Member: Bob B.
Location: SC
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 10:59:16 AM

Comments

I guess the topic is singlenes of purpose...a good one. Even after 7 plus years, I cringe when I hear someone in a meeting identify themselves as "addict" or "dually addicted". There are very good 12 step programs to address afflictions other than alcoholism; that is where these people should go? Am I an addict? Everything I did started and ended with alcohol; alot of other things entered into picture in between but I came to AA because of my drinking.....not because of being a dope fiend, hooked on coffee or a sugar junky. I just don't want to see AA get dilluted in any way.

First and foremost, I am an alcoholic and that is not going to change. God Bless AA and both the Steps and the Traditions!


Member: MIKE S
Location: OH
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 12:18:36 PM

Comments

lighten up bob and read the original pre-amble.most people comming into AA today arecross/dual addicted. i have seen people like you who seem to get HOOKED on a paticular phrase or passage that they don't see anything else, AA is best worn as a loose garmentand thereis room here for all.REMBER TOO,that alcohol IS a DRUG.I have seen toooo many people who could have been helped turned away by nit-pickers like you.the REAL danger to AA is intolerance....nothing else. GET WITH IT LIGHTEN UP AND HAVE A NICE DAY ...and top worrying about other people ...that is take care of your-self and leave the rest to your HP.


Member: Russ W.
Location: Powell, WY
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 1:16:01 PM

Comments

Hi I am Russ and I am an alcoholic/addict. I agree with Mike S. "lighten up Bob" I have heard all of this at my home group in Laramie with the old timers also. I think it bothers people in the program all over the world. Actually I get confused a lot in this program, they teach us to be open-minded, accepting, and tolerant yet they do not have the capability to do so. Anyway I believe alcohol is a drug as well and I am an alcoholic therefore I am also an addict of alcohol as well as other things. When I began my sobriety I attended both AA and NA because I thought I needed both. I felt much more comfortable in AA so I stayed in AA and stopped attending NA. I think all of the 12 step programs are so much the same and each one of them have a lot to offer. I do like some of the literature of NA because it is in a more modernized language but again I feel more comfortable with AA. Anyway I think they are basically all the same with the same goal in mind. Thank you all for being here and for another day I do not have to drink or use.


Member: TOM
Location: USA
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 1:20:38 PM

Comments

mike s said it very well.i reluctantly ad that that some AA's thrive on controversy and chaos just like they are still in a bar and that anyone having seriuos issue with the subject get a life.this space would be of better service if a topic fundamental to recovery were chosen. THANK YOU


Member: Chuck C.
Location: Honolulu, Hi.
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 1:58:27 PM

Comments

Aloha! I have mixed feelings about this one. I AM AN ALCOHOLIC. Alcohol was what finnally forced me to my knees 3 1/2 years ago-it brought me to the point where I said ENOUGH! (Actually, it had me on my knees alot earlier, I just didn't know it.) I have gone to other 12 Step meetings and they are fine as far as I'm concerned. It's just that of all the different types of groups, the AA's are the one that really "clicked" in my head. I think olot of it is that AA seems to have more "old timers" and I get alot from these folks. So I am an Alcoholic and I prefer AA. Having said this, alcohol isn't my only addiction. If all I had to do is quit drinking then I should just about be ready to run for office or take over a major company by now. I now see that alcohol wasn't THE problem. It was a symptom and a symptom that damn near destroyed me. But it was ultimatly a LIVING problem. I don't consider myself a old timer yet, but the time I do have sober has showed me that my entire personality is addictive. I honestly haven't had the urge to drink in quite awhile, but there are other things in my life that if I'm not careful, can become just as much of an addiction. I think it was T.S. Elliot who refered to addicts as people with hallow souls or something like that. I think the common ground here is that we all seem to have this spiritual disease and if God doesn't fill the void then we turn to any number of things to try. The addictions we have all have each have thier own peculiar problems. An alkie might have trouble understanding a compulsive over-eaters plight and vice-versa. An alkie can also have several years of sobriety from alcohol and still be struggling with mething else. I thinks meetings are a great place to "pour our souls out" th a bunch of people who won't judge us and more than likely UNDERSTAND what e going through. If I limit my discussion to alcohol-it will be pretty short-I used to drink-I tottally screwed my life up-I don't drink now. But man, my problems sure the hell stayed. I think that no matter what we struggle with, there is a common solution. That emptiness we try to fill with alcohol, drugs, sex, eating , gambling, etc. can only be filled with the presence of a loving higher power who can give us infinitely more satisfaction than other things could. May you find Him now. ALOHA! Chuck C.


