Getting Rid of the Booze

YOU'VE HEARD AAs say, "I didn't give up something; I got rid of something, the monkey on my back--booze." I like that cliche and often use it, especially when there are newcomers around the tables. Still, reflecting upon some of the attitudes I did give up, however reluctantly at first, I realize that surrendering them for the gift of sobriety was more than a fair exchange. Chapter 5 of the Big Book told me that unless I let go of old ideas, the result would be nil. I'm grateful that, deep down, I believed it.