WE ARE RECOVERED - A simple guide to emotional sobriety

This book is a guide to help you interpret the text Alcoholics Anonymous, more fondly known as the Big Book. The intention is not to change the message but to make it more approachable by simplifying the language to ensure that the essential points in each chapter are absorbed and correctly understood.When the Big Book was written in 1939, the programme of recovery and the fellowship were one and the same; people met with the sole purpose of helping those who were still struggling. The message was shared with them directly, always following the clear-cut directions that were laid out in the Big Book.So, what happened? We are now spoilt for choice with the number of meetings and different fellowships throughout the world. AA, NA, CA, OA and many other organisations address a variety of addictive behaviours. In any of these fellowships, it isn't difficult for a newcomer to find someone to "sponsor" them in the same way that they had been sponsored. This is excellent news for those who still suffer from any type of addiction. However, somewhere along the way, the original message has become changed. Since the message has been carried by word of mouth for such a long period of time, these changes are understandable. I think of it as a huge game of "Chinese whispers".In the meetings, sometimes referred to as the rooms, we often find ourselves listening to and following the opinions of others. We may hear people talk about the steps and the programme, but they are not necessarily referring to the contents of the Big Book.I cannot say exactly why the programme has not been followed as written, but perhaps the language used in the original text feels outdated and prevents people from connecting with it. "The Solution", as described in the first 164 pages, has been left largely untouched for fear that the message would be lost. That message has helped millions of people, so, if you need help, I strongly urge you to read it. This book is designed to help people return to using the Big Book, allowing it to act as a guide to simplify The Solution while still keeping true to the words of the original text.Like the Big Book, this small book is a collaborative effort. I have consulted many others who have successfully completed the programme through this method. These people span all versions of fellowships, so no matter how your addiction has manifested itself - through drink, drugs, sex, shopping, food or anything else - I know from experience that the simple, unadulterated programme can change your life. No opinions have been stated, so you will not find anything that you cannot see clearly in black and white within the original pages of the Big Book. Occasionally, anecdotal references are included because I have found these examples to be helpful to the people I have worked with. For clarity, these will be included in italics. Remember, this is not my message that you are reading; it is THE original AA message. In many cases over the years, listening to our own message has nearly killed us!Before we begin, a quick word about God. From experience, I know that some people are reluctant to use the programme due to a perception that it contains strong religious overtones. Yes, the Big Book does make references to God, and it also makes it clear that you can use a higher power of your own understanding as your reference point. Instead of using spirituality and God as the foundation, this guide refers to the solution - the programme and morals - spiritual "Principles". Bill W, the principal author of Alcoholics Anonymous, had a sudden and unexpected spiritual experience. It had such an impact on him that it is clear why he would want it to be included. However, this is not the experience of everyone, and in fact, the Big Book itself refers to a personality change or a "psychic change" that can happen gradually. Not everyone has to have a "sudden spiritual awakening" for this material to be valid and helpful.