[ICantHeCan]

I was recently at a convention where many Al-Anon members, for lack of a better word, proclaimed that they were and are capable of sponsoring alcoholics because they utilize the Big Book while sponsoring the alcoholic/s.

I find this rather disconcerting. While I don't have the media (literature or cd) readily handy to quote from at the moment, I seem to recall Bill W. speaking to the idea of a member from another 12 step program (take your pick) trying to work with an alcoholic or vice-versa. In summary he inferred that it would be nearly an impossible arrangement because the only one who can truly relate to how an alcoholic thinks or feels (or sometimes the lack of either) is another alcoholic.

Additionally, a few months ago I listened to a CD of Lois W. She spoke to why she and Anne B. founded AFG -- to help families and friends of the alcoholic. They would work/cooperate with Bill and the RAs to identify the families and friends that were in need of Al-Anon 12 step work which I believe is touched upon in Al-anon's 5th tradition including cooperation in their 6th tradition.

Nowadays though, its like a lot of Al-anon members just want to 12 step the alcoholic rather than the family or friends... a recipe for that a struggling new RA. Instead of cooperating with RAs to identify families and friends that the RAs are working with, many Al-Anons are going in to AA meetings to 12 step the alcoholic. (In the back of my head I keep wondering "an Al-Anon slip[?]" especially after hearing Lois' story and why the two groups began.)

Don't get me wrong either..., if an RA after working the steps with another RA, sees the need in their life to incorporate another 12 step program such as Al-Anon, CODA, etc. into their lives, by all means they should do so and with the help of a sponsor from that chosen program but not before they have worked the 12 steps of AA with another RA.

Enuff said...