Page 38 - The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alco_1893007162_6p_01_r5.qxd 4/4/03 11:17 AM Page 17

Chapter 2

THERE IS A SOLUTION

e, of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, know
W thousands of men and women who were once
just as hopeless as Bill. Nearly all have recovered.
They have solved the drink problem.
We are average Americans. All sections of this
country and many of its occupations are represented,
as well as many political, economic, social, and reli­
gious backgrounds. We are people who normally
would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship,
a friendliness, and an understanding which is inde­
scribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a
great liner the moment after rescue from shipwreck
when camaraderie, joyousness and democracy pervade
the vessel from steerage to Captain’s table. Unlike the
feelings of the ship’s passengers, however, our joy in
escape from disaster does not subside as we go our in­
dividual ways. The feeling of having shared in a com­
mon peril is one element in the powerful cement
which binds us. But that in itself would never have
held us together as we are now joined.
The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we
have discovered a common solution. We have a way
out on which we can absolutely agree, and upon which
we can join in brotherly and harmonious action. This
is the great news this book carries to those who suffer
from alcoholism.
17