"alone" in the Big Book

How many times people have said to us: “I can take it or leave it alone.

They can take it or leave it alone.

Here are some of the methods we have tried: Drinking beer only, limiting the number of drinks, never drinking alone, never drinking in the morning, drinking only at home, never having it in the house, never drinking during business hours, drinking only at parties, switching from scotch to brandy, drinking only natural wines, agreeing to resign if ever drunk on the job, taking a trip, not taking a trip, swearing off forever (with and without a solemn oath), taking more physical exercise, reading inspirational books, going to health farms and sanitariums, accepting voluntary commitment to asylums—we could increase the list ad infinitum.

If anyone questions whether he has entered this dangerous area, let him try leaving liquor alone for one year.

This is the baffling feature of alcoholism as we know it—this utter inability to leave it alone, no matter how great the necessity or the wish.

Our friend’s gorge rose as he bitterly cried out: “If there is a God, He certainly hasn’t done anything for me!’’ But later, alone in his room, he asked himself this question: “Is it possible that all the religious people I have known are wrong?’’ While pondering the answer he felt as though he lived in hell.

But it is better to meet God alone than with one who might misunderstand.

God alone can judge our sex situation.

We can be alone at perfect peace and ease.

See your man alone, if possible.

He may be an example of the truth that faith alone is insufficient.

If you leave such a person alone, he may soon become convinced that he cannot recover by himself.

We came to live almost alone.

If he is lukewarm or thinks he is not an alcoholic, we suggest you leave him alone.

It is probably true that you and your husband have been living too much alone, for drinking many times isolates the wife of an alcoholic.

As a moderate drinker, you can take your liquor or leave it alone.

Meanwhile, we are sure a great deal can be accomplished by the use of the book alone.

Then he added, “He sure didn’t do much for me when I was trying to fight this booze racket alone.”

You are saying to yourself: “I’m jittery and alone.