The Two Fold Malady

Step we are on: Four

Page: 64

Chapter: 5 "How It Works"

Subject: resentment inventory

• Is alcoholism our only sickness?

for we have been not only mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick.

Not only do we have a physical and mental illness called alcoholism but we also have another malady besides: Spiritual Sickness!

Oh, boy and I thought it was all one big ‘disease’.

Now we learn that not only are we afflicted with alcoholism, but we are also spiritually ill. This is revealing. Many people bite into the “Three Fold” disease idea that has evolved over the years, Upon being  presneted with the fact that this concept is not in the book at all – they still try swallowing it.  No wonder so few AA's effectively 12 step a real alcoholic; they cant explain the "description of the alcoholic" in their own Big book.

Alcoholism is more closely described by the co-authors of the Big Book as a twofold illness; with ‘spiritual disease’ presented a as separate disease onto its own.

Comment:  Dr. Silkworth believed that the chronic alcoholic’s problems were physical [the allergy] and mental [the obsession] but we now learn that another part of our being is also affected; the spiritual element of our existence is deeply affected.  “Lack of Spiritual Power, that was our dilemma.  We had to find a Higher Power by which we could live and which would solve our problems.”  That is why this Book is so very important.  It gives us clear-cut directions on how to make that Power effective in our lives.

• When we have a spiritual awakening or spiritual experience, what is promised?

When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically.

Comment:  We are now given the clear-cut directions for taking the Fourth Step of Alcoholics Anonymous.  As we study the directions, refer to the illustration on page 65.

• Do we need a pad of paper and a pencil or pen?

In dealing with resentments, we set them on paper.

• What is the first thing we list on the pad of paper?

We listed people, institutions or principles with whom we were angry.

(Column one:  I’m resentful at:)

• What is the next thing we ask of ourselves?

We asked ourselves why we were angry.

(Column two:  The Cause)

Peace and  Love,

Danny S – RLRA

Real Live Recovered Alcoholic

http://stepelevencomesalive.blogspot.com/