AA Philosophy...
Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 16
Hey guys, let’s not dig up other’s threads of the past to one up each other to make a point. This isn’t a competition on which program works better for the individual. I love the debate though, keeps the mind working and thinking, just keep it classy 
For example, I’ve been working on step 1 and 2 of the AA 12 step program over the last week. I thought I ‘got it’. But all I was doing was parroting what I saw and heard. So I went searching for answers as to why I am ‘powerless’ over alcohol. Why can’t I just have a few like everyone else? Why can’t I abstain more than xx hours/ days/ weeks/ years?
On recommendation I looked up Joe Elliot Step 1 on YouTube. It isn’t Religious, it’s presented with some humor, and most of all for me explains the disease/ allergy that is Alcoholism. Man, what a revelation.
For example, I’ve been working on step 1 and 2 of the AA 12 step program over the last week. I thought I ‘got it’. But all I was doing was parroting what I saw and heard. So I went searching for answers as to why I am ‘powerless’ over alcohol. Why can’t I just have a few like everyone else? Why can’t I abstain more than xx hours/ days/ weeks/ years?
On recommendation I looked up Joe Elliot Step 1 on YouTube. It isn’t Religious, it’s presented with some humor, and most of all for me explains the disease/ allergy that is Alcoholism. Man, what a revelation.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,456
Its rarely point scoring digging up old posts here Choppo - overwhelmingly, everyone's on the same side and we want the best for everyone.
Sometimes the best advice we can give ourselves, or the best perspective, comes from ....ourselves
D
Sometimes the best advice we can give ourselves, or the best perspective, comes from ....ourselves
D
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
Since we have been discussing AA and the OP post about its "philosophy," I will add that "trying to figure out the why" kept me drinking for a long (LONG) time. Oh, I'll figure out my (REAL,ha) problem and then I won't need to drink...etc.
AA addresses our underlying "faults" if you will (along with sex inventory, resentments, etc) in steps 4 and 5, but it tells us "do not ruminate on the past- we have not shut the door on it, yet we do not dwell there" (para 4th ed, somewhere). AA is a plan of action, and understanding- but not such that it keeps us spinning with whys and wherefores.
AA addresses our underlying "faults" if you will (along with sex inventory, resentments, etc) in steps 4 and 5, but it tells us "do not ruminate on the past- we have not shut the door on it, yet we do not dwell there" (para 4th ed, somewhere). AA is a plan of action, and understanding- but not such that it keeps us spinning with whys and wherefores.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 16
Originally Posted by Dee74 
Its rarely point scoring digging up old posts here Choppo - overwhelmingly, everyone's on the same side and we want the best for everyone.
Sometimes the best advice we can give ourselves, or the best perspective, comes from ....ourselves
D
Sometimes the best advice we can give ourselves, or the best perspective, comes from ....ourselves
D
Man, I’ve gotta stop talking and start doing the walking. Thankyou 🙏
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
Originally Posted by TeeJayVerm
I looked in the direction of AA... Game, Set, Match.
Guest
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,271
Originally Posted by TeeJayVerm
I guess I was referring to the concept that someone admits they are powerless over alcohol. So when there is a slip up, we just throw up our hands instead of regrouping. That was what I was referring to.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 6,902
Originally Posted by Choppo
Hey guys, let’s not dig up other’s threads of the past to one up each other to make a point. This isn’t a competition on which program works better for the individual. I love the debate though, keeps the mind working and thinking, just keep it classy
For example, I’ve been working on step 1 and 2 of the AA 12 step program over the last week. I thought I ‘got it’. But all I was doing was parroting what I saw and heard. So I went searching for answers as to why I am ‘powerless’ over alcohol. Why can’t I just have a few like everyone else? Why can’t I abstain more than xx hours/ days/ weeks/ years?
On recommendation I looked up Joe Elliot Step 1 on YouTube. It isn’t Religious, it’s presented with some humor, and most of all for me explains the disease/ allergy that is Alcoholism. Man, what a revelation.
For example, I’ve been working on step 1 and 2 of the AA 12 step program over the last week. I thought I ‘got it’. But all I was doing was parroting what I saw and heard. So I went searching for answers as to why I am ‘powerless’ over alcohol. Why can’t I just have a few like everyone else? Why can’t I abstain more than xx hours/ days/ weeks/ years?
On recommendation I looked up Joe Elliot Step 1 on YouTube. It isn’t Religious, it’s presented with some humor, and most of all for me explains the disease/ allergy that is Alcoholism. Man, what a revelation.
Glad you're enjoying those recordings by the way. They've been invaluable to me over the last 4 years. Dunno if you've come across this site, but there are over five thousand speaker recordings on there, and you can easily search by whatever step you're on. (Apologies if you already found it).... http://www.recoveryaudio.org
Wishing you all the best for your sobriety and recovery.
BB
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 543
Originally Posted by August252015
I've read this several times and while I had hoped it meant you were immediately taken with AA - I am guessing you dismissed it that quickly?
Therefore, I voluntarily attended some AA meetings so I know I am trying to solve for something and that I have an issue with managing alcohol.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 543
Originally Posted by Pathwaytofree
Where does it say that AA teaches us to "throw up our hands instead of regrouping" when we've had a slip? That wasn't my experience with AA. The powerlessness means we can't use willpower to control our drinking because of the physical allergy and the mental obsession, which are resolved by a spiritual awakening.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 543
Originally Posted by Berrybean
I could have rephrased the wisdom he'd shared himself before, but I preferred to remind him what he learnt for himself last time, not because I was trying to point score, but because he paid for that lesson last time and I thought he might as well get the full value of it.
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