“Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.”
-“Working with Others,” Alcoholics Anonymous
I once heard an AA old timer put it this way, “Helping others is where the good dope is.” And it’s true. Far better dope than, well, dope, alcohol, Oreos, or obsession. The high is like no other. You feel the Universe coursing through your veins when you connect. You feel the presence of your god, and that’s what this whole thing is about. It’s the one dragon you really do want to chase. It’s pure magic.
(Magic dragon… Puff reference notwithstanding.)
Bill W. had the bolt from the blue spiritual experience and he spent the rest of his life chasing it. Him chasing that dragon led to the founding of AA which has worked profound and miraculous good in the world. When he needed or wanted an alcohol high, he went instead for the better dope, helping others. He got a better, longer lasting high, and not only kept himself sober, but built this amazing thing on which we all rely.
It is possible for us too. It is possible to be more than sober—better than sober. It’s possible to catch and kiss that dragon, over and over, and even more intimately each time.
Someone in a Chronic Compulsive Eaters Anonymous meeting once said that we must extend ourselves into uncomfortable service, which to me means that we have to, as time goes on, chase that dragon more intensely. Viewing it from a distance only works for so long. Waving at it as it flies by. Holding its claw. Feeling the heat of its fire. Counting its scales. We have to keep at it. We have to get uncomfortable. We have to get on that dragon and ride, exhilarated and terrified.
My dragon metaphor is getting a little rarified. Here’s the kind of terror that gets you there:
Talking to newcomers on the phone. They have no idea who you are, and you’re scared you’ll say something stupid.
Sponsoring someone for the first time. They’re scared of you, but you’re far more scared of them.
Leading a meeting. Eek!
Starting a meeting. Double eek!
Sending letters to professionals in the community. Heart pounding.
Actually talking to professionals in the community. Dead panic!
But man, when you do it? Oh the deliciousness of it you can sink your whole soul into. The very bolt from the blue. The electricity. The presence. “Vital spiritual experience.” Power. Higher Power.
You and the dragon, one wild force.
The very best dope there is.
Until next time,
-Michelle A.
Recovered and available sponsor in Chronic Compulsive Eaters Anonymous and Recovered Codependents.
Contact me anytime. MichelleA12Steps@gmail.com
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