Recognition for the Newcomer – Searcy W.

About This Speaker Tape

Mexicantown, a Sunday morning, stinking like the devil. Searcy W. describes crawling under a house to rescue collie puppies while desperate for a pint of whiskey.

He recalls a pharmacist who gave him a half-pint only on the condition that he get the hell out with his dog fleas. For Searcy, the wreckage was total; he had reached the end of his rope and tied a knot in it. He warns that the newcomer is the most important person in the room, noting that alcoholics will accept notoriety if they don't receive recognition.

He views sobriety as a divorce from ethyl alcohol, a substance he once needed just to survive. He admits to the temptation of grabbing the wheel during sharp curves in life, but reminds himself to stay out from under the driver's seat. By turning the mess over to a Higher Power and keeping the program simple—like a pot of coffee in a kitchen—he finds the only way to stay well.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Searcy W. discusses the necessity of recognition for newcomers to prevent them from disappearing.
• 2:15 Laughter: Story about Alford and the difficulty of cashing checks from him.
• 3:10 The 'dog fleas' story: Crawling under a house for puppies and the pharmacist's reaction.
• 5:20 Discussion on the flexibility of the 12 Steps and the phrase 'as you understand it'.
• 7:10 The story of Andrew H. and the need to keep the program simple.
• 8:40 Mention of Dr. Bob S. and the wire from Ann regarding the simplicity of AA starting in a kitchen.
• 10:15 Searcy W. warns against 'mental laziness' and the 'rocking chair' approach to recovery.
• 12:30 Reflection on his wife's improvement and the impact of AA on the family.
• 14:10 The 'knot in the rope' metaphor for hitting bottom and the danger of grabbing the wheel.
• 16:00 Description of the 'divorce' from ethyl alcohol and the compulsive nature of drinking.