Member: Gary K.
Location: Memphis
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 2:45:47 PM

Comments

Hello, I'm Gary and I am a alcoholic. Febuary 12 would have been a 4 year birthday for me. But because I stopped doing the things that were asked of me I chose to drink again. In keeping with the topic, I believe this is a program of total abstitence. For me my relapse started when I began using other drugs beside alcohol. But utimately they lead me to my drug of choice ALCOHOL. The dictionary defines addict as "to give one's self to completly" and thats what I did with alcohol. This disease in "cunning, baffling, and powerful" and it terrifies me. I am lucky to be alive today. I picked up a white chip a Febuary 7th and I'm truley grateful that you people were there to welcome me back with your arms open. I've already said to much for I'm a newcomer who really needs to listen.


Member: David K.
Location: Reading, PA
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 3:03:17 PM

Comments

Thanks for the topic Bob. It appears that you have gotten some response from some people who think AA is for everyone. As the long form and the spirit of the 3rd tradition implies, AA is for anyone that is an alcoholic. It matters little what other problem(s) they have, but a problem with alcohol is a requisite. I for one have found that once people have been in the fellowship for some period of time and begin

working the the AA program of recovery that they eventually come around to keeping it simple and introduce themselves as an alcoholic. For those who don't or havn't had a problem with alcohol, they just leave. Maybe Bob needs to lighten up, but I think not. What I belive needs to be discussed is the third tradition and its implication for the fellowship. Keep on talking about it Bob because that's the only way you'll get some kind of resolution for yourself. Hope everyone has a sober 24 hours.


Member: Butch S.
Location: RIDGELAND Ms.
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 4:31:46 PM

Comments

I beleve in what A.A.and the founders of a.a.have tought me. Bill W.the co founder of A.A.took care of this problem in a pamplet he wrote.Called Problem's other than ALCOHOL.If I am to beleve part of this program i must beleve all of it. If i dont i'm not so sure that any of it will continue to work.My life depends on me never drinking again.


Member: Joe N
Location: Kentucky
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 5:29:36 PM

Comments

When I came into AA six years ago, I was a scared "puppy". My first meeting was an all men's meeting upstairs in a church. My fears were lessened when I saw some old drinking buddies at the meeting. The instant fellowship came as I realized that all of the men in this meeting had a problem with alcohol. That fact gave me instant connection with these guys. I do not understand the obsession with marijuana, having rarely tried it. I do not understand the obsession with cocaine, having never tried it. Alcohol was my old friend which eventually turned on me to become my enemy. I do understand alcohol. I relate with others who understand alcohol. I cannot relate to narcotic users in the same way as I do with alcoholics. If there were obvious narcotic users at my first meeting, I could easily have said to myself, "I am not like these people. I don't use cocaine." It is important that I look at what I have in common with my fellows in a meeting, not how l am different from the others. My disease of alcoholism wants to tell me that I do not have a disease. If left untreated, I can talk myself into believing that I do not have a problem, especially when surrounded by NA's. Alcoholics understand me and I them. By all means I wish the benefits of AA to all people with problems. I feel it is treading on thin ice, however, to dilute the only known solution to alcoholism by bringing in all other types of addicts. Let's share the 12 steps and respect the 12 Traditions.


Member: don w.
Location: akeley mn.
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 6:05:45 PM

Comments

Hi. I am don a gratefull recovering alcoholic. singleness of purpose.. when I started AA . if they introduced themselves as dual dependent on in other fashion there was always instant feedback..always negitive. NA is not readily available here in norther mn.. so the people that are dual dependent stick to alcohol at are local meeting.. i to believe we must keep a singleness of purpose and not dilute this program. we also need not jump down on people.. when I am the local chairperson i ask that we keep the discussion only to how alcohol effects are life .The word alcohol is use only once in the twelve steps, in the first step.. then it is used in the 12th step as alcoholics. The steps are a program of LIVING.


Member: mark d
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 6:09:36 PM

Comments

mark here alcoholic Is this an AA meeting? That's the picture I got when I found this page....Is my reason for coming to this page to argue with alcoholics over who should or should not be here, and what they should or should not share?

Or is my reason for being here to participate in recovery from alcoholism? I am a real alcoholic. Don't get me wrong here folks, I have been addicted to many things over the years....heroin and cocaine to name just two....but you see, I believe that AA is the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. Am I so special that I can come to room full of alkies, and tell them that I think THEY should change THIER traditions to suit my needs? I don't think so.

As I understand it, this a "closed meeting of AA". This meeting is therefore for ALCOHOLICS ONLY! And out of respect, I chose to share my alcoholism. Shall I tell you of sucking the rum up out of the sheets cause I'ld spilled my drink when I came to in the morning? Or would you rather hear about waiting for a good dose of heroin to register? Well, when I feel a need to share my "addictions other than alcohol", out of respect for the fellowship of AA I go to other fellowships to share about that stuff, where I intro as "Mark and I am an addict"

I have never identified as an alcoholic/addict, or an addict/alcoholic. Never identified as a slash anything.....I am just NOT THAT SPECIAL!

There is a "singleness of purpose" in AA. It has been this way since near the beginning.

Who am I to insist that this be changed? And who are you to come into these rooms and tell us we need to change for you?

