How it Works

How it Works

I came to Alcoholics Anonymous 22 months ago and started going to a group where everyone was sharing about getting a sponsor and going through the 12 steps. I got a sponsor and was given some suggestions to do like reading the Big Book, reading the Just For Today card, ringing a couple of other newcomers and getting on my knees and praying for a sober day.

I found the suggestions easy, apart from praying for a sober day. I'd been drinking for 28 years, I've been homeless, woken up in police cells and hospitals, but can honestly say that I'd never prayed to anyone or anything. My sponsor and others in the group told me I did not have to believe in God, all I had to do was find a power greater than myself and pray to it.

Well me being an alcoholic I even made hard work of that, but I now have a Higher Power of my own understanding. I pray to it every morning for a sober day and last thing at night I thank it for a sober day. My Higher Power is very important in keeping me sober and it's part of my life. All I did was just give up on my old ideas – which availed me nothing. Now I've got a very happy life mainly thanks to my Higher Power, a good homegroup and my sponsor. So anyone who is struggling: do the same and you can have a happy rewarding life.

Road To Recovery Group, Plymouth, Jan 2009