Is Your New Year’s Resolution to Leave AA?
by illbefree1
Many people resolve to stop drinking for the start of a new year. It is said that this is the time of year when droves of new people unwittingly flock to the awaiting tables of AA and other 12-step places of worship; oops, my ‘badd’ “recovery”. Can we take this occasion to ask about the flip side of this coin? After this busy season, I wonder if we also see a rise in people leaving AA as their New Year’s resolution. I’d bet that we do. AA’s like to say, “If you wind up at these tables, it’s for a reason!” They conveniently give you no clue of the further truth which is, “You wind up leaving those tables for a reason too!” Orange Papers has a very insightful survey into the reasons behind why many have chosen and continually choose to leave AA. SEE: http://www.orange-papers.org/forum/comment/90323
Substance Use Disorder; not “character flaws”
People seem to really like making New Year’s resolutions. A resolution to leave AA is potentially very powerful and life changing. Yes, but this sword has a double edge. It is all well and fine to leave AA and be free. No more meetings to religiously attend. No more smug, neurotic sponsor(s) to mind. No more guilt-driven service work and exploitation. No more digging your nails into your flesh trying to remain conscious listening as some blown out blow-heart regurgitates green frothy ‘billdouble-ewww’ all over the top of a sticky tabletop. No more lusty predatory leers and obligatory hugs for strangers you do not know or care to know. Yes, it is great to breathe free of AA. For many of us, however, there are reasons why we went to AA in the first place. The reasons which compelled us to initially sit at those tables may not automatically disappear simply because we decide to leave AA. The questions regarding our relationship to alcohol and substance use/over-use may still remain. There is no real medical, scientific or psychologically based research supporting AA’s definition of the words “alcoholic” or “alcoholism”. In the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), however, it describes what is known by professionals as Substance Use Disorder. SEE: http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Substance%20Use%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
AA is not evidence-based…it is religious regardless of the lie.
Consequently, there is no medical, scientific or psychologically based research supporting the efficacy of AA to “cure” or even to treat Substance Use Disorder. Like any lie, if it is repeated often enough, long enough, loudly enough, fools and children will accept it as truth. That is why there is so much repeating of jargon and slogans in AA. That is why members and newcomers are to read “approved program literature” (only) over and over and over and over again. (Is your brain nice and ‘clean’ yet lil pigeon?) The Science Based Medicine web site states, “Alcoholics Anonymous is the most widely used treatment for alcoholism. It is mandated by the courts, accepted by mainstream medicine, and required by insurance companies. AA is generally assumed to be the most effective treatment for alcoholism, or at least “an” effective treatment. That assumption is wrong.” SEE: http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/aa-is-faith-based-not-evidence-based/
The negativity of AA does not help and turns many people off.
When people choose to start going to AA, they often do so at a very low point in their lives and for many different reasons. The core common reason is to stop using alcohol due to all the horrible consequences they may have suffered. Many AA “newcomers” (and “old-timers”) have serious health concerns, damaged relationships, horrible legal problems, etc. due to their out of control drinking. Desperation drives hurting people through AA’s doors in search of help. (Of course, here we are not counting the many people who are unconstitutionally forced to attend AA meetings by the courts; another issue for another time.) Some call this point of desperation, “hitting rock bottom”. For some, experiencing the AA culture and creatures itself is its own kind of purgatorial ‘rock bottom’. Many find themselves after years, months or even weeks wondering what the hell they have gotten themselves into. It is often very obvious to most newcomers during their first 1 to 2 meetings that many of those AA people are truly ‘nuts’. Quite a few new people want to leave AA just as quickly as they came (and many do!). Still, there are some of us who feel we do have a some kind of problem. That’s why we are/were there. Right? Self-doubt creeps in and AA blows it wide open. “You are a hopeless, degenerate, alcoholic loser who is dying of an incurable disease! Let us help you, you poor unfortunate soul or you shall surely DIE!” Unfortunately, after repeatedly proclaiming “powerlessness” over every aspect of our existence, many of us often have a hard time reclaiming our own personal power. Over time, we are drained of the vital ‘chutzpah’ needed to break free. We’re in a world of trouble then!
