What athletes and famous people do you guys know that doesn't drink?

[problemchild]

A drunk is a drunk whether he lives in a box or million dollar home where is the diffrence?????????????

[Kid Vengeance]

There are countless celebrities who are open about their alcoholism/sobriety, but a few who come to mind would be the actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who I recently read saying that if he didn't stop drinking 15 years ago he wouldn't have accomplished anything that he has, including of course his Oscar last year... also I just saw some of that Surreal Life tv show, and both musicians on it, Steve Harvel of Smashmouth and CC Deville of Poision are recovering alcoholics who won't touch a drink. Also that Glen Beck guy on CNN talks regularly and extensively about his alcoholism, and hasn't had a drink for like 20 years. Hmmm I should be able to think of more than that.

Anyway, AA doesn't have a monopoly on the process of recovery, and just because that particular philosophy promotes anonymity doesn't mean anyone doesn't have the right to openly discuss their alcoholism all they want. And for me it's always very encouraging to hear the stories of these successful people, or whatever.

[km7]

im pretty sure david letterman is in recovery, he makes vauge references about it occasionally

[Stobert]

Joey Reynolds.

[Taking5]

2 basketball players that don't drink are Robert Parish (Celtics) and Chris Mullin (GS Warriors/Pacers).

Robert and Chris have both openly talked about their issues with Alcohol and Chris Mullin was drinking his way out of the league until his coach talked to him about it. He then went into rehab and made the all star team several times.

[fordman_mustang]

whoops i didn't want to get anything going about AA first of all if its someone in AA i don't care to hear about it, but like chad said he just doesn't drink, he don't like it. im not even talking about people that hard to quit, just famous people in general that don't do it.

[Tazman53]

Just my opinion, not gospel. LOL

AA and anonymity....... anonymity is mainly geared towards folks outing other folks and not outing thierselfs. Very early in sobriety many, if not most folks prefer to remain anonomous in regards to being in AA, as a result AA views anonymity as crucial to making an alcoholic feel comfortable in being a member of AA.

Another reason for anonymity is to allow people to speak freely and openly in meetings because what is said at a meeting remains at the meeting. What is spoken about in an AA meeting needs to remain in the meeting otherwise people would not feel free to speak.

I have no problem if some one ask me if I am in AA or how did I stop drinking telling them I am in AA.

Do I speak for AA? Nope, nor do I represent them in any capacity, I represent myself.

If some one famous is asked in an interview if they are in AA it is totally up to them (imo) as to whether or not they say they are in AA I don't feel it is wrong totally, but they should think before they speak and understand to the general public they will represent AA for the rest of their lifes and if they do start drinking again it very well could prevent a lot of folks from using AA as a source of recovery resulting in them remaining an active alcoholic if other programs fail them.

[NoelleR]

Thought this would be a good place to print this from AA.org's website concerning anonymity (even concerning thre iternet)........:

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/...theaagroup.pdf

The Importance of Anonymity

Tradition Twelve: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation
of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place
principles before personalities.


What is the purpose of anonymity in A.A.? Why is
it often referred to as the greatest single protection the
Fellowship has to assure its continued existence and
growth?

At the level of press, television, radio, film, and
the Internet, anonymity stresses the equality in A.A.
of all its members. It puts the brake on our easily
inflatable egos, our misplaced conviction that violating
our anonymity will help someone, and our desire for
personal recognition or control. Most importantly,
the Anonymity Tradition reminds us that it is the A.A.
message, not the messenger, that counts.

At the personal level, anonymity assures privacy
for all members, a safeguard often of special
significance to newcomers who may hesitate to seek
help in A.A. if they have any reason to believe their
alcoholism may be exposed publicly.
In theory, the anonymity principle seems clear,
but putting it into effect is not always easy. Following
are some general guidelines culled from A.A. group
experience that may be helpful.


Maintaining Anonymity at the Public Level

When appearing on radio, television, film or on the
Internet as A.A. members, we refrain from showing
our faces or revealing our last names. In printed
articles, on websites or email, we are identified by our
first names and last initials only.

We use our first names and last initials only when
speaking as A.A. members at non-A.A. meetings. (See
the A.A. pamphlet "Speaking at Non-A.A. Meetings.")
We do not put "A.A." on envelopes sent through
the mails, not even on correspondence directed to
A.A. entities. On material to be posted on A.A. bulletin
boards and printed on A.A. programs that the general
public might see, we omit all members’ last names and
identifying titles, such as "Reverend," "Professor," or
"Sergeant."


Understanding Anonymity at the
A.A. Group Level

We may use last names within our group. At the
same time, we respect the right of other members to
maintain their own anonymity however they wish, and
as closely as they wish. Some groups keep a list of
names and telephone numbers volunteered by their
members, and may provide phone lists—but for the
eyes of the group members only.

We repeat no one’s personal sharing made in A.A.
meetings. The word "anonymous" in our name is a
promise of privacy. Besides, the only story of recovery
we can truly share is our own.

In our personal relationships with nonalcoholics—
and with those we think might have a problem
with alcohol—we may feel free to say that we are
recovering alcoholics (without divulging the names
of other A.A. members), although discretion is
recommended. Here our openness may help to carry
the message.

We refrain from videotaping that special A.A. talk
or meeting which might receive exposure at the public
level. And, as the 1980 General Service Conference
recommended, it is wiser that talks by A.A. members
be given in person, in view of the temptation when
videotaping to place personalities before principles and
thus encourage the development of a "star" system in
Alcoholics Anonymous.

