In the May Essay “Food For Thought” column, an elaboration of SA’s sobriety statement was presented for member reaction. So far, only some eight groups and individuals have responded. This small sampling, inconclusive as it is, has created quite a furor. Apparently, people are either very much for it or very much against it. Here’s the paragraph in question:
We have found that more important than the mere length of our calendar sobriety is its quality and our own personal integrity. Physical sobriety is not an end in itself but a means toward an end—victory over the obsession and progress in recovery. We are often the only ones who know on the inside of our souls whether we are truly in sobriety and recovery. Better to surrender to the spirit of truth as God sees us than hide behind the badge of our sobriety date, live the compromise, cheat ourselves, and threaten the principles of our Fellowship and union with one another.
Sample comments follow:
“I and some of my brothers use any ammunition we can find about the imperfections of our programs as self-propelled weapons which damage serenity and recovery…the new paragraph plays into my scrupulosity.”
“The new paragraph leaves me absolutely ecstatic! Go!”
“I agree completely, but don’t put it in the literature. It’s either redundant (the end of the SA manual says it) or it’s trying to say something new. Also, will it foster judgmentalism?”
“Yes, use it. From a member who has struggled for a year before maintaining any sobriety…I would have been extremely encouraged by that paragraph. Although I wasn’t sober, I knew I was learning and growing and I kept coming to meetings, in spite of the shame. I would have liked for someone to recognize my efforts.”
“…It is for me, whispering seductively to my perfectionism.… Mean spirited. It lacks the hallmark of any genuine system of spiritual growth: compassion.”
“It devalues physical sobriety by characterizing it as merely a means toward an end and in no way to be considered as evidence of progressive victory or growth in recovery. It also tempts one to sit in judgement on himself as to the value and progress of his recovery.”
“I am so very happy to see what has been written…people in our community have been hiding behind the sobriety date…especially concerning their voyeurism. Other people will be tremendously preoccupied with relationships although, ‘legalistically sober.’”
“We…found that we were already adhering to this principle.… It is our opinion that one can abstain completely and yet still be completely into addictive behavior in his mind.… One can openly proclaim sobriety and yet still be very ‘drunk’ through his thoughts, feelings, etc.… ‘Sincere Delusion.’”
Tennis anyone?
