In 1983 after being clean and sober for 2 years I was still holding on tightly to the old ways. My reaction to most situations was to attack first. I had yet another fight or rather I had exploded and inflicted unnecessary pain spilling the blood of a fellow member of a 12-step group that was helping me better my life. The violence happened in front of a number of friends, people who knew me and had befriended me, but this time they no longer supported my behaviour. I sat alone in a café next to Shepherds Bush Tube Station, in a dark empty void. For the first time, ever,…

An old friend, nicknamed Belfast Archie, suggested I take the Big Book with me to the top of the world. It is the story of how tens of thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. The basic text was written in 1939 by Bill W, with support from Dr Bob. It’s more than merely a book. It’s more a way of life. It has served as a lifeline to millions of drunks worldwide, helping them to recover from alcoholism. It is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, so they may solve their common problem and help others to…