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If You Want What We Have.

© Jo Murphy

Over the course of 2004 I would like to take each step of the 'Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous' and examine them one by one. By my calculations we should almost be finished looking at the steps by next Christmas!

"But I do not go to Alcoholics Anonymous," you might say? Or maybe you are the relative of an Alcoholic and not an alcoholic yourself? Why would you want to know about the steps? The answer is simple - Knowledge of the steps is knowledge worth having. Try not to reject what you do not understand. To do so is called 'contempt prior to investigation.'

See if you can tune in regularly as I take an episodic look at what has been called 'The Phenomenon of the 20th Century.'

The steps have been adapted to fit many self-styled fellowships over the course of the last decade. Al-anon is one such example. The relatives of Alcoholics can now work through a version of the steps in a similar way to the alcoholics. Through this both parties often come to a place of understanding, tolerance and love. Similarly people who suffer from other addictions have realised that the steps will work for them. Gamblers, people with food addictions, people who suffer from afflictions of the emotions, people who can't abstain from narcotics are just a few examples of groups who have adapted the programme of Alcoholics Anonymous to suit their own needs. Each is unique in the need and the addiction or problem area but all have a common core and style of investigation.

If you are feeling doubtful I suggest you keep on open mind. It is important to ask yourself 'why has this movement been so successful worldwide, and what can I find when I read these pages that will help my loved ones or me?' If the steps are not for you - so be it! But the saying 'take what you need and leave the rest,' does seem to work for so many. So many it seems that it is worth making an initial inquiry - before throwing the baby out with the bath water!

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Before we begin let's prepare for the journey. The discussion will be simple and easily paced. I would like you to prepare the pathway to understanding well because I don't want to leave any one behind. As an initial preparation let's take a look at what has been promised to those who embark upon this voyage.

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