Self-pity is one of the most insidious obstacles to lasting sobriety. Both Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), frequently discussed the detrimental effects of self-pity on alcoholics. In the pages of the Big Book, "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers," and various articles in the Grapevine, they highlighted how self-pity can sabotage recovery efforts. Understanding how self-pity manifests, recognizing its symptoms, and learning how to banish it are crucial … [Read more...]
Willingness: The Keystone of Lasting Recovery
When we talk about recovery from alcoholism, the conversation often turns to various strategies, support systems, and therapies. However, at the heart of all these discussions lies a single, pivotal concept: willingness. Without it, the journey to sobriety can feel like an insurmountable mountain. With it, that mountain becomes a series of manageable steps. The First Step: Acknowledging the Problem The first step in any recovery process is the willingness to admit a problem. This might seem … [Read more...]