EXACTLY ALIKE

The phrase 'exactly alike' captures a profound truth about our condition. On page 30, the Big Book says, 'We are not so much alike as we think we are, but we are exactly alike in that we have lost the power of choice in drink.' This is the great equalizer—regardless of background, drinking history, or personality, every alcoholic shares this singular loss of control. It’s not about how much we drank or how low we sank; it’s that when we start, we cannot reliably stop. Recognizing this sameness breaks down the walls of isolation and shame. We realize we’re not unique in our suffering—we’re just like every other alcoholic. And that common ground is where recovery begins. On page 17, we read that the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, but the solution is equally universal: a spiritual awakening that can happen to anyone willing to work the Steps. So when you hear 'exactly alike,' let it remind you that your struggle is not yours alone—and neither is the hope found in these pages.