Respectfully and with great admiration for those who came before.......mark, alcoholic....


Member: SteveH
Location: TX
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 6:35:22 PM

Comments

A person that is addicted to ANYTHING can use the benefits to AA. I am addicted to cocaine and alcohol. AA has helped me see the light. To tell a person that has the disease of addiction, that they are not wanted in a group of addictive type people is not very smart. To think that you are a better person because you were ONLY addicted to alcohol and not the HARD STUFF is very misleading. You to may find yourself addicted to another substance some day. I hope not. But we all have the same disease. We all have the disease of ADDICTION, NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE ADDICTED TO.


Member: Kerry B.
Location: Idaho
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 7:05:05 PM

Comments

Kerry here, alcoholic/alcoholic. HA HA!! I was in a meeting a few years back and they had all the people at the meeting introduce themselves around the table. Well, I was one of the last to introduce myself, after having heard /addict, /overeater, /sex addict, / etc. etc. If I had come to my first meeting and had not heard about alcoholic blackouts, wet brains, and the first step I probably would not have stayed. Oh, I did all kinds of drugs, but alcohol was my drug of choice. They are not all the same. I needed to talk about what was killing me, because at that time all I could think about was me. Back in 1978 when I first attended a meeting, the "controversy" was about the "young people" coming to AA. At that time there were mostly older people there, who had not been exposed to so many other drugs. Because I was only 24 years old, I took alot of flack from the older people, with remarks like "I spilled more of my tie than you ever drank". I think the other drugs just acted as an expressway to the program. When I'm in a meeting of AA, I keep my sharing to my alcoholism. I am so grateful for the steps and traditions, for I am sure this thing would have fallen apart a long time ago without them. I don't get so riled up anymore when someone shares in the meeting something that I think should be shared in another type of meeting. I merely speak up and remind the folks that this is an AA meeting. After all, the program has taught me alot of tolerance for all kinds of people, not just drunks. By the way, I did not stay sober all that time, I went back out once, and by the grace of god, and all those "oldtimers", got back and have stayed since 3/21/80. One day at a time, and don't drink. Thanks.


Member: Steve R
Location: Humboldt County
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 7:34:19 PM

Comments

My name is Steve,I'am an alcoholic.addicks are welcomed in AA meetings,as long as you keep your disscusion to alcoholisim,yes alcohol is a drug,AA is for drunks and drunks only.


Member: Michael D.
Location: Dunwoody, Georgia
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 8:07:09 PM

Comments

Mike, alcoholic. Bob, "When Anyone, Anywhere Reaches Out For Help I Want The Hand of A.A. to be there, AND FOR THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE. I too agree that there are too many 12 step programs & it's gotten way out of hand. However, this is not a personal program that one person can hold on to. Your view is held by old timers in the 1960's who could not understand the addict, which is why there is N.A. now. Would you deny help to a dying man because he didn't fit in your little group? I try to stay out of myself and reach out to those in need regardless of whence they came. It helps me remember where I came from. Thanks


Member: Michael D.
Location: Dunwoody, Georgia
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 8:10:58 PM

Comments

P. S. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking!!!


Member: Sara W
Location: Ca
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 8:33:31 PM

Comments

Hi

I am so glad I did not meet you when I sobered up. Twelve years ago I went to my first AA meeting and there was an oldtimer who put out letters in all chairs that said AA was for Alcoholics only. However, at that point I did not think I had a problem with alcohol, only drugs. A man I met at a meeting told me"If I didn't have a problem with Alcohol then it shoulnd't be a problem in staying away from it." For that, I am truely grateful. Had it not been for Alcoholics Anonymous, I woul dnot be clean and sober today. When I got sober they had just started some NA meetings, where there was not alot of long term sobriety. I am so grateful I was still welcome at AA. Remember, out job is to be there for others, and to give away what we have recieved, which is the only way to keep it.

Thanks


Member: Bruce W.
Location: Sacramento,Ca.
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 9:04:18 PM

Comments

Hi,I'm an alcoholic and my name is Bruce W. The THIRD TRADITION SAYS (The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking)Page 98...Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone.The only condition is that he trust in GOD and clean house....Now the 12 steps come next.Page 82..We feel a man is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough. Page 449..And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person,place,thing,or situation, some fact of my life unacceptable to me,and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.Nothing happens in GOD'S world by mistake Thanks for sharing and letting me.....

.


Member: Robb W
Location: Mississauga,Ontario,Canada
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 9:28:12 PM

Comments

Hi, I'm an alcoholic and my name is Robb. I think Michael from Georgia said it all with the responsibility pledge. "I AM RESPONSIBLE..." I feel that if someone asks for help we as good members of AA should try to help. Remember your first contact with AA? Someone helped you or you wouldn't be here now. If a person has a problem with something other than alcohol they should be directed to a program where they can be best helped. I don't think that we should be ignoring the suffering of anyone. Thanks for letting me share. Wishing EVERYONE another 24 sober hours... Robb W.


