[Gmoney]

Joe,

I think many areas go through what I call a "rollercoaster period." When a segment of members get sidetracked into doing all kinds of stuff that really shouldn't be done. I know I stick my neck out by saying "shouldn't" but I mean exactly that - shouldn't.

We had so many addicts going to bars and clubs at one time that a few members of one group decided to buy a bar and invite addicts there. The justification was that they needed somewhere to dance and party. If they had got honest they would've told you that their real intention was to make money off of the fellowship. After a few newer members relapsed on alcohol, attendance at their bar bottomed out and they sold it.

Next it was the energy drink craze. Members would come to the NA dances "hyped" on those drinks and claim it was okay because other addicts drink coffee. Earlier this year two members had strokes and several others developed high blood pressure - and they all attribute it to their energy drink addiction. I've shared many times about how I get energy from eating or sleeping right, and if lack of energy was a big issue for me I'd seek professional help (my doctor, a nutritionist, etc...). Too bad we don't listen until something bad happens to one of us.

Oh yeah...and a while back, it was the hustle phase. Addicts were selling everything from CD's, DVD's, clothing, incense, jewelry, cell phones and cigarettes at our meetings. I don't know what made these folks think it was okay to set up a "flea market" in the parking lots of churches and other public facilities!! It took us to lose several meeting places to change.

And what about the ones who sell dope? They hide their hands, but all it takes is an addict to relapse and return to the rooms to tell us who is doing what!! Just three weeks ago a member's home was raided by the Feds and they found dope. They were selling it out of the back window to the house where they lived with their 4 children! Oh... did I forget to mention that they were on probation and parole for the same offenses? Now the kids are almost homeless..it's sad.

I was labeled "Mr. Goody-Two-shoes" and "super spiritual" because I chose not to get involved and talked against the behavior. I'll continue to speak against the "hip, slick and cool" lifestyles that go along with active addiction. It was the oldtimers that taught me if the dope don't kill you the lifestyle will. Even our literature tells us what works in active addiction doesn't work in recovery.

Keep standing up, Joe. Somebody has to.

G