That's been my experience, anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Therefore, the main problem of the alcoholic centers in his mind... "

-- Big Book, Chapter 2, There is a Solution, pg. 23

Untreated alcoholism actively works to prevent my ability to "observe" my thinking. It obscures and distorts the logical sequence of thoughts which would allow me to connect action with consequence.

"There is a complete failure of the kind of defense that keeps one from putting his hand on a hot stove."

-- Big Book, Chapter 2, There is a Solution, pg. 24

It was listening in AA meetings, and then working through all 12 Steps, which finally allowed me to perceive the "alcoholic thinking" in my mind as it was happening. And once I could "see" it, I could do something about it.

It is a solution, however, which needs consistent reapplication. I continue to go to AA meetings and follow AA's suggestions because when I become lax about that my ability to recognize alcoholic thinking for what it is fades away as well.

That's been my experience, anyway.