Most of life seems so and it is really complicated when alcohol is introduced into the mix. Complexity appears in a fog which seems to hide the essence of the issue. Fog uses words we don’t understand, words perhaps made up by the speaker to appear to be the only person qualified to help. The discussion then turns to arguments about definitions—always a sure-fire way to delay dealing with the real problem. She complains, “How did all this happen to me?”

Then some old-timer breaks through the “poor me fog”, and says, “Wait! How long had you been drinking that day?” Silence follows for a few seconds. Then, someone in the group suggests, “We get the picture, just sit still, and listen.” The comments switch to the real issue: mixing addiction to alcohol with a busy life. The listeners’ stories emerge with their own experiences of the results of continued alcoholic behavior producing the dreary lives of a drunk.

As she listens to others, look what happens: suddenly there is a ray of hope suggested—for the group explains that their own alcoholic addiction caused their confusion, anxiety, depression and so forth. The Program worked for them and maybe it will do so for her.  

Yes, there really are complications that cause recovering alcoholics, strong believers in the ways of the Program, to encounter depression. At our best, we understand that we must seek help when this fog envelopes us. We go to a meeting and raise the issue and many others step in with the same theme, “Here is what I did, it might work for you, maybe not, but please never give up.” Some might suggest the making of a gratitude list to put problems into prospective. Another suggestion could be to “reach out to others, try a little Twelve Step work.” And maybe, “Give a lead at that Tuesday night group.” But it’s always an “into action” response.

Dr. Bob’s last words to Bill may say it best, “Bill, keep it simple.” It is remarkable when the recovering alcoholic who sees his confusion then seeks help from her group—and we are reminded of the consequences of our alcoholic dependency, plus we learn ways to deal with our complicated lives without that dependency.

“It works if you work it.”

Jim A, Traditions of Lebanon