Originally Posted by
LosingmyMisery 
Let me try to explain, Katie. It started with the above comments. I don’t agree with it. I think people are simply disagreeing with opinions. Nothing wrong with that. We all are at different stages of recovery. When I say it is about her and not about me, it means this is her recovery, not mine. It is really very simple. No, I’m not a PHD. No surprise there. I am just another alcoholic who has found a way to recovery, one day at a time.
As far as anger goes, anger will destroy an alcoholic. It will kill them dead. I know my anger kept me in the booze. I don’t think it is to far off to think it would do the same with any other alcoholic. You have even recognized that fact here on the boards. Quite honestly, I may have said some things that may not have been welcomed or agreed upon, but I’m not slinging anything to be mean or hurtful. I have read some very curt, rude responses back though. I’m not trying to invalidate or jumping to any conclusions. I have seen all of this before. It is very typical and familiar to me. I've lived it. I am only trying to share my experience with what helped me. And if I may, if a recovery board is causing so much distress, maybe it isn’t the right solution for certain individuals. Me, not stressing. I'm happy, sober and living the good life. That is my choice as it is for each and every one of us. With that, I’m backing out of here to leave you all with your discussion.
I will speak for myself. It is not the recovery board that is causing distress. What causes me distress is when someone dispenses "tough love" my way. That is not helpful to me - at all. It is when people cookie cutter all those with addiction issues, as if we are all the same. This is like saying anyone who smokes is like any other smoker. Both addictions, simply not true.
Also, those of us who seek a secular approach to sobriety are definitely in the minority. As such, it is a tougher road to hoe with not nearly as much support available in the community. This causes me frustration and a lot of it. It's hard to accept that one has this condition and there are so fewer choices available.
As far as anger destroying an alcoholic, anger will destroy even a "normie." Aside from my addictions, I am not that different from a normie. So why must I identify my whole being as an alcoholic or addict?
If I were able to just go to AA and be left alone, without any requirement I label myself, get a sponsor, work the steps, I don't think I'd have an issue with it (but then it wouldn't be AA right? Just a group of people sharing their common struggle who feel no need to label, tell other people what to do, subscribe to any steps, etc). I have met wonderful people in AA. I just can't go there because of all the requirements, and it's a shame. I know all too well the shunning that comes from not conforming.