Member: Paul C
Location: Antioch CA
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 10:11:53 PM

Comments

Hi Everyone, I'm an ALCOHOLIC and my name is Paul. I am also a dual addict with obsseive compulsive tendencies along with a few other problems but you did not come to this site to read about those problems. Who knows I may have even become a cross dresser someday (thats a joke everyone). However I go to an AA meeting to dicsuss alcohol, how it has affected my life, and how the 12 steps of AA have helped to turn this drunk around. I DO NOT go to an AA meeting to listen to other peoples problems with over-eating, narcotics, or what ever...those meetings are in a building down the road. Casually mentioning these other issues during a meeting is not a big deal however they should never be a speakers main topic. "Singelness of purpose" is not a hard concept. This is a program for alcoholics. For those of you who slammed Bob B of SC my I suggest you talk to your GSR or Area Rep. and let them know that your conscience (notice I did not say group conscience) is that AA meetings should allow multi-addicted topics at an AA meeting. You should also ask your GSR to request that they renamed AA to DUAL ADDICTED ANONYMOUS or some other name. Be sure you ask your GSR to have this topic brought to this years Conference. Or may I suggest, you can always start your own 12 step group. For me I need the program of AA to survive. Stick to your guns Bob S of SC. Thanks


Member: Susan H
Location: Santa Monica, Ca
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 10:47:20 PM

Comments

Dear Group...I checked in because I have been having such a difficult time, but I do want to respond to the topic. You are required to have a problem with alcohol in order to be a member of AA, and I am never sure how to interpret that because I believe we alcoholics have difficulty with many substances. I am, at this time, more concerned by all of the "crosstalk". I feel unsafe stating my feelings when I believe someone will critique it. This is a fine line, but I know that my program depends on serious boundaries. I am grateful to be here. I appreciate that there are people all over that share on this website. Thank you. I have two years and I am struggling terribly with my sponsee and am finding it uncomfortable learning how to sponsor "well". My sponsor suggested that I stop taking care of my sponsees feelings, and I think that helps me. She has fired me and I believe she is right to do that, but I am so miserable. I must take my ego out of this ...thanks for being here for me.


Member: Mary C.
Location: NJ
Date: 2/8/98
Time: 10:50:48 PM

Comments

I agree with the singleness of purpose...i am Mary and am a very grateful recovering alcoholic and state that at a.a. meetings. i leave my other defects of character to the after meeting chats, other 12 step meetings...and personal conversation. i had the misfortune of returning to a meeting after a few months. i'd left because of a takeover of a group of people canvassing for their new business of home selling of a widely known product...couldn't change the people, but i could find other meetings...in my old age, i know longer feel the need to change the world...so, upon returning, a new speaker monopolized the meeting as she chaired. this time, it was to expound upon her growth and proceeded to speak for 45 minutes on all the no-no's of the meeting. who care who she calls her higher power, why did she feel she had to evangelize at a.a.? and her new "course" in spirituality that she's pursuing. i find ego gets in the way so much, mine too. it's not enough to be an alcoholic, we have to add all our other addictions, as if in an effort to become the baddest of the bad.


Member: Gary S.
Location: San Diego
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 2:53:00 AM

Comments

All I know is that I am addicted to alcohol, my drug of choice. I am also addicted to this damn computer but I won't be bringing that up in AA. I have joined an online group called Netaholics Anonymous which deals with that particular malady. I don't have any problem differentiating my addictions with specific twelve step groups. My singleness of purpose is to stay sober one day at a time and so far I have racked up 17 years this way thru the miracle of AA. Keep comin' back, it works if you work it!


Member: Jamie M
Location: Sacramento,Ca. 
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 3:47:57 AM

Comments

My name is Jamie and I am a Dam Drunk. I came into the program one week after turning 21 scared to death to be a DRUNK . and was quite certian i was a junkie i had the tracks to prove it . thank God no one told me I had to be an alcholic to never pick up or put in again . they just said dont drink no matter what @ 20 months and 17 days it dosnt matter Still, rather it makes me more comfortable at my home group to know they loved me back to health. and no one told me i didnt belong rather they told me Welcome Home ... and i am


Member: eric e
Location: louisiana
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 7:44:38 AM

Comments

hello, my name is eric and i am an alcoholic. i believe a person needs only a desire to stop drinking to belong to aa, it does not bother me if he has any other ism's. i can find the message that i need in anyones pain. i believe that there is too much energy wasted on labels, i have been labeled all of my life and i try not to label anyone around me. after all, the first thing i learned in aa was (live and let live).


