“Each day, somewhere in the world, recovery begins when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic, sharing experience, strength, and hope.” (Foreword to the Third Tradition)
“We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck when camaraderie, joyousness and democracy pervade the vessel from steerage to Captain’s table. Unlike the feelings of the ship’s passengers, however, our joy in escape from disaster does not subside as we go our individual ways. The feeling of having shared in a common peril is one element in the powerful cement which binds us. But that in itself would never have held us together as we are now joined.” (Page 17, Big Book)
“So the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous cannot, it dare not, ever be diverted from its primary purpose.” (Language of the Heart)
I recently went to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous where
98% of the sharing on substances was on pills and cough syrup. I kid you not. Interesting,
theoretically, but I didn’t identify.
What binds me to other people in AA is not substances other
than alcohol but alcohol. Not other addictions but the addiction to alcohol.
Not other biographical details or experiences I might randomly have in common
but alcohol.
Once the alcohol is there, the door is open for
identification with other addictions or life experiences. But no alcohol; no
identification.
AA works because of common experience. That’s the only
novelty AA offers. All other information and practices are borrowed from
elsewhere.
This is why there are lots of fellowships: each needs rallying
point; a seed around which the saturated solution can crystallise.