I have learned through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous that I have three basic instincts: a social, a sexual and a security instinct. These instincts are God given and necessary for life, but in me I can never get enough of what it is I think I need. The great psychiatrist Sigmund Freud defines an instinct as, "a bodily need manifested in our thought process.".
Through the twelve steps I have learned that alcohol is but a symptom of our true malady - our true malady being self-centered fear. We are afraid that we are not going to get what we want and that we are going to lose what we have. Once our fear is triggered we reach for our character defects in an attempt to satiate our instincts, but we can never get enough of what it is we think we need. We are then left running around, chasing our tails, creating havoc in our lives but, more importantly, havoc in the lives of everyone around us. This malady of self-centered fear is the functioning piece of alcoholism and any other ism.
The solution to the disease of addiction is a vital spiritual experience. We must give life to our relationship with God. How? By letting go of our human nature so our thought process is no longer propelled by our instincts, but rather by the will of God through inspiration,
Written by Armand
Insatiable instincts, never enough, what about me, poor me, pour me a drink. Fear is overpowering. My fear-stricken mind can make my falsely prideful mouth say anything. I look for spirits, more and more, to open my blocked spirit. It can't happen. I'm a drunk. Doomed. I can almost hear the gates of hell closing behinf me, regardless of family, talents, friends. I am locked out of my own life. No exit. Self-centered fear is my master. Where can I find this vital spiritual experience? How will I know? First, I must surrender. Then I must find the path referred to in Chapter 5, and I must follow it thoroughly. Then I will meet The Power Within me from whom all things are possible. I will incorporate each of The Twelve Steps into my life until they become my life. Then I will know.
ReplyDeleteMichael Knowing that alcohol is only the symptom, that self centered fear is the true malady is crucial to healing. Understanding that our instincts manifest themselves in our thought process thereby triggering our self centered fear is crucial in helping in the letting go process...Thank you...Armand
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