Member: Jack C.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 8:52:40 AM

Comments

Hi! My name is Jack and I'm an alcoholic. I got sober in a small town where NA had tried, and failed, to take hold. Many of the "addicts" I saw in meetings were people I had seen hanging out at the local bars. Once most of them had the opportunity to understand the program, their addictions to alcohol became apparent and some stayed. I,too, believe that I Am Responsible and am glad the folks in that small local meeting didn't turn anybody away. If we are truly seeking a spiritual path in our lives, let's try to keep and open mind and an open heart. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Gail B
Location: Texas
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 9:28:21 AM

Comments

Hi. I'm Gail, alcoholic. I sense a tone of judgement in this topic and don't feel that is healthy to recovery. If the 12 step program helps to free another individual from whatever their addiction is - I say more power to them. It also says a great deal about the successfulness of the program itself and for that I am very grateful. When the 12 step program was established our society was very different. Druggies weren't a part of the mainstream society, overweight people just ate too much, cigarettes didn't kill, etc. Times change. Who thought we would have AA online? Old timers in my group are seriously offended by online meetings. It's just not the proper way. Fortunately for me, my sobriety isn't at all threatened by sharing a way to freedom to "any" individual in need - via online or in person. Thank you Bill W. for giving us our foundation.


Member: Jacque R.
Location: Nebraska
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 9:28:45 AM

Comments

Hi, I'm Jacque and I'm an alcoholic. After the fog started to clear, I started becoming aware of my defects of character. As each new defect made it's appearance I would add it to the list when I introduced myself at meetings. Once, after such an introduction, an 'oldtimer', with great care and understanding, thanked me for sharing my 4th step with the group, but that it really wasn't necessary since the Big Book says doing Step 5 with one other person is sufficient. My admission of alcoholism before I speak at a meeting is a requirement of Step 1 and so I do it. This causes a chain reaction to occur....Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, etc. until, sometimes before I even know it, I'm practicing these principles in all my affairs. I love newcomers questioning the principles of the program and I love oldtimers keeping it simple: the dividends are experience, strength and hope. Thanks, Bob, for a good topic. You made me think about my program and isn't that what meetings are all about?


Member: Glen H
Location: Denton, TX
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 9:50:30 AM

Comments

We sit through hundreds of meetings where the topic is way off base and then fret over the introductions? Why don't we stop the people who come in late and ask them what they are? For that matter, whyizzit that a person with years of "sobriety" will tell a newcomer to drop the marijuana maintenance plan even though they themselves take three kinds of anti-depressants?

Tradition 11 states that anonymity must be maintained at the level of press, radio, and films; so is it alright then to break anonymity on television? We must remember that some things have changed since our literature was written.

This site helps a whole lot of us make it through the week, and I, for one, don't look forward to a week of arguing -- I can do that here at work if I choose.

Why don't we drop this topic and discuss "working with others" for the rest of the week.


Member: Jan B
Location: Sweden
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 10:01:11 AM

Comments

Hi Iam Jan and I'm an alcoholic. In our small town in nothern Sweden we used to go to the same group(AA) both drug addicts and alcoholics the first years because we were so few. It worked well. Now ten years later we have, following the 3rd Trad, seperate meetings which, of course, works OK too, everybodey feels more 'at home'. Even if the illnes is the same all the things around is often very different.


Member: Barbara S.
Location: NJ
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 10:50:46 AM

Comments

My name is Barbara and I'm an alcoholic.

I have come to believe that the Traditions contain some of the most important principles and ideas that AA has to offer; singleness of purpose is among them. Before I found the program of AA, I was, in addition to being a dying alcoholic, scattered in a million different directions, and could accomplish nothing. Having a "primary purpose" was one of the things that has allowed me to become "happy, joyous, and free" because I've come to understand how to pay strict attention to the most important things ("First Things First"!), and to leave the rest for another time or another place.

AA has given me my life and much more. In return, I try to do my best to follow the Traditions, which the founders in their wisdom wrote for the good of AA in order to keep this good thing alive and available for the next alcoholic who comes along. There is so much wisdom to be found in the Traditions, and they have made my life as an individual AA member much, much better.

Peace to all -


Member: Joe P.
Location: Nashua, N.H.
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 1:31:29 PM

Comments

Hi- My name is Joe and alchohol & drugs nearly killed me. I am thankful that I don't have to listen to people hung up on words rather I choose to listen to people who get hung up on the spirit of A.A. If people don't want me at a meeting because I introduce myself as an addict/alchoholic well that's just tough - I am a member of A.A. when I say I am not when anyone else says I am. I am here to save my life and I for one welcome all you alchoholic/addicts.


