AA, not the only program that works
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 167
AA, not the only program that works
This morning I just met someone who admitted he is in recovery but does not follow AA or 12 steps. He is 13 years sober too. It pleases me to hear that others succeed without AA as this was one of my main struggle with AA: The concept that AA was the ONLY solution. Although I go to AA myself, I could not understand nor could I agree with the concept. I felt it was false and presemptuous and even dangerous at times.
There is a serious misconception that AA has a concept that it is the only way to get and stay sober.
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
There are other solutions. For some, AA is the only solution that worked for them.
Sadly, many have found no solution to alcoholism. Maybe they believed the concept that they couldn't get sober at all, no matter what they did.
Sadly, many have found no solution to alcoholism. Maybe they believed the concept that they couldn't get sober at all, no matter what they did.
AA itself does not say that it is the only way, yet some people who are IN AA make the mistake of saying this. You can find this same only-one-way sentiment in all sorts of areas from politics to religion to how to make spaghetti sauce. Myopic people can be found everywhere. Tell them about your friend with 13 years. Hopefully they can learn and grow too.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 167
There is a serious misconception that AA has a concept that it is the only way to get and stay sober.
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Washington, MO
Posts: 2,306
I prefer the word remission. I had a spontaneous remission with another serious medical condition too and can't explain either. I know if I ever drink again all bets are off with both. I'm always looking for the right words for those that haven't been able to hear.
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,912
I think it's normal human reality that most people are enthusiastic about what has worked for them. Listen to it as much as you find it helpful.
No, unfortunately there is no one single method that seems to work for everyone. How great would that be! But then we would not be here discussing these things.
No, unfortunately there is no one single method that seems to work for everyone. How great would that be! But then we would not be here discussing these things.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 167
I try not to but difficult when the people who claim this are 20some years in recovery and I am only starting...
There is a serious misconception that AA has a concept that it is the only way to get and stay sober.
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
I attend meetings too.
I do know there are personalities in AA that have that opinion.
There is a serious misconception that AA has a concept that it is the only way to get and stay sober.
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
There is nowhere in AA approved literature that I know of( and I've read a lot of AA literature) that states AA is the only way. There are actually a few different places AA says it isn't the only way.
And most in fellowship are very glad people get and stay sober other ways.
But maybe I missed something in AA literature you could point out for me?
"To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face."
“When we became alcoholics…we had to fearlessly face the proposition that either God is everything or else He is nothing.”
Unless each A.A. member follows to the best of his ability our suggested Twelve Steps to recovery, he almost certainly signs his own death warrant.
Fortunately, we know better, and there is a lot of information about highly effective alternatives that require neither 12 Steps nor a recourse to the power of a higher entity. This link talks about different addiction treatment methods, and SR's Secular Connections forum is for the discussion of these alternatives.
There is not an original thought in AA. It is a hodge podge of medical, psychological, and spiritual concepts Bill Wilson borrowed from 100 different sources. So it should not be surprising that AA is not the only way.
What is unique is how these concepts were packaged into a program that has worked for millions.
There were many things I thought would never work but here I am sober 5.5 years down the road. I was a late stage physically dependent alcoholic but so far I am leading a great sober life. I made it through the death of my daughter sober and that would not have been possible without AA.
As much of an AA fan as I am I believe we are cutting ourselves short if we do not keep our eyes and minds open to other solutions.
Are there other ways? You bet but for me I don't plan on fixing something that isn't broke because AA addresses the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of sobriety.
What is unique is how these concepts were packaged into a program that has worked for millions.
There were many things I thought would never work but here I am sober 5.5 years down the road. I was a late stage physically dependent alcoholic but so far I am leading a great sober life. I made it through the death of my daughter sober and that would not have been possible without AA.
As much of an AA fan as I am I believe we are cutting ourselves short if we do not keep our eyes and minds open to other solutions.
Are there other ways? You bet but for me I don't plan on fixing something that isn't broke because AA addresses the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of sobriety.
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: Washington, MO
Posts: 2,306
Everyone quit the same way--by not picking it up again. How one stays sober is as varied as the billions who have done it since the beginning of time (yes, folks got sober before 1939 --countless).
Please note - this is the Newcomers forum.
Fight it out on PM please.
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Dee
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SR
Please Read! The Newcomers Forum is a safe and welcoming place for newcomers. Respect is essential. Debates over Recovery Methods are not allowed on the Newcomer's Forum. Posts that violate this rule will be removed without notice. (Support and experience only please.)
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Dee
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