Working a Program.

Today in group I finally learned what exactly what"Working Your Program" means. "Working Your Program" in AA lingo means going through the 12 steps with a sponsor. Groups and therapists and all the literature on addiction pounds it into you that you need a sponsor. A sponsor is a AA person with at least 1 year sobriety who has gone through all the steps at least once. I never knew what the big deal was, I know some people who have never had a sponsor and formally worked through the 12 steps but have managed to remain sober. Whatever works for you I say, but history and experience says the best way is the way laid out by the creators of AA. Prior to AA nothing in the history of mankind has ever been able to successfully treat alcoholism. You either died an alcoholic, spent your life in an insane asylum or even got a lobotomy. Two guys in 1932 started the group in a kitchen and laid down the basic program. Google Dr. Bob to get the full story. It is quite a tale. I truly believe AA is a divine gift to mankind. Anyway, a sponsor guides you through the 12 steps. The only step that can be done perfectly is #1. The only way to do it perfectly is to abstain from drinking and never "pick up" or use again. The remaining 11 steps are a self-improvement journey. You can use the remaining 11 steps for any situation. I truly believe if everyone did a 12 step program the world would be a much better place. It is all about becoming the best person you always knew you were deep inside.
I wasn't "getting it" about the program. Thats because the intoxicated mind and warped thinking of an addict cannot properly process the program. My mind is starting to clear up from being poisoned by drink and drug. I have to keep in mind that I have only barely even scratched the surface. In fact people in recovery will have to "work their program" for the rest of their lives if there is to be any hope of staying sober and having quality sobriety. That is why one of the most quoted sayings in AA is "One day at a time". If you try to look at sobriety any more than a day at a time or even 5 minutes at a time in early recovery, the whole prospect will seem very daunting and you are more likely to get discouraged and relapse. I have a lot of personal experience in that situation by the way, but I am getting better every day.
Anyway, I think I am done for the day I am pretty tired. I actually worked today!! It felt great to have something to get up early for and to feel useful again.
Later Tater.