The Living Sober book written by Alcoholic's Anonymous World
Services Inc was last printed and updated for the 36th time in
2003. This handbook for alcoholics reviews what an alcoholic/drug
addict needs to do to stay sober from Day 1 and utilizing the 12
steps of recovery throughout the journey of recovery.
The book begins with an official statement issued in July 31, 1964,
"Why 'not drinking'?
It gives a brief introduction as to how alcoholics must understand
that this is a disease that needs to be treated like any other
disease. It also sets out, explaining to the alcoholic that the
methods that need to be used to be able to live sober without
drinking.
It touches on subjects like "keep an open mind" "use your own
common sense" "staying away from that first drink" and "using the
24-hour plan." The Alcoholics Anonymous start with these topics in
order to help the alcoholic to begin the transition to living
sober.
This living sober book also tells the addict in no uncertain times
that it is a lifelong, progressive, fatal disease if not treated
with the 12 steps.
Alcoholics Anonymous continues by providing easy slogans for the
addict to remember. For example "live and let live" is suggested in
order to assist the alcoholic recognize how they cannot control
other people and that they need to hear what their past drinking
caused to relatives and friends.
The book sets out how the initial important things are getting
active, especially in and around A.A. But even activity not related
to A.A. is helpful.
These subjects that are covered in brief explain how AA works and
how important it is to get a sponsor, attend meetings and
continually recite and rely on the Serenity prayer.
The book also gives advice and hints that have been used by other
alcoholics/addicts to assist recovery by changing old routines,
eating/drinking something sweet, and making use of telephone
therapy and unconditionally surrendering the alcoholic's will with
the guidance of a sponsor.
This book also provides insights into what situations to look out
for by an alcoholic to avoid a relapse. It details how staying away
from people places and things that the addict frequented during
usage and to avoid anger and resentment and to fend off loneliness
can aid the recovery process.
The book also advises the alcoholic to be good to oneself, to get
plenty of rest, not to reach a level too quickly in the program but
to "easy does it" in terms of understanding the 12 steps of
recovery. Also to be grateful that the alcoholic can have sobriety
and to be humble.
In addition to the standard alcoholic's perception, the 12-step
program is also applied to gambling, sex and other addictive
behaviour. This book also recommends that the addict read
Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions,
Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, As Bill Sees It, Dr. Bob and the
Good Oldtimers, Pass It On, Come to Believe…, Daily Reflections: A
Book of Reflections by A.A. Members for A.A. Members, A.A. in
Prison: Inmate to Inmate.
Therefore, this book, from an alcoholic's perspective, is a must
read and is the beginning of recovery for the addictive
personality/disease for the alcoholic/addict.
Moishe Alexander