“Damn it! I should have followed my first mind and ran from these freaks after those first weird-ass meetings! Damn!” We may plague ourselves with thoughts of regret and what we should have done instead of suffering AA. It hurts. And of course, then on your way out of the congregational meetings, you get the echoing command:
“Keep coming back…” Shouted.
“…or DIE!” Whispered.
Alcoholics Anonymous doctrine, program and conduct is patently predatory and specifically designed to break a person’s spirit and leave the person in a quagmire wherein the person feels damned if he does and double damned is she does not. AA stealthily drives many sensitive souls to the brink of binging and hopelessness. Many quiet, lonely, desperate suicides are caused by exposure to AA. Often the victim is blamed and disdained for “drinking him or herself to death”. When people meet tragic ends due to their exposure to Alcoholics Anonymous, AA’s coldly repeat one of their favorite old sayings, “Some of us must die so that others may live.” AA’s contribution to suicidal ideology and outcomes really deserves in depth investigation and consideration. What they do to people often borders on malpractice at least. (SEE: http://nadaytona.org/alcoholics-anonymous-admits-aa-members-role-in-suicides/) As Laura Thompkins, Addictions Specialist, reports, “If you go to an AA meeting they will tell you the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. They will then require you to announce and declare to the room and God that you are an alcoholic. You are an alcoholic who will never recover.” SEE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-tompkins/alcoholics-anonymous_b_1383849.html
There are many options open to you…and they do work!
Increasingly, people are finding a community of AA survivors online who will gladly tell them that there is life after AA. It is a fact that most people who successfully stop drinking, do so with no program, no treatment or no cult at all! AA lies to people when it states that the only alternative to AA is prisons, asylums or death. It also lies to them when it tells them that ‘absolute abstinence’ is the only way to deal with everyone’s alcohol challenges. AA’s are slavishly dedicated to absolute, non sequitur, and fatalistic language. Moderation works for many people. AA’s absolutely HATE to hear that. Saying that in a devout AA disciple’s presence is akin to pouring water on the Wicked Witch of the West. Watch out! All of their character-building, so called step-work, and denial of anger will fly right out of the window when their core beliefs are challenged. They get ‘SUPER-UGLY’. They will attack in some way whether passively or overtly; it is coming. (SEE: http://www.expaa.org/apps/forums/topics/show/8201288 )
For the most part, AA uses strong-arm psychological bullying tactics and manipulation to get people to “give over” their power to “The Program”. The doctrine of powerlessness is only true if one believes it, in which case it can become a very dangerous and powerful self-fulfilling prophecy. AA’s abstinence is not the only way for everyone. Some people honestly do need to understand and appreciate what they are doing in order for it to be of benefit to her or him. Not many real adults can stomach being mindless zombies. It is not how we are made. In Cold Turkey Isn’t the Only Route, journalist and author, Gabrielle Glaser, reports, “Research shows that many problem drinkers — those who repeatedly drink more than they intend, sometimes have physical or psychological consequences from overdrinking, and may have difficulty controlling themselves — could benefit from brief interventions and practical advice about how to set better limits and change their drinking by cutting back.” SEE: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/opinion/cold-turkey-isnt-the-only-route.html
Applaud your New Year’s resolution to leave AA!
Many people have likely set their New Year’s resolution to leave AA. They are to be applauded, supported and encouraged. Some people who leave AA just walk away, never return and go on to live healthy, free lives. There are people who leave and allow the head-game that AA has played on them to kick in and eventually kick their asses. They end up binging, drinking themselves into oblivion or they ended up crawling back, just as AA said they would. To combat the humiliation of that scenario AA’s have an oft regurgitated saying, “I’d rather save my ass than save my face!”