Member: Fran P
Location: Buffalo
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 1:35:49 PM

Comments

Hi, Fran P. alcoholic. I'm dually diagnosed with depression and alcoholism. If I referred to myself as alcoholic/depressed person would you leave me out too. Let's remember acceptance and tolerance as long as we keep the discussion's related to alcoholism. Thanks


Member: Michael S.
Location: Whitby, ont.
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 1:47:04 PM

Comments

Hi Friends. I'm a grateful alchoholic and my name is Michael. I'm glad to have found this site; it allows me a meeting on my lunch hour in the office. I'm amazed when reading the comments on the number of people who, however motivated, feel it appropriate to take other's inventories! I've been fortunate to have 4 years in the program -- 4 years of peace and serenity as a result of people like yourselves. If there is one thing I've learned it's that I am in no position to judge anyone else. If someone has a desire to stop drinking, they are welcome in my Group -- color, race, creed, religion, national origin, political party, favorite color, or other addicitions don't matter. Just a desire to stop drinking. Cheers, Michael


Member: KIM J
Location: WEST VIRGINIA
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 1:52:51 PM

Comments

HI!I'M KIM AND I AM AN ALCOHOLIC.I AGREE WITH ROB W. FROM CANADA.IF SOMEONE HAS A PROBLEM WITH SOMETHING OTHER THAN ALCOHOL THEY SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO A PROGRAM WHERE THEY CAN BEST BE HELPED.THERE IS A SENTENCE IN (TRADITION SIX):WE OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS COULD NOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN , NOR SHOULD WE TRY.I TRY TO KEEP IN MIND OUR "PIMARY PURPOSE" STAY SOBER AND HELP OTHER ALCOHOLICS TO ACHIEVE SOBRIETY.AND I USE THE SERENITY PRAYER.AND REMEMBER THAT TROUBLESOME PEOPLE ARE MY TEACHERS OF PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE.THANKS,KIM J.


Member: Big Frank
Location: Willow Grove,Penna.
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 2:05:09 PM

Comments

Hi: My name is Big Frank,I am "Dually Addicted" Shot's And Beer's thats all.I have a singleness of purpose "Alcohol"!!!I just had twenty years Febuary 8th,I have friends in the program that are dually addicted,but also Respect AA.That is all we ask.Who cares what you are as long as you Respect AA.I want to thank Bob B.for this topic it is something that has to be Addressed. Problems other than Alcohol,read the literature thats all.Thank's BoB

Big Frank Willowgrove Pa.


Member: Claire L.
Location: Massachusetts
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 4:10:21 PM

Comments

My name is Claire and I am an alcoholic. I've been around the halls as a sober drunk for a few twenty-four hours. I remember clearly not being able to identify with people who shared in my early days and talked about food, cocaine or other substances they were addicted to. But, I also remember being able to identify with the FEELINGS and the situations that drove them to the addictive substance of their choice. Alcoholics have a common problem and it doesn't matter if they drank vodka or scotch. And so alcoholics and "addicts" have the same common problem. The tradition that is being quoted here about Singleness of Purpose is not intended to exclude anyone. The purpose of this tradition is to ensure that we don't start hospitals, rehabs, or other outside businesses that would keep us from our primary purpose.

I also think it is important to mention that when Bill W. penned the literature we're speaking of here the problem of drug addiction was not well known and it is believed that it wasn't wide spread.

Let's not mince words here. If an individual is sick enough, and has hit the moment of desperation that brings him to our halls, let's not have our first question be "And what were you addicted to?" It doesn't matter. If, as was said before my many in this meeting, the new commer finds that she is more comfortable somewhere else, then let's let it happen in its own time. In our effort to preserve what we have, let's not interrogate the newcomer with too much relish.


Member: Fran D.
Location: St. Simons Island GA
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 5:33:07 PM

Comments

My name's Fran and I'm an alcoholic. I've heard this argument for a long time, and it seems to me that if we stick with our PRIMARY PURPOSE - staying sober and helping others to achieve sobriety, the rest will take care of itself. Should we find ourselves seriously off the track, it's time to refocus, but I don't believe the occasional reference to other addictions will deflect us from our singleness of purpose. I'm so grateful for my life in AA, and would not change it for anything in the world, thanks to my HP and to all the many other sober alcoholics who have been in my life, for one meeting, or for all the 24's of my time.


Member: George C.
Location: Nova Scotia
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 7:35:41 PM

Comments

Hi my name is George C. and I am an alcoholic. I'll be celebrating 9 years of sobriety on Thursday. I think we need to study the 1st tradition and continue to discuss it. I believe we need to protect the group as a whole, without the group the individual is gone. I've had some trouble knowing what my take is on this topic. I'm not settled yet on anything definite. Who is? I know that sobriety for me means clean and sober...


Member: FRANK R.
Location: JAMES ISLAND,S.C.
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 7:45:50 PM

Comments

hi brothers and sisters,i'm an alcoholic named frank.thank you for this topic as i often see people cringe when someone identifies themselves as an "alcoholic/addict".my question is this...WHO CARES WHAT SOMEONE IDENTIFIES THEMSELVES AS?please as long as the topic and discussion is alcohol lets LIVE AND LET LIVE.i sure hope that when i graduate from this program and meet BIG DADDY (the name i call my higher power) that he (or she) doesn't look at me and say "sorry frank no more room up here for alcoholics today,have 3 places left for addicts or alcoholic/addict but not alcoholic".i beleive this type of behavior will run off the newcomer who beleives they may have a problem with alcohol or both.we are very fortunate to be part of such a fine fellowship.it has saved my life.brothers and sisters thank y'all for being here.i hope BIG DADDY will watch over each of you.best regards,alcoholic named frank p.s. two fellows riding in a pickup truck that have been drinking BUD in a bottle all day.they come over a hill and see a highway patrol road block.the one drunk looks at the other and says pull the patch off the bottle and stick it to your forehead.so they do.the patrolman asks them if they had been drinking?thedriver looks at the patrolman and says of course not we're on the patch!!!!


