Thank you Leslie, I have never been ashamed of belonging to AA. There are Many functional alcoholics in the world. People have a sick sense that Alcoholics are people living under bridges and train stations,,NOT TRUE!!

The majority of people in my meetings are everyday working class people. Functional in every way,,everyday,, but need the alcohol to ease their pain.

Alcohol intensifies the pain. But we do not learn this until we treat ourselves of this desease. Just like Cancer or heart desease, Alcoholism is a proven gene in our bodies. And it Can be treated.

AA Has saved my life. Along with Prayer and Positive thinking, I am a Happy person today. I have no shame in telling anyone or Helping anyone fight this desease.

I am thrilled that people are responding to this thread. I would like to see more post here. Its a meeting in Alp!!

Thank you Leslie for your share.

Peace, Sharon

Anything I can do to help promote the treatment for this disease I am

more than willing to do. Keep up the good work.

Leslie

Hi Sharon,

I have not had the Experience knowing anyone in AA but to my understanding it’s a habit just like smoking and just as hard to kick I wish all who are in AA the best wishes to meet or exceed their goals.Thank You for sharing Gods speed :-) Lee

The AA Grapevine is an effective tool for members of the professional community who are working with recovering alcoholics. It is also a source of information on the foundation, history, and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Grapevine paints a picture of the Fellowship in action through members’ stories and letters. It is a place to gain a deeper understanding of the disease of alcoholism and the alcoholic’s suffering, and to see how Alcoholics Anonymous can help someone get and then stay sober.

Online or in print, the magazine can help you:

• Know what it is like to be an alcoholic, both in the active phase and in recovery.
• Gather insight on how AA works and its singleness of purpose.
• Learn more about alcoholism and the family, women in AA, alcoholism and mental illness, AA in prison, young people, newcomers, and old-timers.
• Stay current on AA issues and recent issues in recovery.

Specific topics include:

• How the AA program works, not in theory but in practice.
• How AA can help an alcoholic face life’s challenges while remaining sober.
• How the disease continues to have an effect on an alcoholic after he/she is in recovery.
• Why alcoholics continue to go to meetings after they’ve stopped drinking.
• How alcoholics use therapy and other professional assistance along with AA in their recovery.
• How Alcoholics Anonymous cooperates with treatment facilities.
• How newcomers can make the difficult transition from treatment to AA.
• What happens at an AA meeting, what a sponsor is, what the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are.

Resources from the AA World Service website:

• AA Guidelines on Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) [PDF]
• Newsletter for Professionals from Alcoholics Anonymous
• About AA: The AA Grapevine: AA’s Meeting in Print [PDF]

For our friends to recommend us, they must understand us. And for that, we are responsible.

If Our Message Is Clear. . .
Don P., Aurora, CO
Grapevine, May 1988

June 2007

Vol. 64, No. 1

	Note From the Editor Sample the AudioGrapevine: Click the icon to listen to this story!
	PO Box (Letters)
	Step Six: Wherever and Whenever New York, New York — An AA lets go of a limited objective
	Step Six: Nothing is Forever Detroit, Michigan — A goal within grasp
	Y.E.S.: Better Than I Deserve Costa Mesa, California — Coming of age in AA
	Cruise Control Cleveland, Ohio — Slower speeds bring an AA some serenity Sample the AudioGrapevine: Click the icon to listen to this story!
	Obsession Progression Bandon, Arizona — More to sobriety than a dry spell
	The Marriage Afterward El Paso, Texas — An AA rebuilds after alcoholism
	Embers of Hope Bridgeton, New Jersey — A new perspective leads to a new strength
	In Your Bones Barrington, Illinois— Living AA each day of the year

In Memoriam:

Landmarks of AA — Dr. Bob's birthplace and other historic sites

	The Big Catch Wrightwood, California — A father's story
	The Receiving End Haverhill, Massachusetts— Housecalls and kindness bring spiritual awakening
	Beginner's Meeting: My AA Survival Kit Rouses Point, New York — Tools that keep -- and deepen -- sobriety
	Spotlight On Service: Kitchen-Sink Sobriety Memphis, Tennessee — Peace, gratitude, and clean cups
	How Kind Is It? Chiloquin, Oregon — Love and tolerance, one misstep at time
	ASL: From Wish List to Gratitude List Maine — Unlikely riches and satisfied needs
	What's On Your Mind? Access for AA Logan, Utah — All alcoholics are welcome
	At Wit's End