2Alcoholism is an insidious thief. It has robbed millions of their life, freedom, health, love, and sanity. For many years, doctors and psychiatrists, who had spent countless hours trying to help these unfortunate people, considered chronic alcoholism a hopeless condition. Even today, alcoholics are often shunned by society and considered weak and morally defective. In the 1930s, two such outcasts, a stock speculator and a proctologist, discovered a formula that kept them sober when all other efforts had failed. It certainly wasn't an overnight success and even today it's not exactly popular, though it has gained worldwide respect, saved countless lives, healed relationships, and turned derelicts into responsible, stable citizens. The idea of living a happy and useful life, free from the compulsion to drink, is beyond the imagination for anyone suffering with this terrible disease, but those of us who have adopted this plan of living by 12 spiritual principles have experienced this exact miracle. The only pre-requisites are desperation, an open mind, and willingness. This journal charts the author's progress toward physical, mental, emotional sobriety and peace with God and fellow human beings. By sharing her experiences, the author hopes to encourage others to join her in trudging this road of hope and freedom.