Hi folks my name is Theresa and today I am proud to say I am a recovering alcoholic. I am a member of the Newarthill Monday morning Big Book Study group. I came into Alcoholics Anonymous a sad lonely individual who was shunned by family and friends alike, due to the drinking, lying and cheating that had become a normal every day occurrence for me.

Inside I was spiritually dead and hated myself for what I had become. I had reached the jumping off point that is spoken about in the Big Book and boy did I want to die. I was no good to anyone, just a horrible worthless individual who had lost all self respect. Feelings of guilt, remorse, fear and panic accompanied me every second of every day. I was sick of being sick!

I honestly did not know what to do and where to turn for help. I had no knowledge at all about AA and the Twelve Step Programme of Recovery. The last drunk lasted three months, constantly topping up and wanting to die and being too much of a coward to kill myself.

The 1st of December 2006 was my day of reckoning. At that stage I was suffering so much I asked God to let me die and put me out of my misery but God in His wisdom chose to save me. That, to me is the miracle of AA. I took an alcoholic seizure in a blackout and a lady from AA telephoned me and arranged for me to be taken to a meeting in Burnhead Church Hall, Viewpark, where for the first time in a long time I was welcomed and felt Hope, Love and Compassion. People wished the newcomer well and told her to keep coming back – this was me! I heard that alcoholism was an illness and we suffered mentally, physically and spiritually and if we did not lift the first drink, we could not get drunk – What a revelation! I seized the opportunity that God gave me and ate, slept and breathed AA for this was my last chance at life.

My journey in AA has had its ups and downs but going to bed at night I thank the God of my understanding for getting me through the day sober. On awakening every morning I ask God to help me stay sober just for today and that seems to have worked ‘one day at a time’. My life has peace and contentment where before it was chaos and madness. I keep it simple listen to what I am told and try to work my Twelve Step Programme every day. There is nowhere else you would experience the feeling of love and spirituality than within the rooms of AA. The People, the Power, and the Programme - what lucky fortunate people we all are! All little miracles!!

God Bless
Theresa
Newarthill Monday Morning Big Book Study Group