For more information about this important
Tradition, see the A.A. pamphlet "Understanding
Anonymity."

I figured better this than my opinion.....I always prefer ..... from the horse's mouth, so to speak.....

NoelleR

[Tazman53]

Noell just a simple question, is there anything wrong with us mentioning we are in AA to those who know us personally? I understand fully why I should never divuldge whether or not anyone else is in AA, just wondering about on a personal level.

I do understand why I would not want my full name divulged in the press and the like, tying myself to AA. Who knows I could get published one day as a great AA success story and then turn right around and get arrested for a DUI the following day because I chose to drink again.

[fordman_mustang]

why do you guys keep posting this AA stuff on here, please quit, if someone is in AA thats famous i don't care to hear it unless they announced it, no biggie but please discuss this somewhere else,

BTW doing some more seaching i found Dwayne Wade says he doesn't drink.

[Nuudawn]

As this is an open thread...I imagine all are free to say as they please. AA, like religion is a personal choice all should be free to make for OR against. I never liked those people who banged on my door with their "Awake" magazines trying to show me the way anymore than I wanted to hear about AA until I chose it. If a celebrity wants to "out" themselves that's their business. If they want to be private about it..again, their business. Live and let live for heaven's sake. I gotta worry about my own backyard rather than peer over the fence and "tsk, tsk" at anyone's else's. Create your own life than you don't have to worry about anyone else's.

All that aside, I do know that I am encouraged by the strength and courage of others in fighting their demons... especially when they attribute their choice "not to drink" to their success.

[fordman_mustang]

DO ANY OF YOU READ WHAT IM SAYING QUIT FRICKING TALKING ABOUT AA IN THIS THREAD PLEASE, THIS ISN'T ABOUT AA OR PEOPLE IN AA

now that that is out let me say it again, this is for people who don't like to drink, chad johnson for example doesn't like to drink hes not in AA never had a drinking prob, just doesn't like it.

[NoelleR]

Hey Fordman_mustang ----

DON'T READ THIS; it's gonna be a bit more re: AA, but since I was asked a question I figured I'd answer it.....besides, if you don't wanna read anything about AA or AA people, just stop reading at the first 'AA.'

Hey Taz....I believe there was a paragraph in what I copied from the AA.org website regarding our own anonymity with our personal friends.....:

"In our personal relationships with nonalcoholics—
and with those we think might have a problem
with alcohol—we may feel free to say that we are
recovering alcoholics (without divulging the names
of other A.A. members), although discretion is
recommended. Here our openness may help to carry
the message."

Since I no longer go to meetings I've found many ways to carry the message, and one place was at work with my work buddies....most of them knew I'm a recovered alcoholic/addict and they often come to me with questions and asking for help for either themselves or family members..... (o:

NoelleR

P.S. OK fordman_mustang........you can go back to reading..... lol

[Nuudawn]

FORDMAN...my post was not about AA...it was about freakin' choice... EVERYBODY has one. You are not the webmaster here...therefore you cannot control what people say here. You have a choice....you can continue attempting to impose YOUR will or you can quit reading...that is ALL that is within your control.

[came2believe]

Fordman,

I don't understand why you're reading this thread if it is bothering you so much.

And I don't understand why you are telling people what they can and cannot say on this thread. My understanding is that all of these threads are about AA, other recovery programs, and people who wish to stop drinking.

Are you trying to find out how to stop drinking? There are many ways to stop. Personally, AA was my last choice, but ended up being the only one that worked for me. I was absolutely desperate, having tried everything else. I now have just over a year of sobriety with AA.

Good luck to you if you are trying to stop drinking. This site is a great resource for that. There are lots of "stickies" at the top of the forum that will give you a ton of information.

[CarolD]

Please do remember to post replies on the topic

" What athletes and famous people do you guys know that doesn't drink? "

Most threads do wander around as members see
various aspects of topics.

There is a lot of latitude given at SR for sharing.

There is absolutely no reason to YELL AT EACH OTHER!

Disrespect is not tolerated...it gets threads closed
and members officially warned,

Please read the SR Policy Rules & Regs Forum
for information.


Thank you all for your participation.

[fordman_mustang]

anyways just talking about What athletes and famous people do you guys know that doesn't drink?

i also found out i guess that arenas from the wizards don't drink, when all the guys are out of town and goes out he says home and plays his x box.

[CarolD]

As I am now a non drinker..I too do not choose to
hang out with drinkers or in bars/clubs.

I found that was an important factor for me to
stay in recovery.

Sobriety has given me new goals new friends and a
wonderful way to live.

This can be true for any of us seeking sobriety!

[Tazman53]

Thanks Noelle.

[Greeneyes2008]

Originally Posted by fordman_mustang

DO ANY OF YOU READ WHAT IM SAYING QUIT FRICKING TALKING ABOUT AA IN THIS THREAD PLEASE, THIS ISN'T ABOUT AA OR PEOPLE IN AA

now that that is out let me say it again, this is for people who don't like to drink, chad johnson for example doesn't like to drink hes not in AA never had a drinking prob, just doesn't like it.

Hey, I understand and also thought that people really were not answering your question. LOL. I have often wondered the same thing as you. I have read that Demi Moore does not drink because her father drank in excess. Just what I read. Do not know that for a fact though.