SO THERE!
Still, there are others who leave AA and reach out to the many, many hands, voices, blogs, books, radio shows, real-people, etc. that are out here and everywhere to support those brave enough to have decided to leave AA. We know it’s hard. Paradoxically, it can be quite psychically painful to disengage from AA. It is designed to be so. Still, it is possible and well worth the discomfort and pain to escape AA. Dr. Stanton Peele, Addiction Expert says, “The most promising trends in alcoholism treatment are motivation enhancement (developed by psychologist William Miller), which avoids dictating to clients and instead allows them to express and pursue their own values, and mindfulness (developed by psychologist Alan Marlatt), the Zen Buddhist technique of meditation and focusing on inner states and needs.” SEE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stanton-peele/aa-isnt-the-best-solution_b_629004.html
Connect with the non-12-step community.
It can be a bit unnerving—perhaps even frightening to leave AA after they have conditioned you to be so dependent on their meetings and on a so-called sponsor. These people are potentially very dangerous to you though. Deep inside yourself you know and feel it. That’s why you are HERE. It’s okay. We encourage those who would set leaving AA as their intention to trust their intuition and to communicate with those of us out here who have successfully and happily left AA. There are millions of us. Many of us love to help others who have left. You can do it! Turn a deaf ear to the zombies and the death threats. They are lying. (Misery does love company, ya know?) Support is out here for you. We are never more than a click away. There is a powerful community of activists and bloggers supporting one another everyday on sites like, www.orange-papers.org, www.LeavingAA.com, www.expaa.org, etc. Tap into these sites. You can participate in the discussions if you choose to or you can just read. Do what helps you…and it will help you. You are not alone. Hold on. You are also welcomed to join the You Are Not Powerless Conference Call which will definitely be running from now until the end of January 2014, perhaps longer. SEE: https://illbefreeordie.wordpress.com/2013/11/11/announcement-planning-the-you-are-not-powerless-book-club-re-launch-of-the-anti-aa-conference-call/
Here are some things to keep in mind that may help you in your New Year’s resolution to leave and stay free from AA or any other 12-step “spiritualnotreligious” sect:
Recognize the harm done to you.
Accept the fact that you are involved in something that you know is causing you harm and dis-ease. Don’t second guess yourself. Your inner instincts are right. As you listen more and more to that soft inner voice within you, struggling against the noise to be heard, it will become easier and easier to hear. You will gain confidence in your own personal power. (It exists!) You will realize that you do not need Alcoholics Anonymous and its minions. You never needed them. You will be free. You will remain free to live your life and seek real help if and when you decide you need and/or want it. And that’s how it should be. When I first left AA I resolved to ‘live free or DIE!’ and I started a web site to enhance my resolve. I hope it’s helpful to people who visit it; it was helpful for me to create it. My favorite page of my site is the deprogramming videos which I watched over and over. They were (are) enormously helpful for me. SEE: http://illbefree1.wix.com/illbefree#!aa-deprogramming-videos/c2271
THINK.
Regain your natural ability to use the mind that God gave you. Just THINK. They told you not to think…over and over and over again. Why? If you think, you will leave AA. So, THINK. Take a good look at the things that have been said to you and perhaps even done to you in AA or any other 12 step sect. Has your brain and ability to reason and make decisions for yourself been undermined? Have strangers smugly acted as if they know more about you than you even know about yourself. Do you agree with them? THINK. Have you been physically, sexually, psychologically or financially taken advantage of? If crimes have been committed against you, you have a right—even a responsibility to go to the authorities. Wake up. The reason that groups like AA, NA, etc. continue to hurt people is because no one holds them accountable for their actions. If you have been harmed, seek help. There are laws protecting Vulnerable People in this country and abroad. AA’s do not have a right to harm you in any way. The word “anonymous” does not hold up in court as any kind of legal confidentiality, protection or special dispensation. It’s not real! Alcoholics Anonymous will not rush to the aid of their members who face consequences for harming other people. These AA ‘miracles’ are being taken to court and sued more and more often. Alcoholics Anonymous itself is being sued right now for the tragic, needless death of Karla Brada. (SEE: http://youtu.be/uABc5vUGuGY ) Has a crime or crimes been committed against you? Press charges. Sue. (SEE: http://www.expaa.org/apps/forums/topics/show/8316044 )
Decide how you will leave.
