The Agnostic Who Found a Code of Conduct in the 11 Steps – Gene D.

About This Speaker Tape

A paper cup of cheap wine in a scumbag joint on West Madison Street serves as the catalyst for Gene D.'s realization that he is an uncontrolled drinker. He describes the brutal paradox of the skid row morning: the knowledge that the drink will kill him but the belief that without it he will die. Gene D. moves from the 'Mark Twain School of Education' to a life of decency arguing that the 12 Steps are essentially a code for how to be a good person

. The tape also features Matt F. who recounts his childhood as the son of a periodic drinker and his eventual rescue by Uncle Pete and Jean M. who discusses the intersection of AA and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) noting how she spent her life walking on eggshells until the program gave her the choice to feel good.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Gene D. opens with his definition of an alcoholic based on the Big Book.
• 4:15 Gene D. discusses the 'invisible line' and the courage to blame himself for his unmanageability.
• 8:30 Laughter: Gene D. describes the 'dilemma' of the morning drink in a Chicago skid row joint.
• 14:20 Gene D. quotes the Big Book regarding the 'exception to the rule' and the danger of self-deception.
• 18:45 Gene D. recounts the embarrassing story of trying to identify a fellow alcoholic on a plane.
• 25:10 Gene D. explains his 'greedy' desire for life and the realization that sobriety offers more of it.
• 29:40 Gene D. discusses the 12 Steps as a code of conduct for becoming a 'good and decent' person.
• 34:10 Gene D.'s 'million-to-one bet' analogy regarding the certainty of relapse for the uncontrolled drinker.
• 37:20 Matt F. shares his experience as the son of a periodic drinker and his rescue by Uncle Pete.
• 45:15 Jean M. discusses growing up in an alcoholic home and the role of ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics).
• 52:30 Jean M. describes the difference in emotional sobriety between herself and her ex-brother-in-law.
• 56:10 Applause: A series of sobriety birthdays are celebrated, including Jillian V. and Frank S.