In Chapter 2 of Alcoholics Anonymous titled "There Is A Solution" it is stated, "These observations would be academic and pointless if our friend never took the first drink, thereby setting the terrible cycle in motion. Therefore, the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind, rather than in his body." So, although it is true that an alcoholic has a physical allergy it is the mental obsession which is of the utmost importance - a mental obsession that does not limit itself to alcohol.Alcoholism is a unique disease in that it is two-fold (as are most addictions in their nature). We have a physical allergy which ensures us that each and every time we put alcohol or substances of any addictive nature into our system we get sick and we get drunk or we have the rush we chase after until we get into all kinds of trouble. But of even more importance is that we have this mental obsession, which ensures that even though we don't want to drink and/or use, sooner or later our minds will tell us it's okay to do so. We will put the alcohol or the substance into our system thereby triggering the physical allergy and we will get loaded once again.
Dr. Silkworth, the medical benefactor of Alcoholics Anonymous, in the letter he supplied to AA suggests that the thought processes of the alcoholic mind had to be transformed. His letter goes on to state that this transformation of thought must occur and is essential if an alcoholic is to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. In Bill's story he says, "Simple, but not easy, a price had to be paid. It meant destruction of self centeredness. I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all" - a clear description of the transformation which must occur.
This transformation of thought was difficult for me, even though I understood that it must occur. The difficulty was that I had no understanding of the power and pervasiveness of my human nature and how all-encompassing it is. I felt a lot of fear in attempting to let go of my mind which was propelled by my human instinct as it was all that I had ever known. But it is here, in this time and at this moment, when I want to let go and know I need to let go. It is here in this moment now that I must trust in God so that through His grace the transformation of thought may happen.
Written by Armand
Michael C.
ReplyDeleteWhatever transformation has occurred within me is centered on one work - trust. Without trust, I would not have found faith, I would not have found recovery, and I may have completely missed an intimate and personal relationship with The Power Within me. The Second Step was crucial in understanding that I would have to enthusiastically incorporate all The Steps into my life in a way that they would become my life. Of course, as you point out, the action of letting go of self in order to find self requires the ultimate in trust. Yet that process leads to the ultimate in grace - only through which the transformation of thought can occur. Nothing short of transformation could have brought the peace of mind I possess today. Trust, the highest gift of my instincts, enabled that miraculous change.
Michaeltrust is a key component in recovery. Love how you articulated that..Thank you...Armand
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ReplyDeleteThanks so much for touching on a state of being which is so often misunderstood, then tragically twisted into a reformulated metaphorical pilgrimage that will never bring us into the "promised land of sobriety." If I might, I would share the following regarding "the benign little Dr. who loved drunks," Dr. William Duncan Silkworth and whom he believed the "Father of Light" and the "Devine Physician" to be as related and published by Dick B. many years ago.
"Shortly before his death, the author spent an hour with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, friend of A.A., the Rev. Sam Shoemaker, and Bill Wilson. Dr. Peale told me of the conversations he had with Bill Wilson about Bill's conversion. However, until 1997, I had never heard the following account by Peale about Dr. William Duncan Silkworth. It can be found in Norman Vincent Peale, The Positive Power of Jesus Christ (New York: Foundation for Christian Living, 1980), pp. 60-61. It appears under the title "The Wonderful Story of Charles K.":
Charles, a businessman in Virginia, had become a full-fledged alcoholic; so much so that he had to have help, and fast, for his life was cracking up. He made an appointment with the late Dr. William Duncan Silkworth, one of the nation's greatest experts on alcoholism, who worked in a New York City hospital [the Charles Towns Hospital]. Receiving Charles into his clinic as a patient, the doctor gave him treatment for some days, then called him into his office. "Charles," he said, "I have done everything I can for you. At this moment you are free of your trouble. But there is an area in your brain where you may hold a reservation and that could, in all likelihood, cause you to return to your drinking. I wish that I might reach this place in your consciousness, but alas, I do not have the skill."
"But, doctor," exclaimed Charles, "you are the most skilled physician in this field. When I came to you it was to the greatest. If you cannot heal me, then who can possibly do so?" The doctor hesitated, then said thoughtfully, "There is another Doctor who can complete this healing, but He is very expensive."
"That's all right," cried Charles, "I can get the money. I can pay his fees. I cannot go home until I am healed. Who is this doctor and where is he?"
"Oh, but this Physician is not at all moderate as to expense," persisted Dr. Silkworth. "He wants everything you've got. He wants you, all of you. Then He gives the healing. His price is your entire self." Then he added slowly and impressively, "His name is Jesus Christ and He keeps office in the New Testament and is available whenever you need Him."
Dr. Peale then describes the healing of Charles through the power of Jesus Christ." It was through the 12 Steps of AA, the testimony of the founders and the undeniable power of Jesus Christ that this gratefully recovering alcoholic has found all of the above so written to be absolutely experientially true.
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
A Grateful Recovering Alcoholic. As you state "all of me" must be surrended in order to recover from a seemingly hopeless stat of mind and body. Hence the purpose of the 12 Steps...Thank you...Armand
DeleteI have come to realize that sobriety is not a destination but a journey. Any joy I have felt in my journey is as a result of making it to another level of consciousness in the spirit. At first it was breaking the chronic cycle of the obsession and the allergy, as you so wonderfully articulated. That was a critical step for me because I was unable to control my drinking on my own. But looking back at that time I was being carried through that part of the journey by God because it was obvious I could not do it on my own. But once the obsession was lifted, it was time for me to start my con version from being human with sporadic spiritual experiences to becoming spiritual in my human experience. Certainly far from where I need to be, but surrounding myself with the same journey has added joy into my life. I am grateful for this blog and the love you commit to it.
ReplyDeleteJim loved when you wrote #spiritual in my human experience. The love is the Lord's but thanks...Thank you...Armand
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