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Originally Posted by Music Call me narrow-minded, brainwashed, stubborn....whatever. The people who wrote the AA Big Book were drunks just like me, otherwise how would they have known so much about me before I came to AA. I don't know that Peele ever took a drink in his life and don't care. If a person's not a full blown drunk, I'll be polite and listen, but what they say has little credibility with me. |
So Music, you are also aware that one of the cofounders was also a doctor correct? Do you think that his medical knowledge didn't influence his thoughts and approach to AA? Why would you disregard all the information available from others who have researched alcoholism merely because they were not alcoholics? Are the inventions of anta-abuse and naltrexone worthless because these scientists were not full blown alcoholics? Should alcoholics not seek out these helpful medications to obtain initial sobriety so that they are then able to enter treatment, AA or otherwise?
If I take your view literally, I should not subscribe to these medications as they were not invented by alcoholics who could truly understand the issues an alcoholic faces. Yet, their understanding of science and human physiological responses have resulted in medications that have helped me greatly in my struggle to find sobriety. I am glad that these non alcoholics did the research and provided these very helpful medications. I likely would have died without them.
I, of course, am taking your comments to the extreme as you did indicate you regard the information from non alcoholics with skepticism, not outright rejecting them. I can appreciate that your experiences have led you to rely on what you have found works for those that have helped you to recovery. Point taken.
While I do not subscribe to AA, I do rely on some of the information AA provides as it makes a lot of sense. I supplement that, AA was my starting point, with any and all relevant information on addiction, emotional problems, etc., as they also help me as I construct a system of recovery that works for me! Much of what I rely on to help me maintain sobriety I learned from people that have never had addictions or abuse problems. I try it, if it works, great, if it doesn't, then much like Thomas Edison, I have found one thing that doesn't work and narrowed my search for what does work by one.
For instance, I find that Stanton's work is really fascinating and it inspires me to continue to work towards maintaining lasting sobriety. IF I accepted the view that only what alcoholics have to say can ensure my recovery, I would then apparently not be able to rely on it because he was never an addict or abuser of alcohol. Well, despite his lack of addiction, his throughts and views help me understand myself and to deal with my own alcohol abuse. Personally, I will take what ever help is available and is helpful. If it comes from AA, RR, CBRT, scientists, counsellors, etc., I do not care, as long as it helps.
If others wish to subscribe to only one view, that is fine too. For me one view was not enough. I encourage all to think outside the box (AA or other treatment programs being the "box") and to find what helps them to change and grow and to find lasting sobriety and happiness. In my view there is not one path to alcohol or drug dependence, there is also, IMO, not one path or approach to obtaining and maintaining sobriety.
For instance, contrary to popular wisdom, I know several former "alcoholics" that have completely recovered and are actually able to have a drink or two on occasion without relapse or further problems. They learned what was driving their dependence and dealt with it. Can we all do that, possibly not, then again maybe so. The point is that for every rule there is an exception, just look at science, and by understanding the exceptions we gain further insight. To truly understand, IMO, we have to question what is put before us and to find our own answers. Information that is compiled is only one part of the recovery process (understanding process), you must also be able to apply the knowledge.
Peace, Levi