[Lazamataz]

Quick note: We often say, in the Program, that NO ONE has the right to call another an alcoholic. That is something that each person must decide for themselves.

However, powerlessness over alcohol, that is much more readily apparant. A person who drinks a drink, and then loses the power of choice on whether or not to have anotherandanotherandanotheranother and so on, until they are passed out, in jail, or in a hospital... that's a much easier call.

The official AMA definition of addiction (including alcohol) is "...the continued use of a mood altering substance or behaviour despite adverse consequences."

[onyx]

Excellent point, and thanks very much, dear Laz!

[highnoon]

I knew I was powerless at age 16, when I would make myself throw up just so I could drink more. Now the unmanagability thing....THAT gave me fits for another 27 years.

Most of the AA haters don't understand the program is a design for living, rather than a ‘stop drinking’ program. They fail to understand that the alcohol was but a symptom. I gave testimony at my church a few months ago, and a large part of it included my journey in sobriety. Afterward, the pastor commented that he had no idea that the 12 steps were so spiritual.

And on the 5-10% success rate......the 12 steps that I follow have a nearly 100% success rate. I can count on one hand the number of people I know who have ‘thoroughly followed our path’ and gone back to drinking.

Sobriety in AA doesn't come through osmosis, it is a program of action. An example I use quite often in meeting:

I can sit in the best gym on the planet, watching everyone work out, take notes, order videos, hire personal trainers, etc. But until I take the action and put in the the work, I don't get any stronger.

Also...I'm not sure why they call them fifths, I could only get four out of a bottle!