The First Drink

What really works in Alcoholics Anonymous? In this episode of Alcoholics Alive, Shank and Wayne wrap up Season 16 by reflecting on the principles and practices that have helped alcoholics get sober and stay sober. They share their experience with keeping the AA program simple, staying focused on what works, and continuing to live AA as a way of life. In Meeting Shrapnel, they discuss three familiar sayings: "Come all the way in and sit all the way down." "We're just two liars sorting out the truth." "ODAT – One Day at a Time." Have a comment, suggestion, or question? Email Shank and Wayne at [email protected]. Visit us at alcoholicsalive.com.

What keeps people sober for decades in Alcoholics Anonymous? In this episode of Alcoholics Alive, Shank and Wayne share their experience and discuss what it takes to maintain long-term sobriety, the importance of continuing to practice the AA program, and why the principles that helped us get sober remain just as important years later. In Meeting Shrapnel, they discuss three familiar sayings: "Take my advice, I'm not using it anyway." "Some are sicker than others." "The farther I get from my last drink, the closer I get to my next drunk." Have a comment, suggestion, or question? Email Shank and Wayne at [email protected]. Visit us at alcoholicsalive.com.

Why do people leave Alcoholics Anonymous? In this episode of Alcoholics Alive, Shank and Wayne share their experience and discuss some of the reasons people walk away from AA, the challenges of staying involved, and the importance of continuing to practice the AA program. In Meeting Shrapnel, they discuss three familiar sayings: "People leave AA when they get what they want." "Coming back is a gift, not a given." "Don't give up before the miracle happens." Have a comment, suggestion, or question? Email Shank and Wayne at [email protected]. Visit us at alcoholicsalive.com.

What does effective service look like in Alcoholics Anonymous? In this episode of Alcoholics Alive, Shank and Wayne share their experience with AA service, discuss the importance of carrying the message, and explore how service can help both the alcoholic giving it and those receiving it. In Meeting Shrapnel, they discuss three familiar sayings: "You didn't get sick overnight, and you won't get well overnight." "There's no problem too big that a drink won't make worse." "You're not responsible for your first thought, but you are responsible for your first action." Have a comment, suggestion, or question? Email Shank and Wayne at [email protected]. Visit us at alcoholicsalive.com.

What makes an AA Home Group important? In this episode of Alcoholics Alive, Shank and Wayne share their experience with being members of an Alcoholics Anonymous Home Group and discuss the role the Home Group plays in their sobriety and the AA Fellowship. In Meeting Shrapnel, they discuss three familiar sayings: "Let your past be a lesson, not a life sentence." "There is no growth in the comfort zone." "You can start your day over at any time." Have a comment, suggestion, or question? Email Shank and Wayne at [email protected]. Visit us at www.alcoholicsalive.com  

Shank and Wayne discuss Spiritual Experience.  Meeting Shrapnel dives into "If God seems far away, who moved?", "It's not fake it till you make it, it's act as if" and "We can be positive that are drinking was negative".  Email Shank and Wayne at [email protected] 

Shank and Wayne share their experience with steps 10, 11 and 12. In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "You can do any step with a 1 in front of it everyday", "I work the steps to keep my spiritual lights on" and " I need to continue to continue". If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at [email protected] 

Shank and Wayne discuss making direct amends.  In Meeting Shrapnel they reveiw "Keep it short, sweet and don't re-break their nose", "Make amends, not a reenactment" and "Don't start a new tab while your paying of the old bar". You can email Alcoholics Alive at [email protected] 

Shank and Wayne discuss Steps 4 and 5.  In Meeting Shrapnel they look at "When you are going through hell, don't stop to set up camp", "Out of the head and into the open" and "Defects are like accessories, I lose one and I find another". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at [email protected] 

Shank and Wayne discuss why the steps work.  In Meeting Shrapnel they look at "Willingness without action is futile", "P.I.G.S - Person Interested in Growing Spiritually" and "H.O.G.S - Helping Others Grow Spiritually". Email Alcoholics Alive at [email protected]