A deep dive into the first 164 pages of the Big Book is just cover for a raucous girls’ weekend, right? In fact, the Women’s Big Book Retreat (WBBR) lived up to its billing. We covered 164 pages, eleven chapters, twelve steps and many odds and ends. I heard a warning that “this is not an excuse to get out … Read More
Hello My Name is Craig_Oct2017
Hello my name is Craig… Regarding alcohol, I have a little different story than most. I didn’t pick up my first drink until I was 42. I loved it. It was so nice to be able to escape the fears of life. Alcohol quickly took over my life and I couldn’t imagine living a day without it. As alcohol started … Read More
AA Behind Bars: A Prisoners Perspective – Jay D_Sept2017
In April 2015 I woke up in a holding cell in the county jail. Only then did I realize that I was in the relapse that had been controlling my life for over two years. I was told that my bail was one million dollars. I knew I was in a lot of trouble!! The first couple of months of … Read More
Coming to Believe and Healing – Patricia N_Sept2017
Sobriety and mindfulness are cathartic and healing. I can just breathe and watch the universe unfold. This has healed any illness I have had. Mindfulness is a blessing in my sobriety. According to Jon Kabat Zen the word mindfulness is derived from medicine. As Saki Santorelli said regarding healing thyself: “Look at the bandaged spot, and let the light in; … Read More
Banging the Gavel – Anne A_Sept2017
When I came to Alcoholics Anonymous, I was completely naive to the ways of the program and was very broken by alcohol. I knew of AA and thought, I have no where else to go, these folks know more than I do about Alcohol…it’s in the name. I attended my first Quarterly business meeting after being in and out of … Read More
AA Behind Bars: A Volunteer’s View_Aug2017
-The following is taken from a recorded conversation with Pine J about his volunteer work out at the Utah State Prison. “In volunteering at the Utah State Prison, the reason that it’s been so rewarding to my sobriety is because men that are in prison now are coming into our classes, into our AA class, and not only reading the … Read More
AA Behind Bars: A Prisoner’s Perspective – Sean H_Aug2017
Carrying the Message: My name is Sean H. and I’m an inmate at Utah State Prison. I’m an alcoholic/ addict. I’m a resident of the conquest program in the prison due to my charges which are possession of heroin and attempted possession of heroin. I have served in other parts of the prison and in most places in prison you … Read More