Some alcoholics go to AA meetings even though they haven't stopped drinking. They may fulfill AA’s only membership requirement, expressed in the 3rd Tradition, by having the desire to stop drinking. But, for whatever reason, they just cannot stop. Though it may be unusual to have someone in a meeting who's actively drinking, their presence is still important to AA newcomers and veterans alike.

Today’s guest, Emily M., is one of those who had the desire, but simply could not stop drinking in the nearly 5 years she attended AA meetings on a regular basis. Many of her fellow members gave up on her along the way. But the spirit of the 3rd Tradition prevailed among those who really cared and they encouraged her to get sober. Eventually, she stopped drinking over 31 years ago.

After finally getting sober, Emily immersed herself in the Program of Alcoholics Anonymous. She got a sponsor, studied the Big Book, worked the steps, and continued to attend meetings.  She became heavily involved in service work and sponsorship. And she found a much-needed spiritual connection through her active involvement in the fellowship.

Emily’s powerful story is one of perseverance and determination. For those who are still drinking and/or struggling to stay sober, even while attending meetings, her message provides a useful addendum to one of AA’s most popular sayings: Meeting-makers make it…sooner or later.

So on this, the 26th episode of AA Recovery Interviews, I’m thrilled to welcome my good friend and AA sister, Emily M.

Visit the AA Recovery Interviews website for more information and to contact me, Howard L.

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To contact Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, visit aa.org.

Check out Howard’s Big Book Podcast, the complete unabridged audio version of the First and Second Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book Podcast is an engaging cover-to-cover, word-for-word reading of all 11 chapters and Personal Stories, many of which were left out of the Third and Fourth Editions. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or listen on https://bigbookpodcast.com

[Disclaimer: In strict adherence to A.A.’s traditions, my anonymous guests and I speak for ourselves only, not for Alcoholics Anonymous at large. We share only our personal experiences with A.A. recovery. We acknowledge that AA’s sole concern is the recovery and continued sobriety of those alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. As members of AA, our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. – Howard L.]