The transformative experience described within the foundational text of Alcoholics Anonymous that leads to recovery from alcoholism. This shift involves a fundamental alteration in thinking, feeling, and behaving, moving away from self-centeredness and towards a more spiritual and altruistic perspective. An example involves an individual who, prior to this shift, was consumed by the need for alcohol and personal gratification, finding themselves motivated by a desire to help others and maintain sobriety.
This profound internal alteration is considered essential for sustained abstinence. Its importance lies in providing a new framework for living, one that is not dependent on alcohol for coping with life’s challenges. Historically, this concept emerged from the experiences of early members of Alcoholics Anonymous, who observed that individuals who underwent a significant personal transformation were more likely to achieve long-term sobriety. The spiritual aspect, while interpreted individually, provides a foundation for moral and ethical behavior.
