T
Terminally
Unique:
An
alcoholic's idea that his or her 'uniqueness' exempts him or her from
some part of the AA program or the Twelve Steps. AA does not deny that
each individual is a unique creation. However, as alcoholics we have
far more similarities than we have differences. There is an expression
sometimes heard in AA which seems appropriate, 'Always remember that
you are unique, just like everyone else.'
Thirteenth Step (a.k.a.
Thirteenth Stepping):
There is no thirteenth step in the AA program. This term is used as a
euphemism for inappropriate sexual advances by a member to a newcomer
in AA (such as sponsors toward sponsees). Sponsors ought never be
sexually involved with those whom they sponsor. This is why it is
usually suggested that (heterosexual) newcomers choose sponsors of the
same sex, thereby avoiding the temptation. Also, it is sometimes
suggested that newcomers not enter into new relationships for at least
a year after getting sober. The reason being that sexual relationships
are prone to elicit emotional extremes, making relapse more likely. The
term 'thirteenth stepping' is always used in a negative sense.
Three Legacies
of AA:
The
Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous are Recovery, Unity, and
Service. These legacies are so-called because they have been passed
down to us from the cofounders and old-timers of AA. The Legacy of
Recovery is contained in the Big Book, the Twelve Steps, and Twelfth
Step work. The Legacy of Unity is contained in the Twelve Traditions.
The Legacy of Service is contained in every act which helps AA function
or which carries the AA message to those who need it.
Traditions:
See
'Twelve Traditions.'
Treatment
Center:
A
center specializing in the treatment of alcoholism and other addictions
or disorders.
Twelfth Step
Call
(a.k.a. Twelfth Stepping):
This term describes directly carrying the AA message of recovery to an
alcoholic who still suffers.
Twelfth Step
Work:
This
term comes from AA's Twelfth Step which suggests we carry the AA
message of recovery to other alcoholics. Twelfth Step work may include
making Twelfth Step calls, sharing at AA meetings, sponsorship, and
performing service work of any kind.
Twelve and
Twelve:
This
is a nickname for the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Twelve Concepts
for World Service:
The
Twelve Concepts form the basis of AA's structure and describe how the
various parts of Alcoholics Anonymous work together. These concepts
were published in a booklet by the same name in 1962,
Twelve Promises:
This
refers to a section of the Big Book which details the benefits AA
members receive from having worked the first nine Steps of the AA
program.
'If we
are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed
before we are half way through.
We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our
experience can benefit others.
That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our
fellows.
Self-seeking will slip away.
Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle
us.
We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do
for ourselves. (Pg.83-84)
Twelve Steps:
'AA's
Twelve Steps are a group of principles, spiritual in their nature,
which, if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession to drink
and enable the sufferer to become happily and usefully whole.' The
Twelve Steps are the basis of the AA program of recovery.
Twelve Steps
and Twelve Traditions:
The
title of a collection of essays in book form published in 1952 by
Alcoholics Anonymous as a supplement to the Big Book. It details, as
its name implies, the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Two Stepper:
Slang
for an AA member who works the First Step and then jumps directly to
the Twelfth, bypassing all those in between. Shortcutting AA's program
of recovery by two-stepping eliminates an essential part of recovery.
Any resultant sobriety is therefore shaky at best. |