AA Sayings

Essential Slogans and Wisdom from the 12 Steps

When it comes to staying sober, the Alcoholics Anonymous program has many AA sayings and phrases that have stood the test of time, as they’ve been helpful for admitted drug and alcohol addicts meeting their sobriety goals. These sayings are more than just cliches and platitudes – they carry helpful advice that you need to know if you want to make real progress toward a sober lifestyle.

Remember: these valuable AA sayings stick around for a reason – because so many people have found them helpful along their journey toward recovery.

If you have any questions about these sayings, the AA program, or treatment to stay sober, keep reading, and don’t hesitate to contact Find Addiction Rehabs for help.

Important Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Sayings

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

This quote is often used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to emphasize the idea that addiction is not just a physical or psychological problem, but a spiritual one as well. We are not just human beings with a problem, but spiritual beings who have lost touch with our true selves and purpose.

Recovery from addiction requires not just abstaining from substance use, but also addressing the underlying spiritual issues that led to addiction in the first place. AA and the 12-step program of AA are designed to help individuals reconnect with their spiritual selves and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Our journey is not just about abstaining from alcohol, but also about finding a new way of living. This program is about spiritual growth and healing our spiritual condition.

“If You Sober Up a Horse Thief, What Do You Get? A Sober Horse Thief”

This phrase refers to someone who was once an active alcoholic or drug user. They have now stopped drinking or using drugs, but still exhibit many of the same traits as when they were active alcoholics.

This can include everything from engaging in dangerous behavior (like stealing) to exhibiting manipulative behaviors like lying and cheating. It is essentially a “dry drunk.”

It is meant to emphasize that simply abstaining from substance use or any other bad habits will not magically transform you into a “good” person overnight. It requires conscious effort on your part to change the way in which you think and behave for real progress to be made.

This means actively participating in behaviors such as counseling and therapy, attending an AA meeting, talking to AA members, letting go of the alcoholic talking and thinking, stopping taking other people’s inventory, setting achievable goals for yourself, and developing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stressors or triggers to relapse.

Furthermore, it’s important to remember that this type of positive change can take time and should be done at your own pace. If you stop drinking but you’re still a “thief,” you’re just a “sober thief.”

“One Day at a Time”

You may have heard it before – “one day at a time.” It’s a popular quote that is used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings to help those struggling with addiction stay focused on the present instead of thinking too far into the future.

But what does this phrase mean and how can it help?

The phrase “one day at a time” is so powerful and often used as a sobriety and recovery symbol because it is an uplifting reminder that we don’t have to worry about tomorrow or try to change the past – all we have is today. In Alcoholics Anonymous, this idea serves as a way for AA members to focus on their immediate goal: staying sober just for today.

The Many Benefits of ODAAT

By taking things one day at a time, members can focus on what they need to do in the present moment without getting bogged down by the intimidating task of staying sober for an indefinite period of time.

By breaking down larger goals into smaller chunks, members of AA are able to make more achievable steps toward sobriety. Focusing solely on one day allows them to take things slowly and build up momentum over time without feeling overwhelmed by long-term commitments or expectations.

Setting small goals also provides encouragement when achieved – it gives individuals something tangible to work towards and rewards them with feelings of accomplishment when they reach each milestone. It’s crucial to also have a plan in place on how you are going to achieve your goals.

This helps keep members motivated and engaged in their recovery journey as they move forward one step at a time. Plus, no one alive can really take it ‘two days at a time,’ but we often get drawn into thoughts of the future and past that do little to help us in the present.

“Half Measures Availed Us Nothing.”

The idea behind “Half Measures Availed Us Nothing” this phrase is that if you take a halfhearted approach to your sobriety, it won’t be successful.

This might mean seeking out support from friends and family or finding an AA meeting or other form of treatment. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone—there are people who care about you and want you to succeed in your recovery process.

In other words, you need to commit yourself wholly and completely to your recovery in order to make it work. To thine own self be true – stay true to yourself and your sobriety completely.

