“We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, of friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck when camaraderie, joyousness, and democracy pervade the vessel from steerage to captain’s table. Unlike the feelings of the ships passengers, however our joy and escape from disaster does not subside as we go our individual ways…The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we’ve discovered a common solution. We have a way out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which we can join in brotherly and harmonious action”- There is a Solution page 17 from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
It does not matter where you’re from, the kind of upbringing you’ve had, or the type of person you are. Regardless of age, sex, and race, alcoholism does not discriminate. It is believed that persons, places, things, or situations do not make us alcoholics. We find that regardless of those things many of us have similar experiences when it comes to alcohol. We know all too well the feeling of uselessness, self- pity, and loneliness. We know what it’s like when our disease takes over and we are caught in a world full of darkness, fear, desperation, powerlessness, pain, and emotional/spiritual bankruptcy. When we feel helpless it can be hard to see a way out, however when we are ready to surrender and ask for alcohol addiction help we can try different things; such as California rehab centers, AA, or California drug treatment. Once we seek out help and get sober we begin to get the gifts of recovery that’s mentioned in the excerpt from “There is a Solution”. We are able to find happiness, form meaningful relationships, and come to know a joy that we never knew could exist. There is light where there was once darkness. There is peace where there was once chaos. There is love where there was once brokenness, and the life we live is truly indescribably wonderful. It is a life beyond anyone’s wildest dreams that cannot be transmitted, but is available to those who are willing to get sober and work to achieve recovery.