December 10 No Human Power
“(c) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.”
-Alcoholics Anonymous p. 60
I thought I was pretty powerful. I actually thought that I could cure my loved one’s alcoholism. This brings us to the third of the three C’s: I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it, and I can’t cure it. Yes, I cannot cure another person’s alcoholism. Just as I couldn’t cure my friend’s cancer, I cannot cure alcoholism.
I lived under the delusion that if I did x, y, and z correctly and in the correct order that the drinker would finally wise up and realize that they should stop drinking. I would have been the glorious hero who saved them! My pride and ego were on the line. If I couldn’t do this, then maybe I was powerless to do other things as well. I was very afraid of this truth. But then it brought me to a realization: maybe I needed my Higher Power’s help. Instead of constantly trying to solve everyone else’s problems, I could put the focus on myself.
Alcoholism is a mystery. And there is a treatment in the Twelve Steps of AA. However, I cannot make another person want the treatment. I take daily medication for high blood pressure. If I stop that treatment, I put myself at greater risk for heart disease and stroke. No, I cannot cure the drinker of his or her disease. He or she has to want to do it for themselves.
Today’s Prayer
God, I know I cannot cure the alcoholic’s drinking. However, you can cure me. There are Twelve Steps for me today. Help me turn the focus back on myself where it belongs today.