How to Become an Oldtimer: Don

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

A former 1960s hippie chick turned clean-and-sober Oldtimer shares the practical, no-nonsense wisdom that actually keeps people sober for decades. This is not theory. This is what the founders and the oldtimers passed on—short, sharp, and usable the next time you walk into a meeting.

In the 12-Step rooms we need newcomers to remind us where we came from and Oldtimers to remind us how it works. That is carrying the message. If you have been around even a few months you have already heard the myths about meetings, sponsors, dating, non-alcoholic beer, and “the sole purpose.”

You have questions. This Oldtimer has suggestions:

• Can I call myself an addict in an AA meeting?
• Can a newcomer date an Oldtimer (or an Oldtimer date a newcomer)?
• Is non-alcoholic beer okay?
• Can my home group be my sponsor?
• Do I have to tell the group about every skeleton in my closet?
• My best friend is drinking too much, should I say something?

You will answer these for yourself. The way most of us get solid answers is by listening to the people who have already walked the road of happy destiny and stayed on it.

And the biggest question of all? What happens to newcomers?

They become Oldtimers.