by Keeshler Pittman

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

Whether people know it or not, Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on Christian principles. There is a moment you have to admit that you are an addict or an alcoholic. You must also confess belief in a "higher power". My personal higher power was God. Not any God, but the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. I attended A.A, and N.A. meetings in 1998. I was a student in Job Corps at the time.

I could take the time to discuss and research with other A.A. and N.A., but time does not permit at this moment. Therefore, I will share my own personal journey. I began using alcohol at age 16. I was an alcoholic by age 17. I also began using marijuana at age 16. I became dependent on marijuana as well. I made very poor decisions during the three years I was an addict. At age 19, when I entered Job Corps I wanted to change. When I think back to my first A.A. meeting, I was scared. I was scared to admit that I had become powerless over drugs and alcohol. I had to humble myself in front of about 20 people.

Prayer was involved in every meeting I attended. The Serenity Prayer was recited. It meant nothing to me at that time. Now that prayer is a constant in my life. I use it in other areas of life. I have no desire for drugs or alcohol. After completing A.A. and N.A., I did use alcohol and drugs again. However, I could count on one hand how many times I used them. There was a nauseating feeling when I smelled alcohol or marijuana. My body had no desire for those substances anymore. I prayed for forgiveness when I did drink or use marijuana.

I later learned that I had major depression. I had been self medicating a common illness through drugs and alcohol. This is known to happen often. I feel much better after overcoming my dependency on drugs and alcohol. I am focused. I am confident. Some coping skills I learned through A.A. were effective. My prayer and faith were even more effective. A.A. meetings were there for a few months. My prayers and faith are still with me. My prayers and faith allow me to press forward in life.

I believe long term sobriety can be accomplished through faith. I say this from experience. I have no desire to return to a life full of despair. I thank God that He has been very merciful to me. I pray every morning and night. I read the Bible. I meditate. I try to focus on the good things in life. There are truly more good things in life than bad.

Learn more about this author, Keeshler Pittman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.