Published: Feb. 25, 2022, 8 a.m.
In this podcast, we discuss why the recovery program begins after the alcoholic has put the drink down or the addict has stopped using.
We learn that:
- Alcoholics who have not yet recovered do not understand that they only need to avoid one drink, and that is the first one, in order to stay sober.
- After they put down the alcohol, they realise that they no longer have a drinking problem, but they do have a thinking problem arising from the fact that their brain is immature and not yet capable of thinking clearly.
- The alcoholic or addict, even after he or she gets clean, remains an extremely self-centred individual, and it takes time and work for the user to fully acknowledge and make amends for the harm done to others.
- As such, the AA* or NA/CA* program is not about not drinking; rather it is all about the development of a spiritual life guided by honesty, kindness, and courage that equips the recovering person to live a new, inspired life.
- Those who love an addict or alcoholic and wish to recover from the family disease of alcoholism or addiction should consider joining Al-Anon, a 12-step program for families and friends of alcoholics and addicts.
*AA = Alcoholics Anonymous
\xa0NA = Narcotics Anonymous
\xa0CA = Cocaine Anonymous
www.aa.org\xa0 \xa0www.na.org\xa0 \xa0www.ca.org\xa0 www.al-anon.org