Some people choose to make a big plan around how they will leave AA. They choose to announce it to their sponsors and call people in the program to inform them of their decision to leave. Many have entire scenarios developed wherein they stand up at a meeting and tell everyone in attendance that they are formally leaving. “So long SUCKERS!” Some people simply walk out of their last meeting and never go back. There is no right or wrong way to leave AA. There is only the way that works best for you. When you decide that you want to leave AA, just do it. Keep in mind that if you tell active AA members about your intention to leave ‘the program’ some of them may use their manipulative skills to try to get you to stay. Can you deal with that and remain steadfast in your own decision? GREAT. If not, simply slip away and resolve to only deal with them again if and when you ever feel like it. There are no rules. Just do what is most safe physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually for you. (SEE: http://www.thefix.com/content/leaving-alcoholics-anonymous91414?page=all )
You may need or want an alternative program.
Some people remain in AA simply because they feel as if there is just no where else to go. The social aspect of AA is HUGE and beguiling; especially for someone struggling alone with alcohol or substance use issues. Many people do not like all of the religious indoctrination, coercion, control, repetition, strange old text readings, gossip, etc., but AA often becomes their only outlet and source of community and socialization with other people. AA plays on and exploits our human need/desire to socialize with one another. It’s okay. We have been there in our own unique ways. We do understand. There are other, more genuine, healthier ways for you to find community and real friends; to love you for you and not just for the sake of doing ‘service work’. Don’t lose heart. If you could survive being in AA, and you have, you can definitely survive leaving Alcoholics Anonymous or any other cult. There are alternatives online and offline to help you with alcohol/ substance use and/or over use challenges. Different things work differently for different people. SMART Recovery and other organizations offer increasingly more face to face supportive meetings across the country. Look online to find resources and meetings near you. Here are just a few resources that will help you find additional support:
HAMS (Harm Reduction, Abstinence and Moderation Support) http://hamsnetwork.org/
My Way Out (MWO) http://mywayout.org/
Moderation Management (MM) http://moderation.org/
SMART Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) http://smartrecovery.org/
Women For Sobriety (WFS) http://www.womenforsobriety.org/
SOS (Save Our Selves) http://www.sossobriety.org/
LifeRing http://lifering.org/
Rational Recovery (RR) http://www.rational.org/
You are POWERFUL!
Above all else, please remember that you are not powerless unless and until you choose to give your power away. You have a right to receive valid, harmless help from qualified people who care about you rather than preserving some out of date, un-researched, unregulated, made-up program. It is sad that we are still in the Dark Ages of substance use and over use resources and treatment. (The main thing it reveals to me is that old Billy-Boy Wilson was a mighty powerful and gifted con-man, indeed! ) Nevertheless, as more and more people find their way out of these abusive systems and demand evidence based alternatives, the days of AA abuses will grow fewer and fewer. The day will come when any program claiming to be treatment for substance use/ over-use challenges will be required to prove itself, be accountable, certified, and have credentialed professionals helping those looking for real help. Until that day, we have to be mindful and look out for ourselves and one another. You are not powerless! (SEE: http://www.thecleanslate.org/myths/powerlessness-myth/ )
Here’s to a POWERFUL New Year!
My New Years resolution is not to go back there. Other than giving me a place to go in my early days it was not for me and could well have been my rock bottom.
