1. Some good sobriety
For exactly how long, nobody can say. Some members handle this kind of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) activity beautifully soon after getting sober, especially when they are accompanied by an experienced member. But others need a longer time before getting into this kind of work.
2. Personal experience of alcoholism and recovery
This, of course, is the chief, and unique, qualification we have. You do not need to have been hospitalised yourself to twelfth-step someone in a treatment facility. No more than you need a prison record to carry the message into a correctional institution. What is important to share is the pain we once felt and the joy in recovery we now feel.
3. A common sense approach
The fellowship of non-professionals firmly resists getting organised. As AAs know, we do not have any AA rules or bosses. On the other hand, professional treatment facilities have to be well organised to do their job and to meet various legal requirements. Their personnel often have to be professionally trained if the agency is to be properly licensed. Staff members do not take their duties lightly. Alcoholism is a grave illness. When we carry AA’s message of hope, experience, and strength, we know this is serious business.
4. A cheerful humility
We simply put the message in front of the alcoholic in treatment. What the alcoholic does with it is not our business. He or she may ignore it or use it. The alcoholic needs to be free to choose without our getting vain if the message issued, or angry or discouraged if it is ignored.
The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.
