AA Slogans for Texas Sobriety — Recovery Affirmations

Core AA slogans

• "One day at a time." Focus on immediate sobriety rather than overwhelming long-term commitment
• "Easy does it." Patience and self-care; avoid pushing too hard
• "First things first." Prioritize recovery basics before complex matters
• "Live and let live." Focus on own recovery; don't obsess about others
• "Let go and let God." Releasing what can't be controlled (Higher Power framing)
• "Keep it simple." Don't complicate recovery program
• "Progress, not perfection." Accept imperfect growth
• "This too shall pass." Acute distress is temporary
• "But for the grace of God." Humility about own recovery
• "Acceptance is the answer." Acceptance reduces suffering
• "H.A.L.T." Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — basic needs check
• "Stinking thinking." Recognize problematic thought patterns
• "Slip" — distinct from "relapse" — brief return to use vs sustained pattern
• "90 in 90." 90 meetings in 90 days for early recovery

Step-related slogans

• "Half measures availed us nothing." From Big Book; full commitment required
• "To thine own self be true." Honesty as foundation
• "More will be revealed." Patience with the process
• "How important is it?" Perspective on small frustrations
• "Pause when agitated." Reactive responses lead to relapse
• "Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly." Promises come at different rates
• "Keep coming back." Persistent attendance even when struggling
• "Take the action and the feeling will follow." Behavioral activation principle
• "Don't drink or use no matter what." Absolute commitment
• "You can't think your way to right action; you must act your way to right thinking."

Slogans for specific situations

Court appearances:

• "Pause when agitated"
• "This too shall pass"
• "One day at a time"
• "Easy does it"

Cravings:

• "Play the tape through" — visualize consequences of relapse
• "Just for today"
• "This too shall pass"
• "H.A.L.T." check

Conflict situations:

• "Live and let live"
• "How important is it?"
• "Pause when agitated"
• "It's none of my business what you think of me"

Difficult emotions:

• "Feelings aren't facts"
• "This too shall pass"
• "Acceptance is the answer"

Using slogans effectively

1. Memorize favorites. Internalize for immediate access
2. Carry visual reminders. Cards, tokens, phone wallpaper
3. Use in journaling. Reflect on meaning
4. Share at meetings. Discuss application to current situations
5. Practice in low-stakes situations. Before crisis moments
6. Combine with action. Slogans support action, don't replace it
7. Don't over-rely. Slogans supplement, don't substitute for clinical treatment
8. Personal collection. Find ones that resonate personally

NA-specific sayings

Common NA expressions:

• "Just for today"
• "Easy does it"
• "It works if you work it"
• "Keep coming back"
• "We can only keep what we have by giving it away" (service principle)
• "NA isn't for those who need it, it's for those who want it"
• "More will be revealed"
• "Take what you can use and leave the rest"
• "Recovery is a journey, not a destination"
• "Stick with the winners" (associate with strong recovery)