I think that is one of the most impressive things I have seen with the program is the ability for it to keep it’s members sober for years and years for the remainder of their lives if they so choose. The other impressive factor is the level and degree of alcoholism/addiction I have seen, and lives left in ruins, transformed into people with no trace of showing signs of their past, both in freedom from addiction and also lives completely rebuilt and restored to a condition never quite possible before. In other words, I have seen the completely hopeless alcoholic transformed into beacons of prosperity, hope, and freedom from alcoholism that is not only inspiring but baffling.

I personally can thank AA for my own long term sobriety because by continuing to go to meetings and hearing of others relapse stories when they got away from the program, I often see myself. I know what it feels like to start to feel complacent that I have this thing beat now, or maybe NOW, I can drink like a gentleman. Truth is, I very well may be able to. The fact is, I probably cannot and testing those waters is playing Russian roulette with my life. Plus, I realize by staying in AA, I REALLY DO NOT miss drinking and the effects produced by it. Some of the effects are temporarily nice, but it is the sum of the effects that I must consider.

I am glad you like the quote: “Your alcoholism wants you dead, but it will settle for broken and miserable”. It is one of my favorites I have overheard in the rooms that really resonated with me having fully known what it feels like to know how true those words are. I saw your post which started with that quote that reveals you also know the depth of truth in that statement.

Thanks for the reply and it’s always great hearing from you, reading your posts, and your encouragement to others in the forum! You are a good example of how to get this goal done for yourself and how to be of service to others which is actually one of the principles of AA. The belief is that by helping other alcoholics gain their sobriety, we also protect our own…very true.

_{Johnny, still waiting to hear back from you bro.}