I know LovingLife, right? I am with you there. I was noticing that many people make New Year’s resolutions and they sadly end up going to AA when they want to stop drinking…
But what about those who are sitting in there (as we once did) thinking about leaving? I bet there are people who have resolved to leave AA on the first of the year…as I wish I had done.
My first year there I ended up at an “alcothon” with my sponsor and one of her old AA boyfriends…all night in the roughest part of the city.
I felt lucky to have survived… If I had ever known the amount of violence that actually does break out at those meetings I would never have gone.
I’m just so glad I left.
I’ll NEVER go back. That’s a FACT!
illbefree- what an amazing post. You are such a great writer! Please post this on OPF or amy I post it on my front page? Im away right now but I can put it up …Mine is to finish my film by May, then release it in theatres asap and get it into film festivals and have millions of Americans see my film so they many be educated about the dangers of AA including all you mention here above. Loving life and illbefree- I send love to you both and feel all your support through the internet and phone and was lucky to meet you in LA last fall. Keep up the great blog .
Happy New year Massive!
I am so INSPIRED by all of the absolutely amazing things you continue to do. Waiting for your film to come out makes me remember how it felt to be a child waiting for x-mas morn. 😀 I no longer observe x-mas so I need truly SPECIAL things like your film to get excited about.
Thank you for your kind words regarding my writing. Really, it means a lot to me. I want to humbly remind you that you have an OPEN ON-GOING INVITATION and my expressed welcome to re-post any articles I post on our blogs. I am honored that you want to post them–really, I am.
I would like to edit this piece first and send it to you via email. I did not edit it yesterday at all because I wanted to get it OUT… My goal was to have it out on the 1st, but I didn’t quite make it.
It has lil gremlins in it though…….
That’s the only thing with writing. It’s hard to edit one’s own writing because when you read it, you “read” what you “thought” you wrote; which is not always what is actually there…
WHEW!
I will edit and send to you today.
Enjoy your self and stay safe Massive.
WE NEED YOU!
❤
My grandson coined that one.He’s also the sweetie who called on turkey-day and said “”Hi Gramma! Happy Thanks For Nothing Day””!!I can always count on him to put a smile on my face and in my heart. Gawd I miss him and my daughter. Holy crap — is it the 9th already? I really do need to get out more, or at least read my emails more regularly.
“I won’t ever go back!”
I’m glad I got this in my mailbox. I really truly need to be reminded of this one for sure! I’ve been so damned depressed since my best-friend/ex-husband (Steve) passed away. The mornings are the absolute worst.
“I won’t ever go back!”
I saw 4 people in the grocery store a few days back.What are the odds on that? To see 4 in the same half-hour? They are/were people from AA. It was so great. We all hugged. I can’t help it — I’m a hugger. I was before I ever stepped into those roomz. Out of the 4, only 1 is still in the Cult. I smiled so big. I told them I left and got on with my life. SO DID THEY. Why didn’t I at least get their numbers? Well, I know where 2 work.
“I won’t ever go back!”
Two days a go I thought about going to AA. It was a short-lived thought, trust me on that! I listed the reasons in my head why I won’t go back there, and they far outweighed the insane reasons why I would ever go back. I feel like I have absolutely no one in my life right now. People that I do want. Steve’s gone. My daughter and grandson moved back to the big city last year. I caught my ex-best-friend Deb stealing my freaking pain meds 3 times. And as much as it hurts, I have to remind myself that a “best friend” wouldn’t do something like that to me the day I got out of the hospital. I forgave her the first time. I slacked the 2nd time and gave her the benefit of the doubt. The 3rd was just too much. It didn’t work out with my mom being here. OMG, I was feeling so desperately alone, I almost called that nightmare, and again I made a list in my head on why I can’t go back to that.
“I won’t ever go back!”
