Wisdom Of The Rooms - 2021

[bluidkiti]

December 27

Quote of the Week

"We are always just an arm’s length away from active alcoholism."

Over the holidays, I came uncomfortably close to accidental slips. First there was that rum dessert. Then there were those liquor-filled chocolates we got for Christmas. Then there were a few nights’ worth of NyQuil to ward off my wife’s flu. And that’s when I heard today’s quote, and it scared me and snapped me back to reality. What I remembered is that many people who go out often start by mistake and then indulge in the belief that they can probably control and enjoy their drinking again. After all, they think it’s been years since they had a drink, and surely it wouldn’t have the same effect.

But then I consider today’s quote. First, “We are always just an arm’s length away. . . .” It is truly terrifying to realize that I am indeed just an arm’s length away from disaster. I don’t have to go far to go out; alcohol is all around me. And after long-term (or short-term) sobriety, it can be easy to let my guard down. And the second part is even scarier: “from active alcoholism.” When I think it through, what I know for sure is that if I picked up, it wouldn’t be long before I was in a state of pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization. No one glass of wine for me. I would be all in and out of control. I shiver as I remember what that was like.

Thank God I still have a program and attend regular meetings. I know for sure that I am not cured; rather, I have a daily reprieve only, based on my spiritual condition. And this requires daily maintenance to keep up, and it requires constant vigilance. Alcoholism, as I have been taught and believe, is cunning, baffling, and powerful. I must continue to do the things that got me the gift of sobriety: pray to my Higher Power, continue to be of service, and work my program. When I do, I have access to the strength I need to resist temptation. And if I don’t, then active alcoholism is just an arm’s length away.