Member: Mary Kay D.
Location: Coupeville, WA
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 9:24:32 PM

Comments

Hi, my name is Mary Kay and I am an alcoholic.The only requirement for membership in AA is a desire to stop drinking.


Member: Barry L
Location: Penna
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 10:50:40 PM

Comments

Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.(from the preamble of Alcoholics Anonymous)

Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.. (the 5th Tradition)

I'm Barry and I'm an ALCOHOLIC,

Great Topic, but there is a guy on the coffee pot page who has just come back to AA and has 50 hours sober, he's in Taiwan and can't get to english speaking meetings, he was hoping for more than just bickering about who is allowed in meetings.

I learned the meaning of singleness of purpose as I know it from TRADITION MEETINGS, I can only share my understanding of that. We are here to stay sober and to help other alcoholics get sober, it is my responsibility in an AA meeting to make sure I keep my discussion on alcoholism, Because that meeting may be the first and only time some newcomer comes to AA for relief from the HELL OF ALCOHOL, If he hears people talking about quiting smoking, sex addiction, drug addiction, overeating, etc. He may not identify, may not hear the one thing that gives him HOPE that there can be life without alcohol. And he may leave that meeting and keep drinking and DIE.

I remember times in and out of AA where I heard the other things discussed and could'nt relate. But when I was ready to hear I thank HP that I went to meetings where these TRADITIONS were followed, and I could find out that AA offered a chance at LIFE.

I too was addicted to many things, But eating candy or smoking pot, or getting laid to much never made me have DT's, Alcoholic Hepatitis, or Wake up in a different state not remembering how I got there. Alcohol DID. And thats why I come to ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. I Want it to still be AA when that next person like me comes in the door, wherever they are in the world.

The Steps GET Us Sober, The Traditions KEEP Us Sober.

So Bob B. Please don't lighten up.


Member: Cindee S.
Location: Ventura, Calif
Date: 2/9/98
Time: 11:56:36 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Cindee and I am a real alcoholic. what that means to me tha while I experimented with other things, alcohol brought me to my knees and in to AA. I don't understand addictions to crack or herion, I don't eat when I'm upset, so when people bring that to a meeting I loose consentration. when people introduce themselves as "addict/Alcoholic" I get confussed! I don't go to NA meetings and say I am an alcoholic, it makes me different and not a part of. I drank because I was not a part of. yes alcohol is a drug, but drugs are not Alcohol. I am so grateful to our founding fathers for saving my life and the sainity of those around me. thank you for letting me be "A part of.


Member: Dennis P.S.P.
Location: Post Oak, Houston, TX
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 1:52:23 AM

Comments

Whatever happened to "Love and tolerance for others is our code?" page 84.

Get Real!!!

Follow along with me and LOOK IT UP FOR YOURSELF!

OUR BIG BOOK MENTIONS...

ADDICT = 3 times, pg ix, 418, 439 DRUG = 11 TIMES!!! pg ix, xxiii, 162, 330, 389, 418, 439, 457, 479, 487, 576 ADDICTION = 4 times, pg xxiii, 162, 329, 419 MARIJUANA = once, pg 354 HEROIN = TWICE!!! pg 480 PILLS = 6 times, pg viii, 354, 418, 442, 465 478

This is completely ignoring the FACT that Alcohol is the oldest DRUG known to mankind. I don't care if a person identifies him/herself as an addict. To it's credit... alcohol is only mentioned 51 times in the Big Book cover to cover.

If you REALLY want a fly in the ointment...

MANIC DEPRESSION is mentions twice on xxviii and pg 421!!!!!!!

So, Would you stand in judgement of a person suffering from addiction to anything and say that YOU ARE BETTER than them because you are an Alcoholic? Do you deserve more of a chance than they do for recovery... for LIFE AND DEATH?

Okay! I understand Principles Before Personalities but MAN... this gets my goat!

What are we afraid of? Will these "cross-addicted" people give us Alkies a bad name? Are they any LESS socially acceptable than we are due to their particular method of self-destruction? Is eating Sterno, drinking rubbing alcohol, vanilla extract, Scope mouthwash, or Vicks Formula 44 any better than snorting coke, shooting heroin, smoking crack? Do we allow just the "Pot Heads" in but keep the rest out? (its just grass, it's harmless, God WANTS us to smoke pot... it grows on trees! Hey! look at the Indians!).... I D O N ' T T H I N K S O. Hey! What about the X-hookers, fallen women, spouse abusers, homosexuals, lawyers and retired politicians! Don't we want THEM out of our little club also?