Several times I have said to myself, “Well, you have friends on the internet, Rainbow!” People who have shown me that they care for me, even in far away places. People in LA, Washington, middle America, Boston, all points in-between….and even across the Pond!” You have no idea how much my heart appreciates this. Especially now. People who genuinely care. You do genuinely care ’bout me, don’t you? 🙂 🙂 🙂
“I won’t ever go back!”
OMG, I stopped crying. THIS has really helped. Writing it all OUT. Wow. Okay — I’m getting my ass outside I thank you. Sorry this is so long (but not really sorry) hehehe Hugs all around. 🙂
“I won’t ever go back!”
“I won’t ever go back!”
“I won’t ever go back!”
“I won’t ever go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Duhhhh…I liked your post, illbefree. Very uplifting. 🙂
And THANK YOU! I love to hear that anything I lay down has helped any of us in any way. Helping helps me… It REALLY does. It gives me Purpose and a way to Channel the PAIN that AA brought into my life in a POSITIVE way…
So, THANK YOU…
You take care Rainbow…and stay Connected!
You are a VERY strong woman…
Your friend really hurt herself by putting her pain-pill craving over your friendship. Hopefully she will overcome it one day and realize what she has lost. We all see it. I feel SORRY for her for losing a Real Friend like you.
😀
May I post your awesome article on my blog too?
I love this piece you wrote.
I keep coming back and reading it over and over.
Good stuff!! 🙂
Hi Rainbow!
I hope your New Year is rolling out well. Thank you for the positive feedback. I appreciate it. It is sometimes a challenge to know if the work we do is helping people and speaking to them in a meaningful way which will spare them undue pain and confusion. I try. Your comments help me to know I may be doing something of worth with this thing.
I thank you!
And yes! You can surely repost anything on this blog that you would like to use. Also let me know anytime you want me to repost any content you have as well. We can link-swap and help each other get more readers if you’d like.
I’m making notes for my next one…it’s about how AA uses the money AA members donate to AA against them. Interesting angle, huh? And TRUE!
Keep ROCKING Rainbow! 😀
Hey Rainbow!
Thank you! You know you can re-post anything you like my friend. I’m honored.
Take good care & STAY WARM…
😀
Hi Our Precious Rainbow!
““I won’t ever go back!”
I saw 4 people in the grocery store a few days back.What are the odds on that? To see 4 in the same half-hour? They are/were people from AA. It was so great. We all hugged. I can’t help it — I’m a hugger. I was before I ever stepped into those roomz. Out of the 4, only 1 is still in the Cult. I smiled so big. I told them I left and got on with my life. SO DID THEY. Why didn’t I at least get their numbers? Well, I know where 2 work.
“I won’t ever go back!”
You energy is just like a RAINBOW. We need it. You a come in like a burst of SpringTime…rain or shine. And please, you know you are not alone. You have made an impression on everyone who has been blessed by connecting with you. If Our Rainbow went away, we would notice. We would miss you. We would be sad…
So, please keep on SHINING Rainbow…
The cost of being so very LOVING is the pain you feel when someone leaves…or appears to.
Please keep writing as long or short as you like… As you know I am very guilty or innocent of the LONG POST… heh…heh…
It is cathartic to get it all out and the only ones who will even read it are the ones that want to read it, right?
That is AMAZING that you ran into 4 AA people all at once…WOW! And only one of them was still in ye ole Program? SUPER-WOW! I did have one of my dear AA friends send me a nice x-mas text. We had the same sponsor. I know she is likely not allowed to communicate with me. She has been told that I am TOXIC…binging…crazy…oh and most definitely DYING…
But it was nice to hear from her. She never used or did anything abusive or negative to me. She and I went to see Magic Mike together…That was FUN!
Please stay connected and try to come onto the call…
I started it to help us all enjoy another means of FEELING that community spirit that has been so blessedly created.
Keep SHINING!
You Are NOT Alone…
“I won’t ever go back!”
“I won’t ever go back!”
“I won’t ever go back!”
