ANGER: A "DUBIOUS LUXURY"

Anger is what the Big Book calls a 'dubious luxury' because it's a primary tool of the alcoholic's self-will—and it always leads us back to a drink. On page 66, it says resentment is the 'number one offender' that destroys more alcoholics than anything else. Anger is just a flavor of resentment: a hot, righteous fury that convinces us we're justified. But the Big Book warns that this 'luxury' costs us our sobriety. We cannot afford to hold onto anger; the price is too high.

When I feel anger rising, I've learned to stop and ask: 'Is this worth my sobriety?' On page 67, the Big Book says we must be 'entirely willing' to forgive anyone, no matter what they've done. That doesn't mean I condone bad behavior—it means I refuse to let anger poison my mind and set me back to square one. Anger is a luxury because it feels satisfying in the moment, but it's a luxury we can't afford if we want to stay sober and serene.

The Promises on page 83-84 assure us that as we work the steps, 'we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.' That includes the past wrongs done to us. Letting go of anger is not weakness; it's the key to the freedom the program promises.