If my sobriety was contingent on phoning people, I would really struggle. I HATE talking to people on the phone and will only do it when I have to. You’re encouraged to “go to any lengths” to get sober but if my sponsor said to me “phone me every night at 6pm so we can talk over your day” then it probably wouldn’t have got off the ground. And I’ve heard that at meetings before, that was the expectation of the sponsor - daily phone calls!
I always give my number to female newcomers and if someone reached out, I’d definitely listen and help them. But I don’t even phone my best friends for a chat so I can’t imagine me undertaking Jack’s ‘suggestion’. I’m maybe sensitive about it but I just get the vibe she says all this stuff on behalf of AA when a) she’s a Cockwomble and b) she should concern herself with her sobriety first and foremost.
I mentioned famous people in recovery and I forgot one who comes into my head from time to time - Eric Clapton. He was just on Now 90s singing the song he wrote for his son who died and to the best of my knowledge, he was sober before, during and after that heartbreaking period and beyond. I don’t know why I’m mentioning him really, other than on the occasions where I wish I could unwind and drink like a “normal person” then he’ll come into my head as an example of trusting your programme and your higher power. I do speak a lot about AA from the point of view of people who are in recovery but don’t often think of those who are concerned about how much they drink or those who are worried about a loved one. It’s honestly a life saver if you feel you need AA, you don’t be judged you will be welcomed by people who have walked the path before you and can tell you this is the better alternative. You’ll get tough love and you’ll get brutal honesty. Nobody said it would be easy but they promised it would be worth it.
If you feel someone close to you is an alcoholic, I know some people who have had a peace to their life thanks to Al-Anon. I can’t imagine how hard it must be, but there is support out there too