“I won’t ever go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ME NEITHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wanna post it on my blog . Its long maybe I can do it in parts
massive
Hi Massive! Thank you for reposting it any way you feel will work on your blog. It’s all good!
I am just happy for it to be read.
😀
Reblogged this on Stop13stepinaa's Blog and commented:
Please read this is you are having a hard time in AA. Blogger illbefree wrote it
Thank you so much for recommending this piece. I pray it helps somebody.
Ya ROCK!
Massive, thank you so much for this blog! It wasn’t my resolution to leave AA finally, 5 years ago after 22 years there. After many years of personal counseling and 5 years ago inner child work, I was too healed to stay in AA. I did go through shame and guilt for awhile but my B/F left AA many years before I did so he has been a great support along with Orange, Leaving AA, and all the rest in support of non 12 step I thank all of you so much.
I can relate to all of the above. Oh the “spiritual gurus” of 12 step can be viciously cruel when confronted, I have witnessed this many times. I have written under azalea in Leaving AA. I will never go back to 12 step.
Thank you Rebecca.
Massive’s blog is SUPER-POWERFUL and I am so appreciative and pleased that she chose to repost this piece on her blog(s).
I am so glad that you were able to leave AA.
Happy 2014 to you!!!
😀
Personally, I think any list of alternatives should give the longest and most successful running programs due consideration. James Christopher who founded SOS was a close second behind Jean Kirkpatrick’s Women for Sobriety. Rational Recovery, followed by SMART Recovery and then HAMS. Those other programs all sound like fronts for the pharm industrial and I have no problem with people taking medication if they want to, choose to, and are not mandated by law. But to list “My Way Out” as first is to my way of thinking just what doctors and the recovery industry want to see. They don’t care if people make it in AA, own remission, or an alternative. All they care about is selling drugs.
Other than that I think Monica is doing a great public service making the documentary and restoring freedom and dignity to recovery. Thank you Monica and may all beings be happy! There’s nothing in AA you can’t find in a good Buddhist Sangha!
JMG
Thanks for pointing that out JMG. I guess I should have stated “in no particular order” to be more clear. At some point I want to research each of them and be able to tell people more about each one. Thus far I only have looked into SMART and Moderation Management. The main thing I’ve tried to highlight for readers here is that AA is most definitely not “the ONLY way” . . . and in my opinion NO WAY at all.
Still, there is a definite need to have each of them broken down and listed mindfully with descriptions to allow the readers to get an idea of what each offers.
I hope I have an opportunity to do that one day. Your comment will help a lot toward that end.
Wow! It’s the last day of January already. I hope everyone has done well with whatever their resolutions are. I’ve had a splendid (but very busy) month.
Here is a wonderful blog post by Marla Obrien to help us stay on track with our chosen resolutions:
Happy February everyone…
Great article, great writing! I’ll never go back. I;ve had Aa friends tell me since I uttered that promise..”Oh, you’ll be back.” “We’ll be here here you want help
…blah blah. I am sick of the guilt and the high and mighty stance these steppers take. I went into Aa at age 16, and you can bet they all rallied around me and molded me..the new AA champion kid. I was never allowed to even think or form an opinion. Now, at 41, I leave, and they act as though I betrayed them. In fact, I betrayed their cause, their agenda. There never was friendship.
Thank you JayB. Great to hear from you. I’m glad you got out. I will NEVER go back either; absolutely NO CHANCE. I’d rather go to a shyt sniffin factory than to ever sit at one of those creepy, dangerous, ridiculous gatherings of cult victims with sanctimonious BS attitudes from hot wet hell. And what “help” do they ever give? Sittting at tables in musty basements, drinking bad coffee and listening and telling endless stories about pity, grief, powerlessness, Old Oxford group Religion Steps and BOOZE is supposed to help anyone do WHAT?
They do not know what HELP is, but they sure fn need it.
They have no idea what FRIENDSHIP is. They have been brainwashed into caring only about the fellowshyt…