E
Easing God Out (a.k.a. Edging God
Out):
This is what some AAs claim the acronym E.G.O. stands for. It is a
reminder that it is God's will, not our own which guides our life in
sobriety. When self-centered ego returns we have rescinded our decision
to take the Third Step. Instead of 'turning it over,' we are 'taking it
back.'
Enabling:
A
term used to describe overly compassionate behavior toward an
alcoholic. This works against a drinking alcoholic's recovery because
it keeps him or her from having to deal with the consequences of his or
her behavior. Examples of enabling are making excuses for the
alcoholic, or cleaning up after one of his or her 'episodes'. The
alcoholic needs to face all the unpleasant consequences of his or her
drinking if he or she is to recover.
Ex-Alcoholic:
There
is no such thing. In AA we might call ourselves ex-drunks as we do not
drink anymore but we are still alcoholics. There is no known cure for
the disease of alcoholism; even alcoholics in recovery are still
alcoholics. They are simply nondrinking alcoholics.
Experience,
Strength and Hope:
The
phrase appears in the AA preamble, 'Alcoholics Anonymous is a
fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and
hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help
others to recover from alcoholism.' When we share in AA about our
recovery from alcoholism, we are expected to share our experience,
strength and hope. We should not offer advice, instruction, or therapy.
F
Faith without
Works is Dead:
This
phrase appears in chapter 6 of the Big Book, 'Now we need more action,
without which we find that 'Faith without works is dead.'' This quote
is often used to remind us that AA is a program of action.
Fellowship, the:
A
common nickname by those in AA for Alcoholics Anonymous.
Forgiveness:
The
act of giving up feelings of resentment toward someone. Forgiveness of
those who have harmed us is an essential part of Steps Four and Five.
Fourth Step
Inventory:
The
'searching and fearless moral inventory' suggested by AA's Fourth Step.
The Fourth Step inventory is always done in writing. |