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When recovering from alcohol addiction, it’s natural to feel as though you’re stuck in a loop. You look around and discover that those with whom you joined a recovery program are hitting new milestones as you either stagnate or progress annoyingly slowly.  

This realization can make you frustrated with your lot, so much as to ponder giving up the fight.  

Well, it’s relieving to know that you’re not alone. Many have been there and done that. In fact, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) anticipated such scenarios and incorporated a critical principle into its recovery program, known as Rule 62.  

The rundown refers to Rule 62 AA and how to harness it to forge ahead on your recovery journey. 

What Is Rule 62? 

Rule 62 is an alcohol recovery principle coined by Alcoholics Anonymous, the world’s largest fellowship of people who came together to anonymously discuss their drinking problems. The rule is a straightforward directive that goes “Don’t take yourself too damn seriously.”  

AA Rule 62 is one of the most sobering Alcoholics Anonymous rules. It’s designed to inject a more refreshing perspective into the recovery journey, encouraging a person to enjoy the best things in life even as they pursue complete abstinence. 

AA is credited for pioneering numerous initiatives that have effectively helped people overcome alcohol addiction. But while the organization is probably best known for the iconic 12 Step Program, its literature materials also feature several standalone principles like Rule 62.  

Rule 62 appears in The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, which highlights numerous steps that addicts can follow on their quest to recovery.  

Besides published literature, Alcoholics Anonymous has also inspired the culture of rewarding recovering addicts through token-based items like AA chips. These coin-sized awards are gifted to people in abstinence programs, celebrating different milestones achieved on their recovery journey.  

Origin of Rule 62 

After demystifying what is rule 62 in AA, you’re probably wondering how the quote came about.  

Like most Alcoholics Anonymous principles, the history of Rule 62 traces right back to the organization’s founders.  

A story goes that a group of former alcoholics from West Virginia proposed to establish an ambitious abstinence foundation. The project would include a hospital, rehabilitation center, research facility, and a club.  

Determined to actualize their dream, the team decided to draft rules that would govern the foundation. However, they couldn’t agree on all regulations and ended up with 61 rules.  

The group then consulted one of AA’s founders, Bill W., in a bid to resolve their disagreements.  

The ambitious project immediately moved Bill W., but he soon realized the quest sounded all too familiar. Apparently, he had witnessed similar initiatives fail.  

Bill warned the group to proceed cautiously and keep an open mind. But despite his warning, the team forged ahead with their plan. They eventually launched their foundation, and things initially took off as planned.  

However, the challenges of managing such a complex organization soon overwhelmed the group. Then, one member remembered Bill W.’s advice to never take things too seriously.  

Upon deep reflection, the member reckoned that this profound thought could inspire millions of alcohol addicts enduring daily frustrations. He then began writing the quote on cards and mailing them to AA programs across the country.  

Outside the card was the message “Charleston AA Group Rule #62,” denoting that this was only one of several rules. By reading the rule, recovering addicts were motivated to celebrate their abstinence milestones with pride rather than focus on their shortcomings.  

 

Photo Credit: DoingItSober.com 

What Is The Role Of Rule 62 In Alcohol Recovery? 

1. Fostering Humor in Recovery 

Rule 62 was coined primarily to encourage lightheartedness in alcohol recovery.  

Like many other AA rules, Rule 62 is a sobering reminder to enjoy life despite how treacherous the journey to abstinence may be. It’s a wake-up call that certain things cannot simply be wished away.  

As a recovering addict, there will always be alcohol cues around you. You don’t have to take a long detour from work to avoid your former drinking joint, or skip the news to escape alcohol advertisements.  

Amidst all the chaos, you should step back and enjoy the finer things in life. Remember that the goal isn’t merely to abstain. Rather, it’s to pursue a fulfilling, alcohol-free life. 

2. Avoiding Relapse 

It’s natural to feel anxious in our quest to fend off alcohol cues. However, intense anxiety can be counterproductive to our abstinence goals. 

Rule 62 exists as a reminder that it’s never that serious. By managing our anxieties, we’re able to focus better and effectively fight relapse urges.  

Mastering Rule 62 gives you higher control of your mental health. It empowers you to stay sober while your peers drown deeper into the sea of alcohol.  

Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, simply step back and remind yourself to take it easy.  

Photo Credit: DoingItSober.com 

3. Buffering Against Egocentricity  

The ego is a baggage that we all carry once in a while. When recovering from alcohol, it’s intuitive to take personal credit for our abstinence milestones.  

Whether you managed to stay sober during a festive season or have kept away from alcohol for a year, it’s natural to become absorbed in your own achievements.  

This bloated sense of accomplishment can lead to unnecessary stress as you try to keep up with the often-daunting struggles of pursuing a life of complete abstinence.  

By investing in AA Rule 62 t-shirts, you can reflect on the glorious sentiments of this principle to graciously embrace missteps as you journey on to recovery. It enables you to embrace a positive outlook as you appreciate the significance of communal support in staying alcohol-free. 

4. Emphasizing the Significance of Going With the Flow 

Rule 62 is a solemn reminder to let things take their own course.  

It’s okay to aim at the sun in our quest to achieve complete abstinence from alcohol. However, we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves if we happen to land on the moon.  

What matters is that we’ve made progress, no matter how subtle.  

To unlock the full benefits of Rule 62, you can consider integrating it into your prayer or meditation routine. Pick an AA prayer and meditatively say it as you reflect on the sentiments of Rule 62. 

Photo Credit: DoingItSober.com 

Harnessing Rule 62 for Hassle-Free Recovery 

Rule 62 stands as a constant reminder to recovering addicts to never take things too seriously.  

By following AA Rule 62’s underlying symbolism, you can overcome alcohol withdrawal symptoms and fend off relapse urges more effectively.  

Remember to embrace Rule 62 alongside other AA principles. For an extra dose of motivation, you may also consider investing in tangible recovery tokens like AA chips and medallions.