It has been said at AA meetings that the disease, along with that first drink, is out in the parking lot doing pushups waiting for you. No matter what the weather is. Alcoholism is cunning, powerful, and patiently waiting for you to show a sign of weakness so that it can poke its ugly head into the situation. It is sending triggers out to you constantly just waiting for you to react.
Triggers come in many forms. Anniversaries of traumatic events. The loss of a loved one. Loss of a job. Loss of a relationship. Divorce. In some cases, marriage itself. Something said by another to or about you. The weather. Yes, what greater time to think of drinking than when the weather warms up after a long, hard winter. Bringing with it the memories of drinking at picnics, the beach, camping, bonfires, and the list goes on and on. “ I did it then and had a blast. Just one won’t hurt me!”
This means that the weather is just one of a string of triggers that this patient disease can and will use. When you’re out of town by yourself and wonder “Who would even know?” You would! Your mind would! Your body would! Your entire system would! Now, you have to hide the fact that you drank. What does this bring with it? Guilt! Shame! What does an alcoholic do when guilty and/or ashamed? This one drank!
What causes these triggers? Your thoughts do! What Do we do about it? We go back to the basics. Change your thinking, change your life. Of course, to start, we say the shortened version of The Serenity Prayer, “God help me.” Then move on in thoughts and actions. When I ask for help from my Higher Power, I get it each and every time. You can too. “How do we move on?” You can’t think of two thoughts at the same time. So, the thing to do is call or meet with another alcoholic. If you are helping someone, your mind is on the help, not yourself.
Don’t try to complicate a simple program. Just remember to use the 3rd Step. You have turned your will and your life over to the care of God, as you understand Him. Don’t take any part of it back. Not even an illness. God bless you!
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