How it Works

Rarely…

…have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do
not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program,
usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of be ing honest with themselves.
There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that
way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which
demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer
from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the
capacity to be honest.
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and
what we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to
any length to get it—then you are ready to take certain steps.
At some of these we balked. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we
could not. With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough
from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was
nil until we let go absolutely.
Remember that we deal with alcohol—cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is
too much for us. But there is One who has all power—that One is God. May you find Him
now!
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection
and care with complete abandon.
Source AA.org

Meeting Reading Format

Go to the 12 steps reading or back to Meeting Reading page.

AA.org