“Last week I shared about my friend's untimely, tragic death. Thank you all for the outpouring of love you sent my way. Our community and his family will be getting together to celebrate his life. For anyone that thinks you can come into the program, clean up for a while and go hit it again and again, let this be a wake-up. Martin had been doing that for so long none of us sensed the urgency this time. He's now at his final meeting. Grab this program with all the gusto you can muster. You deserve it and you're worth it.”

Welcome to episode 15 of Two Drunks With a Mic. The podcast where we share our past so that others might have a future. We want to thank everyone that has come alongside us in support of our mission of simply being addicts helping addicts. Our show can be found wherever podcast are found and we are happy to announce that this now includes iHeartRadio. We do ask that you subscribe and share. Also reviewing the show on your prefered outlet and even on our FaceBook page is a big help.

In episode 14, Randy, Luke, and I discussed some of the struggles that we faced in early recovery and how we moved past them, as well as the importance of balance within our personal programs. There was a couple times during our conversation at which we referenced one or two insights found on page 30 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. We didn’t camp out on them then, but I want to expand on them today.  

You see, the short statement of the passing of a young man I read at the beginning of this episode is a true story… and a very recent one. He was not a part of my life, but he was a part of someone’s; and that person posted this plea as a warning. I changed the name out of respect, but the name could’ve easily been mine or that of anyone else you have heard from on this show. It could be you, your neighbors or anyone else in your life.

And that, I believe, is the point of the warnings found starting on page 30 of the Big Book. So I want to do something a little different today. I’m going to present chapter 3 of the Big Book in its entirety. It isn’t long. Maybe you’re not a problem drinker or aren’t sure if you are? Doesn’t matter. For the sake of this exercise, go into it with an open mind and maybe try to replace any mention of alcohol with something you struggle with. Maybe reflect on some of the lengths you go, or have gone, to have things your way. Reflect on the hopelessness you might encounter. I’m not suggesting that you dwell on it though. Ain’t no future in that.

I’ll be reading from the third edition of the Big Book. There are obviously newer editions, but this is just how I roll. Some of the statistics have changed over the years, but the general truth of the chapter has not.

Just like with most everything else, there are things within the Big Book that I don’t totally agree with. I certainly don’t hold it up as some type of scared text. But if you do, I respect your position. If you happen to think that the whole book is a load of garbage, I even respect your position.

But let me say this,  when it comes to the illustrations I am going to read, they nailed how I was. Randy, Luke, and Gary have all recounted their similar experiences with the insanity described.

If you read this everyday, or if it’s your first time hearing it, take it for what it’s worth. I throw some links in the show notes for some resources if you have questions.

Starting on page 30, chapter 3, More About Alcoholism.

http://www.aa.org/