What is Modern Sobriety?

Recovery in the 21st century is about traveling through life competently and resourcefully. Not drinking and the Twelve Steps form a solid base, as always. In the 20th century, we focused on gratitude, humility, unselfishness and service and we considered prayer and acceptance as the answer to all our problems; we focused on our character defects and felt apologetic about them. In the 21st century we extend recovery to include the concepts of kindness, authenticity, generosity and integrity; we examine and heal from our childhood fears and trauma; we tackle shame and self-deprecation; we learn set goals and to function effectively in the face of resistance and obstacles; we get to a place of self-acceptance where we are not functioning to fulfill other people’s expectations of us. We run a spiritual program thinking for ourselves without leaning on traditional belief systems or sacred books.

Even for the newcomer, the 21st century in AA is different from the 20th. In the 21st century, people are coming to AA much earlier in their drinking career. They are not yet ruined and they are not yet convinced that they have exhausted all possibilities. It is unlikely that they are ready to give up drinking completely and they may or may not be willing to accept the notion of a God who is in charge of the universe.

Powerlessness and “surrender,” are far from their minds. They are here just check out AA and they may make up their own mind to stay if they find it interesting and valuable. AA has to welcome them with open and flexible arms, not require them to toe any line or accept any belief systems.

So, if you are thoughtful, questioning, skeptical–but open to information–this site is for you. The decision you make about staying sober is going to be the most important decision in your life. So enter, and please explore…