Focused and Free Purpose Statement

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

The purpose of Focused and Free is to promote the Christian principles that the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous originally applied in their recovery, and to provide encouragement and support for those who desire to build and maintain their recovery on a firm foundation of faith in Christ. (See Luke 6:47-49)

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?"

Mark 8:36 (cf. Matt 16:26 and Luke 9:25)

There is nothing more effective than one-on-one recovery; one addict or alcoholic working with another. By the same token, "...there is only One who has all power, that One is God" [Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59].

Focused and Free upholds the basic program of recovery as practiced by the men and women that comprised the 'Alcoholic Squad' of the Akron, Ohio, Oxford Group. They were the first group who based their recovery from alcoholism upon the foundation of Christ-centered, New Testament principles. In so doing, they not only gained long-term sobriety, they also discovered the greatest treasure of all; freedom in Christ!

I have heard it said that, "it is easier to stay sober than it is to get sober," and I  whole-heartedly agree with that statement. However, after several years of sobriety and observing others in recovery, another thought comes to mind; "Is sobriety enough? Isn't there more to recovery than simple sobriety?" From what I read in the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous, the answer is a resounding "No."

If just "putting the plug in the jug" and leaving it there were enough, then why does it say on page 19, "We feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning." Why the insistence to "trust God and clean house" (pg 98)? Why does it say on page 64 that "Our liquor was but a symptom. So we had to get down to causes and conditions." Why does it say on page 103 that "...our problems were of our own making. Bottles were only a symbol." And why on page 85 does it clearly state, "We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition."

The original goal was to help those who desired to recover from any and all addictive substances and activities, that are detrimental to personal (emotional and spiritual) growth. Beginning in December 2011, the new goal is to encourage people who have taken the 12-steps, to continue to enlarge their spiritual life and genuinely strive for spiritual perfection. [See Philippians 3:12-14]

If you long to grow beyond the "Spiritual Kindergarten" that is the program of A.A., then I invite you to explore this website, in addition to prayerfully considering joining and/or forming a Christ-centered recovery group in your area.

Even the pioneers of A.A. knew enough to say, "Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little" (ibid, pg 164). But they also had the wisdom to add...

God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven't got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.

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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that...

FOCUSED AND FREE is privately owned and operated, and is in no way affiliated with, nor represents, Alcoholics Anonymous, or any other 12-step recovery program - in whole or in part. Neither is Focused and Free aligned with any religious sect, denomination, or cult.

Since Focused and Free is privately owned and operated by a non-professional individual, there is no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented on this website. Additionally, your use of this website means that you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owner of this forum, as well as any and all related websites and subsidiaries.