O
Old Timer:
An
AA member who has been continuously sober for a significant period of
time. The definition of 'significant' is open to interpretation and
varies widely. There are two basic prerequisites, however, for becoming
an old timer in AA: 1) Don't drink; and 2) Don't die.
One Day at a
Time:
This
slogan describes one of AA's primary strategies for staying sober. For
many alcoholics, the concept of permanent abstinence is too
overwhelming an option. Most, however, believe that they could stay
sober for a twenty-four hour period, if necessary. We concern
ourselves, therefore only with the day in which we find ourselves. If
ever we feel we absolutely, positively must have a drink, we put it off
until tomorrow or until the next fifteen minutes if necessary. This
gives us time to call our sponsors, get to a meeting, or pray to our
Higher Power to remove the craving from us.
Open Meeting:
An
AA meeting that not just alcoholics but anyone who is interested in
Alcoholics Anonymous may attend. The discussion at these meetings,
however, is limited strictly to topics dealing with alcoholism.
Open-Mindedness:
That
state in which the mind becomes 'teachable.' Without open-mindedness,
we cannot make the changes in our thinking and perceptions that are
necessary to achieve sobriety.
Oxford Group:
A
spiritual, nondenominational, evangelical movement founded in 1921 by a
Lutheran minister, Dr. Frank Buchman. AA began as an offshoot of the
Oxford Group. Bill Wilson wrote that 'Early AA got its ideas of
self-examination, acknowledgment of character defects, restitution for
harm done, and working with others straight from the Oxford Groups...'
Both Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob were members of the Oxford Group at the
time of AA's founding. |