There is no easier, softer way. Sobriety is hard work and there’s no way around that.

“If You Stay At The Barber Shop Long Enough, You Will get a Hair Cut”

The saying is often used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to emphasize the idea that prolonged exposure to certain environments or people can lead to relapse.

When you’re in recovery, you must be mindful of the places and people you associate with in order to maintain lasting and long term sobriety.

In the context of Alcoholics Anonymous, the quote is often used to caution members against returning to their old haunts or hanging out with their old drinking buddies. If you stay in an environment or around people that are associated with your past drinking habits long enough, you are more likely to relapse.

Many people believe that once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic, so it’s important to stay away from these triggers no matter how long you’ve been sober…if you spend enough time in a barber shop, sooner or later you will get a haircut whether you planned on getting one or not.

In the same way, if you spend enough time around alcohol or are around when people who drink frequently, your head can start playing tricks on you, and eventually, you will start drinking again too.

“We’re Only as Sick as Our Secrets”

The quote is often used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to emphasize the importance of honesty and transparency in the recovery process. Individuals who keep secrets about their addiction or past behavior are not living fully in recovery, and these secrets can impede their progress and ability to heal.

The 12-step program of AA includes Twelve Steps such as Step One and the need to surrender, making amends, and admitting to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. These steps are designed to help members take responsibility for their actions and to be honest about their past behavior.

Keeping secrets can perpetuate feelings of guilt and shame, which can be major barriers to recovery. By admitting to their secrets, members can begin to let go of these negative feelings and start to move forward.

Additionally, the quote serves as a reminder that addiction is a disease, and that it is not something that can be easily overcome. It is not something to be ashamed of; seeking help is an important step toward recovery.

Being open and honest with others shines the light on the negative things we’ve done in our past and allows the light to shine through. This is how we recover.

“Poor Me, Poor Me, Pour Me Another Drink”

This phrase is a common one in the world of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and it’s used to describe the mindset of someone who is stuck in a cycle of self-pity and using alcohol as a crutch to cope with life’s challenges.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking “poor me?” We can all get there sometimes, but if you’re doing this too often, it’s likely to lead you back to drinking. That “poor me” turns into “pour me…another drink.”

When we’re struggling with addiction, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves and using alcohol as a way to numb our pain. But the truth is, this kind of thinking is not only unproductive, but it’s also dangerous.

An important aspect of the program is learning to let go of self-pity and to start focusing on gratitude for your recovery and embracing positivity. This can be a difficult shift to make, but it’s an essential one for recovery. We must take responsibility for our actions and start taking steps toward recovery.

“Quit Playing God”

When we play god, this means that we are trying to take control of our addiction and recover on our own. We think that if we just try harder, do more research, or attend more meetings, then things will get better. But this isn’t always the case.

The truth is that sometimes you can’t overcome an addiction on your own—you need help from a higher power.

In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), members learn how to surrender their will and their lives over to a power greater than themselves. This higher power might be God or it might be something else entirely—it doesn’t matter what it is as long as it gives you strength and guidance during times of difficulty.

When you completely surrender your life to this higher power, you can start moving forward with your recovery journey in a positive direction. When you let go of the idea that you can control everything about your life—especially your addiction recovery—you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.

Letting go allows you to find peace in knowing that there is something bigger than yourself out there watching over you and guiding you along your journey.

It also allows for newfound freedom; instead of feeling like everything rests on your shoulders, you have someone else who is willing and able to help carry the load when needed.

Sometimes, you have to let god into the driver’s seat.

“The First Drink Gets You Drunk”

For individuals in recovery, the first drink often makes them an instant ‘A hole’…and it is the one that leads to their next drunk. This quote is a reminder that for those who are struggling with addiction, it is important to avoid any amount of alcohol as it can trigger physical and emotional cravings that can lead to a relapse. All it takes is one drink.

