Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions

STEP TWO

idea how irrational they are, or seeing their irrationality,
can bear to face it. Some will be willing to term themselves
"problem drinkers," but cannot endure the suggestion that
they are in fact mentally ill. They are abetted in this blind-
ness by a world which does not understand the difference
between sane drinking and alcoholism. "Sanity" is defined
as "soundness of mind." Yet no alcoholic, soberly analyz-
ing his destructive behavior, whether the destruction fell on
the dining-room furniture or his own moral fiber, can claim
"soundness of mind" for himself.

Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us.
Whether agnostic, atheist, or former believer, we can stand
together on this Step. True humility and an open mind can
lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that
God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves
to Him.