselves and change their whole outlook on life.
Posted July 11, 2008
MelissaLim says:
Definitely.
Now, I'm not saying that your own sheer willpower doesn't work, it certainly can, but only to an extent.
On the other hand, helping others and taking the focus of yourself makes it so much easier for you to stop your own addiction because when you're helping others, you'll come to realize that your problems mean nothing in comparison to other peoples problems.
This isn't just non-supported self-help advice anymore, it is now scientifically proven. They have come up with a term known as "helper's high".
It makes complete logical sense. This applies not just with alcohol/drugging addictions, but every other aspects of your lives as well. I strongly believe in this because i was once that self-absorbed spoilt brat who only cared about my wants, my needs, my frustrations - but when i switched focus on others, i forgot about me and derived joy from other peoples joy.
Posted July 11, 2008
Google Sobriety! Cheers!
Let's tap in to the "sobersphere"...
- Edward graduates from rehab
- Chabad had a sober living facility attached to the rehab and Edward moved in to share a room with a good friend and fellow hip hop artist named Gabe. Hilary and I liked Gabe because he was a nice guy and probably also because he had ...
- WHAT A DIFFERENCE AN HOUR MAKES First I need to thank those of you ...
- If I pick up the phone and talk to my sponsor about just anything, my hour is connected to living sober and a primary purpose. If I send an e-mail to an old friend whose picture I ran across on the internet as one of the top 100 ...
- AA DAILY JULY 31
- They are the sober, living spirit of this AA fellowship as I understand it. And, if they look like loser's to you, that's okay by me?just so long as you leave me with them. Stepping Stones To Recovery, pages 117-120 ...
- Daily Recovery Readings - 8/19
- Old-timers say sobriety is easy if we go by one simple rule: don't drink and go to meeting. Life can get simpler; they don't change much. Staying sober will be easier for us over time. Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me keep my ...
AA Materials On Amazon
Great prices on used versions of these life-saving books!
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
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Paths to Recovery: Al-Anon's Steps, Traditions and Concepts
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Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
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Daily Reflections: A Book of Reflections by Aa Members for Aa Members/B-12
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As Bill Sees It: The A. A. Way of Life ...Selected Writings of the A. A.'s Co-Founder
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For The Recovery Aficionado...
Great collector's items and regular good deals on eBay!
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Why Don't You Leave A Little Toast...
I haven't heard one in a long time!
Thank you for visiting. Please throw some stars into the basket - "we are self-supporting through our own contributions" (from the AA preamble).
Well-done, this will help a lot of other people and their families and friends. I have a good feeling for your own future, too.
Posted August 17, 2008
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Rya
I'm so glad to see such a helpful and approachable lens on this--I've known a few alcoholics, most of whom went into recovery (thankfully), and resources like this are invaluable for helping people out with this difficult disease. Keep up the good work :) Posted August 09, 2008 |
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UncleCharley
Awesome and inspiring lens. I am reminded of a friend who on his first wagon trip would say these 3 words when someone offered him a drink, "Not Right Now" He said those words removed the negative of "No" and of being a quitter. Keep up the good work. 5* Posted August 07, 2008 |
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richard_wheeler
Nice lens. It is said that there are so many alcholics in our country. They turn to alcohol instead of turning to the Lord. But that is not always the case. Sorry to offend anybody reading this! Posted August 06, 2008 |
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grandma_deal
Very great. I've got 10 years now and understand where you are coming from. If we have 24 hours, then I say - Make It A Great Day. Posted August 06, 2008 |
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Pamela2Heaven
Nice lens...well done Posted August 03, 2008 |
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violatoroger
I do know people who had been late in discovering on drinking alcohol. Though this might be awkward, they had surely missed the days when they were young and conditioned to drink. That is why people I know who were late to discover alcohol leads to family, instability health, and social relationships. Anyway nice story Posted August 01, 2008 |
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alicesy
Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about The Anonymous Alcoholic - A Superhero. Keep up the good work. Posted July 30, 2008 |
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Angeladtao
Lovely, inspirational lens. It took me back to those days long ago when I was a terrified newcomer at me first meeting. I listened to what they had to say at that meeting about turning my will and my life over to a Higher Power, and I thought, "That's it? That's all I ever had to do? All this time of misery?" Thanks for sharing. We really do have to give it away to keep it. Posted July 30, 2008 |
It is good for people to realize that they are behind their limits. so they can find a cure for themselves. denial, however will never cure anyone. great lens! let's promote awareness of alcohol addiction and how it can ruin us.
Posted July 30, 2008
