How to Become an Oldtimer: Don't Drink and Don't Die: Suit up, Show up, Sit up, Shut up, and Listen

They literally told me to suit up, show up, sit up, shut up, and listen.

And it literally worked. A former 60's hippie chick turned clean and sober, tells you how it worked in this zany collection chock full of our founder's wisdom. In the 12 Step programs we need newcomers to tell us where we came from and old-timers to remind us of how it works as we trudge that road of happy destiny. It's called "carrying the message."

If you've been around the program for even a few months you will already have been told many myths about meetings, sponsors, the opposite sex and our sole purpose. You have questions? This Old-timer has suggestions.

• Can I call myself an addict in an AA meeting?
• Can I date an Oldtimer when I'm a newcomer or a newcomer when I'm an Oldtimer?
• Is it OK to drink non-alcoholic beer?
• Can my group be my sponsor?
• Do I have to tell the group about the skeletons in my closet?
• My best friend is drinking too much, should I say something?

Ultimately you must answer these for yourself and the way you get these answers is through prayer and by listening to us Oldtimers. And the biggest question of all? What happens to newcomers? Old-timers.