Solution

According to our Big Book, our problem is solved by a Spiritual Solution as clearly prescribed in our Big Book as abstinence is but a beginning...

While the following can help supoort the new person in the early days, we do not recover simply by making meetings, listening to drinker tales, attending conventions, workshops and/or even solely staying away from the first drink one-day-at-time.

We become recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of MIND and BODY, using a Spiritual Remedy, which includes intensive work with the still suffering alcoholic and we grow along Spiritual Lines through a 24 hour plan. We are not here to tell others how to do it - we are here to share what did and what we do to stay within our Primary Purpose. 

Overview of Our Solution

Foreword of the First Edition(para 1):

"To shows other alcoholics preciselyhow we have recovered is the main purpose of this book."

Foreword to the Second Edition(pg xiii, para 1):

" It also indicated that strenous work, one alcoholic with another, was vital to permanent recovery."

The Doctor's Opinion(pg xxv, paras 1 and 2):

"...and unless this person can experience an ENTIRE psychic change there is very little hope of his recovery."

"...the only effort neccessary being that required to follow a few simple rules."

Bill's Story(pg 14, para 4):

" For if the alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge on his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead."

There is a Solution(pg 17, para 3):

The tremendous fact for everyone of us is that we have discovered a common solution."

(pg 19, para 2):

"We feel that the elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs. All of us spend much of our spare time in the effort which we are going to describe."

(pg 19, para 4):

We have concluded to publish an anonymous volume setting forth the problem as we it. We shall bring to the  task our combined experience and knowledge. This should suggest a useful program for anyone concered with a drinking problem."

And there is more - too much to quote to clearly demonstrate that Our Solution is more than avoiding booze and bars.

If it were also about staying away from the First Drink - why attend meetings if that is how we are supposed to recover?

Chapter 7provides ample information and direction in qualifying new prospects for our Fellowship and Program; not every person fits the bill, according to our BB.

Conclusion

Our Twelfth Step writes:

"Having had a Spiritual Awakening as a result of these STEPS..." - notas a result of these "meetings" or "Sponsors" or "Self-Help Books."

Our Primary Purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety, which suggest some action on our part; including joining a AA group, getting a Program Sponsor and a Working With Others.

We recover by the steps we take, not solely by the meetings we make