Judged by AA Extremists? Have to say it
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kansas City, Mo.
Posts: 40
Originally Posted by Sapling 
Hey...You found something that works for you...Who can ask for more than that? You should share with everyone what that program is and how it works...It's all about recovery...No matter how you get it.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Between Meetings
Posts: 8,997
Originally Posted by davidf938
I used the Jude Thaddeus Program. I have seen it advertised on this site and mentioned it in other threads. It is available at their location or as a home study course. I highly recommend it, but I just might be a little bit partial since it worked for me. To each his own. Feel free to check out their web site. Just type "sober forever" into your search engine. One word of caution. This program was concieved by AA failures like myself. They share my feelings for that particular program.
*Grateful*
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,619
I have been on meds for depression and I have never brought it up to anyone at AA whatsoever. In fact once when I asked someone to sponsor me she right up front told me that if I took any kind of antidepressant whatsoever, she just couldn't sponsor me, so I told her thank you for your honesty, I will keep looking.
I guess I just don't put it out there cuz it is between my doctor and myself and while not currently taking anything, I have been over the years.
Lily
I guess I just don't put it out there cuz it is between my doctor and myself and while not currently taking anything, I have been over the years.
Lily
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: anywhere usa
Posts: 18
I went to a meeting in 1980something and sat in the back just taking it all in. I thought to myself back then that I didn't want or need the head surgery nor the manipulation that was goin on. I stayed sober for nearly 20 years and after a setback I am back on track starting today. There are those in the program that would not agree with me but I just don't need them.
Awakening...
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: in the present
Posts: 1,125
Innerchild, this is a big issue, people in AA who can't manage their own lives try to manage others.
Here is what a sharp, living-the-program AA member would do:
They see that people in the rooms are giving advice, or worst yet, telling others what they should be doing. They go to the next business meeting, address this issue thoroughly with the others. If the others are good, sharp members, they will look to the Traditions to solve this problem.
Which Traditions are we stepping on? Tradition 10, we take no opinion on outside issues, Tradition 5, our primary purpose is to carry to the message, and here's the big one, Tradition 1, is this issue causing disunity? "Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity."
Maybe doing this will would be very revealing. The group conscious can then address the group on this issue, or better yet, maybe conduct a group inventory moderated by an outside facilitator.
Here is what a sharp, living-the-program AA member would do:
They see that people in the rooms are giving advice, or worst yet, telling others what they should be doing. They go to the next business meeting, address this issue thoroughly with the others. If the others are good, sharp members, they will look to the Traditions to solve this problem.
Which Traditions are we stepping on? Tradition 10, we take no opinion on outside issues, Tradition 5, our primary purpose is to carry to the message, and here's the big one, Tradition 1, is this issue causing disunity? "Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity."
Maybe doing this will would be very revealing. The group conscious can then address the group on this issue, or better yet, maybe conduct a group inventory moderated by an outside facilitator.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 146
Oh do I relate to this, Innerchild. What I've found is that the old-timers tend to have this hard line and pass it on to sponsees. AA officially changed its view on meds when some members commit suicide, had breakdowns, etc. Sad that this attitude continues because dealing with the mental illness is an essential part of recovery. Many people became addicted because of mental illness and the struggle they experience in recovery is compounded when the cause of their turning to alcohol/drugs in the first place remains untreated. People encouraged me to postpone going on meds until I got through step 4 and I suffered needlessly. I'm bipolar and am now on medication and feeling stable for the first time.
I hope you find the support you need and deserve. AA is great and works for many people. But there are also other options for people who need something different.
Blessings,
Zorah
I hope you find the support you need and deserve. AA is great and works for many people. But there are also other options for people who need something different.
Blessings,
Zorah
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Between Meetings
Posts: 8,997
You are correct Zorah...there are other options for people who need something different. I went to AA to recover from alcoholism....And I'm grateful for help old timers have extended to me.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 773
Originally Posted by Innerchild
For example, at one meeting one woman walked up to me after the meeting and asked why I did not call myself an "alcoholic" I responded I dont label myself thats why. She told me I was in denial and I was an alcoholic.
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,967
"People encouraged me to postpone going on meds until I got through step 4"
zorah, I hope they were willing to take you through the steps that moment.
There are a lot of things said, done, or not done that could seriously hurt another person, I'm sorry you went through this.
zorah, I hope they were willing to take you through the steps that moment.
There are a lot of things said, done, or not done that could seriously hurt another person, I'm sorry you went through this.
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 162
Where as in AA, I feel all eyes are piercing through me with looks of displeasure plastered all over their faces because I am in "denial" Thats not the case, I refuse to label myself because I grew up with being labeled.
If you do want to attend AA, but you don't want to label yourself as an alcoholic, have you considered simply stating that you have a desire to stop drinking? That's the only requirement for membership. If members at your group don't respect that, I would suggest attending another location.
If you do want to attend AA, but you don't want to label yourself as an alcoholic, have you considered simply stating that you have a desire to stop drinking? That's the only requirement for membership. If members at your group don't respect that, I would suggest attending another location.
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