Howard L.
Howard L.
THE VICIOUS CYCLE – Second Edition
THE VICIOUS CYCLE – Second Edition
THE VICIOUS CYCLE – Second Edition
Friday 18th September 2020
Jim B.'s journey from skepticism to sobriety is brought to life in 'The Vicious Cycle'. Discover how AA's spiritual program helped him overcome addiction.
25 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Encouraging
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Howard L.
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Day by Day
Family Recovery from Addiction
Financial Health in Recovery
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Episodes:
85 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!The Vicious Cycle: Jim B.'s Journey from Skepticism to Sobriety
All of us in AA know the tremendous happiness that is our sobriety, but there are also tragedies. I like to think I was fairly normal before alcohol took over.
Jim B.'s story, 'The Vicious Cycle', is a gripping tale of his battle with alcoholism and eventual recovery. In this episode of the Big Book Podcast, Howard L. brings Jim's experiences to life, sharing a narrative that first appeared in the Second Edition of the Big Book and continued to resonate in later editions.
Jim was part of Bill W.'s original New York Group and played a significant role in shaping the language of the 12 Steps, particularly around the concept of a higher power. His insistence on the phrase 'God as we understood him' made the program more inclusive for agnostics and atheists. Jim's journey is marked by the typical chaos of addiction—lost jobs, broken relationships, and deteriorating health. His disdain for organized religion posed a significant hurdle in his path to sobriety.
Yet, it was through the fellowship of AA and the guidance of sponsors like Bill W. and Hank P. that Jim found his way. One pivotal moment in Jim's story is his struggle with spirituality. Initially resistant to AA's spiritual undertones, Jim eventually embraced the idea of a higher power, realizing that his own efforts to control his drinking were futile. This acceptance was crucial in his recovery, allowing him to surrender to something greater than himself.
Sponsorship also plays a vital role in Jim's tale. His sponsor, Jackie, who relapsed after two weeks of sobriety, taught Jim valuable lessons about resilience and support within the AA community. Jim later became a sponsor himself, understanding that helping others was key to maintaining his own sobriety. Jim's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous. It highlights the importance of community, the search for a higher power, and the impact of sharing one's journey.
Through Howard L.'s narration, listeners are reminded that recovery is possible, even for those who struggle with spirituality and skepticism.