by Rev. Leo Booth

Rev Leo Booth

The wonderful thing about being given the opportunity to write about alcoholism and recovery each month is that it can be approached or discussed in a thousand ways. The stories, the insights and the suggestions are legion.

I’m suggesting in this article that, rather like the popular dance routine, there are basically two steps in attaining sobriety, or recovery. And both steps are essentially spiritual. Let’s consider what I mean:

The First Step

Here I’m not suggesting the literal step recorded in Alcoholics Anonymous, rather am I musing on the idea of something that to many people should be obvious; you cannot heal from a problem or issue unless you clearly state the problem or issue. We cannot overcome a challenge until we first recognize the challenge in our lives.

Staying with the initial analogy, this is the essential first step of the dance. Being an alcoholic, many would suggest, is different from being a problem drinker. Alcoholism infers not only feelings of powerlessness but also an embarrassing lack of control. The statement “I can’t believe I did (said) that” or “I don’t remember. I’m so sorry” become regular utterances in the alcoholic home. Also “I need a drink” or “I must have another” infer the addictive nature of this disease. It’s not like you drank too much, you always drink too much!

The recognition of this first step is the beginning of recovery; the wisdom of knowing (acceptance) brings with it the process of healing. Surrendering to the awareness of this symptom of the disease initiates abstinence. Notice, I’m saying abstinence, not sobriety.

Sobriety requires the second step; remember, it’s a Two Step dance. This also is a spiritual step because it affirms, it brings, change.

The Second Step

In the second step we build the foundation of a spiritual character, personality, attitude. Because alcoholism affected our behavior we need clean- up what we said and did; the addictive nature is replaced by balance and responsibility.

Although we may not realize it in the early days of recovery, the second step becomes a spiritual way of life; it is life enhancing.

Some of the awarenesses that come in the second step are the following:

(a) We realize we are not all powerful. There is something that exists in this universe that is greater than us; a Higher Power. Some will comfortably call this entity God.

(b) In order to feel free of the guilt and shame created by the baggage of alcoholism, we need revisit our past attitude and behavior in order to clean house. Who did we hurt? What amends need to be made? What plan is required to restore our self esteem?

(c) Because we are not God, we are not perfect, it is suggested we apply this spiritual plan on a daily basis; if I hurt or offend I make a prompt apology. In this sense cleaning house becomes a process for living.

(d) The spiritual foundation of this second step requires reflection and (possibly) meditation. We stay in touch with the positive energy of our Higher Power.

(e) When we agree to engage in this Two Step dance then we have a message for others. What we have been able to attain, moving through abstinence into sobriety, others will want. The tragic taker has now become the grateful giver.

This is the Two Step dance. Of course it is but another way of experiencing the beauty of the Twelve Step program; it’s the same song sung in a different way. It is perhaps the oldest story retold; how a person who was lost finds their way back to what they should be. In recovery we call it the spiritual awakening.