R
Recovered
Alcoholic:
The
foreword of the Big Book opens with this sentence,'We, of Alcoholics
Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered
from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other
alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this
book.' Those who use the term 'recovered' do so because they see
themselves as having recovered from alcoholism for the one day in which
they find themselves. The word 'recovered' in this sense is not
interchangeable with the word 'cured.' There is no known cure for the
disease of alcoholism.
Recovering
Alcoholic:
But
for semantics, a 'recovering' alcoholic is the same as a 'recovered'
alcoholic. Those who call themselves 'recovering' alcoholics do so
because recovery is an ongoing process which is never fully complete.
Rehab:
A
slang word for a treatment center specializing in substance abuse.
'Rehab' is short for 'rehabilitation center.'
Relapse:
See
'Slip.'
Resentment:
Feelings
of ill will that we hold for others usually as a result of some
perceived harm they have done us. In recovery, we cannot afford to
harbor resentments because they corrode our lives and can lead us back
to alcohol. The Big Book says, 'It is plain that a life which includes
deep resentment leads only to futility and unhappiness. To the precise
extent that we permit these, do we squander the hours that might have
been worth while.'
Rigorous
Honesty:
From
chapter 5 in the Big Book, 'They [those who do not recover] are
naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which
demands rigorous honesty.' Rigorous honesty is characterized by the
complete lack of intent to deceive one's self or anyone else.
Road of Happy
Destiny:
This
phrase is taken from chapter 11 of the Big Book, 'We shall be with you
in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as
you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.' The road is 'trudged' because
recovery requires what sometimes seems like monotonous perseverance.
Rule 62:
From
the Twelve and Twelve, Rule 62 is, 'Don't take yourself too damned
seriously' |