11th Step

“For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead. If he did not work, he would surely drink again, and if he drank, he would surely die.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill's Story, pg. 14~

“He had a desperate desire to stop, but saw no way out, for he had earnestly tried many avenues of escape. Painfully aware of being somehow abnormal, the man did not fully realize what it meant to be alcoholic.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, Page 155~

“His call to the clergyman led him presently to a certain resident of the town, who, though formerly able and respected, was then nearing the nadir of alcoholic despair. It was the usual situation; home in jeopardy, wife ill, children distracted, bills in arrears and standing damaged.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, Page 155~

“…we never apologize for our belief in Him. Instead, we try to let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Page 68~

“We need not apologize to anyone for depending upon the Creator. We have good reason to disbelieve those who think spirituality is the way of weakness. For us, it is the way of strength.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Page 68~

"No words can tell of the loneliness and despair I found in that bitter morass of self pity. Quicksand stretched around me in all directions. I had met my match. I had been overwhelmed. Alcohol was my master."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Bill's Story, pg. 8

But what about his responsibilities—his family and the men who would die because they would not know how to get well, ah—yes, those other alcoholics? There must be many such in this town. He would phone a clergyman. His sanity returned and he thanked God. Selecting a church at random from the directory, he stepped into a booth and lifted the receiver.

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, Page 154-155~

"Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house."

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 98~

“Therefore, it is not surprising that our drinking careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could drink like other people.”

~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, A Vision For You, Page 30~

"Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We had to have God's help."

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, How It Works, pg. 62