AA states that Alcoholism is a disease that centers in the mind rather than the body. It calls this mind “an alcoholic mind” and says a person with an alcoholic mind has lost the power of choice in drink. Pg. 21-24 Alcoholics Anonymous

So, first things first. We need to stop drinking today, But how? A.A. suggests doing it one day at a time, by using the A.A. 24 Hour Plan.

We simply try to get through one day at a time without a drink.
If we feel the urge for a drink, we neither yield nor resist.
We merely put off taking that particular drink until tomorrow.
from Pg. 14 This is A.A. – An Introduction to the A.A. Recovery Program pamphlet

There really isn’t much to that is there? Talk about keeping it simple! Here it is again:

If we feel the urge for a drink,
we neither yield nor resist.
We merely put off taking that particular drink until tomorrow.

Back when we were drinking many of us said we would quit tomorrow… and that never happened did it! So putting things off until tomorrow works. If we are willing to practice this one simple method, above everything else, it will become automatic. If we use other methods to address the first drink then we split our efforts and risk unintended relapse.

If we have been in AA for a long time and we have never practiced this simple method we can start today. It’s better to develop this practice now – because it works anywhere, anytime and is not contingent on other people, places and things which may be unavailable if the urge to drink comes.

By putting the drink off until tomorrow we won’t be fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. Instead, this approach places us in a position of neutrality—safe and protected. We aren’t even swearing it off. The problem is simply removed. Pg. 85 Alcoholics Anonymous

Remember, whenever we consciously decide to practice putting the drink off until tomorrow we are gaining more than just a daily reprieve. By pausing and practicing this we are engaging our spirit or innermost self. This increases our spiritual experience. We get a sense of ease and relief from knowing the drink is set aside for today and that will help calm our thoughts and emotions. When calm it’s easier to align with our spirit. This makes it easier to focus on facing our day successfully.

Congratulations, you now have a simple way to stay sober one day at a time. With the drink out of the way you are free to exercise your power of choice in other areas of our personal life.

This practice fulfills steps 1, 2 & 3. Click to go to Part II