UK Wed 7th Dec BBC2 9pm
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 3,517
Thanks Kaily. I'll also watch it on the iPlayer.
Further summary, from the BBC website:
Further summary, from the BBC website:
Alcoholics Anonymous is the longest-running addiction programme in the world and has been operating in the UK for 75 years. At a time when problem drinking is on the rise, this film has access to an AA meeting in central England for the first time ever.Rooted in the evangelical Christianity of 1930s America, many of the cornerstones of the programme's structure have changed little. How does this organisation work in our modern society? How do members with no faith at all interpret the programme now, and why does it still work for so many?
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: NSW - Australia
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Thanks Kaily. Even this is change in modern world. Never previously would AA allow for the filming of a meeting. Even with consent. More stigma then, probably. Hide it. 
AA is changing, as do all things, and has been bedrock for a lot of people over the years, and I don't go to meetings. Used to, but things changed.
I learnt a lot from aa.
Easy Does It
AA is changing, as do all things, and has been bedrock for a lot of people over the years, and I don't go to meetings. Used to, but things changed.
I learnt a lot from aa.
Easy Does It
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,784
I live in California, is there any way/place I can watch it? I also used to attend meetings, but never went as far as getting a sponsor and working the steps. I just liked the support and camaraderie of the group and it was a discussion meeting, which I liked as different topics came up. It was very interesting going around the room for thoughts on the chosen topic.
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,967
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Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
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I’ll be watching.
It’s sad, though. When I was a drinker, if my wife switched TV channels and such a programme came on, I’d change channels straight away. This thread reminded me of a Louis Theroux documentary in 2016 about alcoholism. That was an example of a program I was too scared and embarrassed to watch. But it had the effect of chipping away at my conscience so ultimately helped. I hope this BBC offering is an opportunity well taken.
It’s sad, though. When I was a drinker, if my wife switched TV channels and such a programme came on, I’d change channels straight away. This thread reminded me of a Louis Theroux documentary in 2016 about alcoholism. That was an example of a program I was too scared and embarrassed to watch. But it had the effect of chipping away at my conscience so ultimately helped. I hope this BBC offering is an opportunity well taken.
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,967
How to Watch I’m An Alcoholic – Inside Recovery in the US for Free (reelsmag.com)
they're asking for money, sorry I'm determined to find this documentary. Even if I need to wait a bit....
they're asking for money, sorry I'm determined to find this documentary. Even if I need to wait a bit....
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 3,517
A review of the programme: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-r...-hugely-moving
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Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
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I’ve not had anything to do with AA but watched most of this tonight. It was quite good and portrayed AA as a fairly approachable bunch. With my limited knowledge of AA, I liked the way the 12 steps were there to be interpreted and not cast in stone. I like the people they chose too. They were all a humble genuine lot. The documentary did spend a lot of time on the higher power point, and whilst it got across the point that religion isn’t involved, it didn’t come across well. At one point, a guy was kneeling and praying to his higher power. It might’ve made good TV, but it might’ve also lost a few potential AA members. This is just my opinion as someone who saw how low, insignificant and egotistical I was as a drinker rather than any higher power out there. Saying that, the same gent made the point that many drinkers white knuckle it without any sort of recovery plan. Everyone in the documentary was way happier in life now they’ve quit which is brilliant
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London, England
Posts: 7,061
I went to AA in desperation. For months I would go and listen and waiting for the magic people spoke of. I was naive, all I kept hearing was keep coming back, so I did. I was given phone numbers, I didn't know why. One day after a particularly bad drinking incidence where I had ended up in hospital I rang a number. I thought this person was going to rescue me but all that she said was don't do it again. I was baffled. A few days later I went back to the meeting, a huge black eye. It was asked if anyone needed a sponsor. I put my hand up but nobody offered ..
Anyway the documentary reminded me of those days. It was honest and realistic. Also repetitive with the watch words. And what wasn't clear to me originally a lifelong commitment.
I did appreciate hearing people admit how hard it is and how drinking thoughts are often knocking on the door. I know mine are always there waiting to pounce. They didn't sugar coat recovery.
I was also curious how they digitally changed faces without it being obvious.
Anyway the documentary reminded me of those days. It was honest and realistic. Also repetitive with the watch words. And what wasn't clear to me originally a lifelong commitment.
I did appreciate hearing people admit how hard it is and how drinking thoughts are often knocking on the door. I know mine are always there waiting to pounce. They didn't sugar coat recovery.
I was also curious how they digitally changed faces without it being obvious.
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Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 277
I watched this. Hmm. All I can say is I respect that this organisation has worked for many but for me it sends shivers down my spine (and not the good kind).
Also, on a topic nothing to do with AA, but the digitally enhanced faces (deep fakes) were far too realistic for my liking. At this point, absolutely nothing you see on TV is to be believed!
Also, on a topic nothing to do with AA, but the digitally enhanced faces (deep fakes) were far too realistic for my liking. At this point, absolutely nothing you see on TV is to be believed!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London, England
Posts: 7,061
Originally Posted by TheAten 
I watched this. Hmm. All I can say is I respect that this organisation has worked for many but for me it sends shivers down my spine (and not the good kind).
Also, on a topic nothing to do with AA, but the digitally enhanced faces (deep fakes) were far too realistic for my liking. At this point, absolutely nothing you see on TV is to be believed!
Also, on a topic nothing to do with AA, but the digitally enhanced faces (deep fakes) were far too realistic for my liking. At this point, absolutely nothing you see on TV is to be believed!
Yes I spent far too long trying to work out the faces thing
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Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 277
Originally Posted by Kaily;[url=tel:7881071
7881071[/url]]No AA is not for me either.
Yes I spent far too long trying to work out the faces thing
Yes I spent far too long trying to work out the faces thing
Magsie
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 26,685
I just watched it on bbc iplayer. Very interesting. I hope it helps people who are too embarrassed to reach out for help. It isn’t for me though and I too was looking how faces was changed.
That is why I found SR and stayed. I feel comfy here, home from home. I was too scared and embarrassed to walk in and ask for help face to face, thinking I was a waste of space.
For me SR gives me enough support on the recovery road.
Kaily I’m saddened that you wasn’t offered a sponsor when you raised your hand.
That is why I found SR and stayed. I feel comfy here, home from home. I was too scared and embarrassed to walk in and ask for help face to face, thinking I was a waste of space.
For me SR gives me enough support on the recovery road.
Kaily I’m saddened that you wasn’t offered a sponsor when you raised your hand.
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