It is important to understand that addiction is a complicated disease and that it changes the way your brain functions, specifically the way it responds to alcohol. Once you start drinking, it becomes extremely difficult for you to control how much you consume, and you may find yourself unable to stop once you’ve started.

This quote doesn’t mean that the first thing you drink makes you visibly drunk, but it can set off a chain reaction in your mind and body that can lead to a loss of control. It can trigger memories and emotions that were associated with drinking, leading to a strong desire to continue drinking.

This is why it’s crucial for you to avoid that first drink, and to have a plan in place for how to deal with cravings and triggers. This could include calling a sponsor or a sober friend, attending an AA meeting, or engaging in a healthy activity that you enjoy.

It’s also important to remember that recovery is a process that takes time. It’s normal to have moments of weakness, but you must stay committed to your sobriety and keep working towards it. One of the most valuable lessons you can learn is to never take that first drink.

“Alcoholism is an Equal Opportunity Destroyer”

On one level, this quote speaks to the fact that alcoholism doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, age, or social class. Whether you’re rich or poor, young or old, anyone can fall victim to alcohol addiction if they don’t take appropriate precautions. That’s why it’s essential for people of all backgrounds to be aware of the signs and symptoms of addiction and seek help when necessary.

It’s also important to remember that alcoholism affects more than just those who are battling with addiction – alcohol also impacts their family members, friends, and loved ones as well. The physical and emotional toll of addiction can be tremendous for those close to someone struggling with substance abuse disorder. It’s essential that these people have access to resources such as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in order to find help and healing during this difficult time.

“Life on Life’s Terms”

For many people struggling with addiction, the idea of “living life on life’s terms” can be an intimidating one. This concept is core to Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs, and it essentially means that we must accept our circumstances as they are and live life accordingly.

It means accepting that you cannot control all aspects of your life. Instead of trying to escape from the difficulties and challenges you face through substances such as alcohol, you acknowledge that you have no choice but to meet them head-on.

It requires being honest with yourself about your limitations—and admitting and accepting them—so that you can focus on making positive changes in your life.

The Importance of Surrender and Acceptance in Recovery

In Alcoholics Anonymous, this is known as “surrendering,” or letting go of all control over external situations so that you can focus instead on changing yourself internally. As a result, members learn to accept their present reality rather than dwelling on the past or trying to control the future.

This allows them to make better decisions in the present moment, which leads to healthier behaviors overall.

When someone struggling with addiction learns to accept their circumstances and live in the present moment, they are much more likely to make better choices about their drinking patterns and behaviors. By not avoiding their problems through substance use or trying to control things beyond their power, they are able to take ownership of their own lives.

Stay sober and watch things happen – you will see the changes.

“Alcoholism Is the Only Disease You Get Yelled at For Having”

Have you ever felt ashamed or judged for your struggles with alcohol? If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, alcoholism is often stigmatized and misunderstood, and many people who struggle with it feel a sense of shame and isolation.

But here’s the thing: alcoholism is a disease, just like any other illness. It’s not something that can be controlled or overcome through sheer willpower. It’s a chronic condition that requires professional help and ongoing support to manage. But not everyone sees it that way, so people struggling often find themselves being put down and not receiving the care they need.

Alcoholism is a disease that is progressive in nature, meaning that it will get worse over time if not treated. It’s not a moral failing or a personal weakness, but rather a physical, mental, and spiritual illness that requires professional help and support to manage.

Get The Help You Deserve for a Foundation in Recovery

If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse, it’s time to get the help you deserve. When you get rid of the alcohol and really throw yourself into recovery and the AA community, good things happen.

You will see your own behavior change, you will realize that it’s okay to take care of yourself and to let go of the self-sacrifice behavior that leads to resentment, and you will realize that you can trust God (or your version of a higher power, whatever it may be) to do all the talking; you just have to listen.

If you need help getting connected with an AA meeting or any other type of treatment, contact Find Addiction Rehabs. We are always here to help you with your substance abuse so you can quit drinking and start living a life of genuine gratitude.

All calls are confidential, so please reach out in confidence and get options today!

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