Many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings read excerpts out of their book to get a meeting started. One of those excerpts that is commonly read in meetings is out of Chapter 5, “How it Works” from pages 58-60 out of the book Alcoholic Anonymous, fondly called “The Big Book” by members of the program.

The reason why this excerpt is considered so important is because it talks about how the program works while listing out the basis of the program in the 12 Steps. Another key factor in this reading is what called the “three pertinent ideas” in the middle of page 60.

• That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.

• That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.

• That God could and would if he were sought.

These three pertinent ideas are formatted differently than other passages in the book by labeling the key sentences with an “a, b, and c” to layout a spiritual plan of action. What the three pertinent ideas really outline is how steps 1 and 2 should be understood and worked through before moving onto step 3, “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” Step 3 is simply making a decision regarding a conception of their own Higher Power.

The subject of a God, or a Higher Power, can create mixed emotions for some people because they may have had a bad religious experience, have not been fully introduced to spirituality, or just cannot fathom giving up control in their life. These situations could keep a person from achieving faith in a Higher Power, especially if that person has an addiction. Drugs and alcohol become the Higher Power which makes it difficult to transition over control and put faith into something new on their own.

With the three pertinent ideas, there is a sequence to follow to get out from under. Starting with step 1 relinquishes domination from drugs and alcohol to allow for something else to take their place which can be defined through an individualized spirituality. Doing so gives a person a chance to put faith in spiritual guidance rather than human will to gain better results in sobriety.

If you or someone you know needs help with their drug or alcohol addiction, The Kimberly Center has a treatment plan that will work for you. We believe that successful recovery encompasses the improvements in your self-esteem, relationships, and vocational productivity that substance abuse took away from you.

Call us today to begin: 855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683)