We are only hurting ourselves thinking like this. If I need help, and I'm in pain, I don't care if a recovering Tatooed Black Biker Lesbian who used be a Catholic Nun that was addicted to smoking kitty litter through a bong comes to 12th Step me... I WILL BE GRATEFUL!

READ Tradition 3 in the 12 and 12. Find out how thinking like this brought about this particular Tradition.

And I leave you with a direct quote from that chapter....

"What would the Master do?"


Member: Perry H
Location: PA
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 5:18:37 AM

Comments

Amongst the bickering... could we Pass the Basket? We need contributions to "Carry the Message" around the world.. pay for the server and keep this page maintained. Thanks Your Treasurer.


Member: mark d
Location: las vegas, nv
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 8:06:47 AM

Comments

Hey kids.....bickering? Shucks, the only 4 words we all aggree on are these: There Is A Solution Bill W. thought "gin and sedative" a great mixture.....shucks, so do I....but just for today, I think I'll pass.....ya see, I've got a plane to catch next year....don't even know where I am going, but I know that if I have a drink today there is a very good chance I won't be on it. I'm an alcoholic. And nothing I know of is going to change that simple fact.....But I do know that if ya wanna get sober all ya gotta do is hit a cop....but if ya want to live a life free of the obsession to drink, it might be a good idea to take the steps as outlined in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous....It might be a good idea to remember that the jails and graveyards are full of folks who thought they could find an easier softer way.....that thought that AA should change to meet thier needs instead of the other way around.....

It is by taking the steps that recovery from alcoholism is possible.....so please people, if yer new, take the steps....this stuff really does work if ya work it.


Member: Danielle F.
Location: East Stroudsburg
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 8:31:37 AM

Comments

Hi my name is danielle and I'm alcoholic, first time to this meeting. For the gentlemen in Taiwan, ask god to help you stay sober today and every minute between wake-up and going back to sleep that you want to drink keep praying. When the day is over and you haven't drank know that god helped you to stay sober because he was the only one you asked. Maybe you could find yourself a Bigbook and start reading at the begining it's a wealth of experince, strength and hope. Hang on, I will be praying for you. God and AA saved my life and continue to when ever I'm willing to surrender.


Member: Butch S
Location: Ridgeland Ms.
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 8:50:30 AM

Comments

Hi I'm an alcoholic when I'm at a A.A. meeting.When at other meeting's I'm something else.All of this is out of respect for where i am and for the founders of the meeting.As Istated early in the meeting Bill settled this.Who gives us the right to pick and choose what part we choose to beleve and use.If you people will only get pamplet# P-35 from your A.A.office and take the time to read it I think you will have a better understanding of what this meeting is all about.This pamplet was written by Bill.You can also get it from A.A.world Services,Inc.P.O.Box459,Grand Central Station New York,N Y 10163 You can get the short pamplet or long one.Please read before you keep this bickering up.Thank you your time. IN A.A.FOREVER I ask God every day. Butch


Member: Tammy F
Location: Salem Ill
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 9:38:25 AM

Comments

Hello all Tammy alcoholic as for me my favorite meetings are open ones. I learn so much from others. I was told in the beginning to take what I wanted or needed and leave the rest and if Iam not willing to listen Iam unable to learn and grow, with the help around the tables and my higher power Ihave 7 years. Thanks to all for your comments may we all have another sober and safe 24.


Member: GaleW
Location: Buford, GA, USA
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 10:32:02 AM

Comments

GaleW here, gratefully recovering alcoholic. I too, did not come here for an argument.....I've been here before, on a bar stool. My only comment to this is when I was using.....I used anything that took me away and if you ask an alcoholic or an addict if their drug of choice wasn't available would they drink or pop a pill or shoot up, what do you think their answer would be? What mine would have been is "give it to me." I just wanted to get away, it didn't matter how. My life was unmanagable and I happened to choose alcohol. Thanks to this wonderful fellowship of AA and my HP today I have lived sober. I wouldn't trade a shipload of any drug for you guys and gals....you help me live sober. If nobody's said it to ya today, "I love ya". Thanks for letting me share and y'all keep comin' back now, ya hear?


Member: paul N
Location: rochester,NY
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 10:53:03 AM

Comments

hello im Paul and i am an addict .I started going to AA and NA whern i first came around.By comparison AA i feel has more people with longer sobriety and the meetings are held in a sort of orderly fashion.at least in my neighborhood.again i am a addict and today i only go to AA.i thank GOD that i am able to talk about the problems i went through that had very little to do with alcohol.i have been trying to figure out what to do.I have a child with a woman and we seperated two years ago, when i chose to get help.We split the time, 3 1/2 days each with my daughter because we cant get along when we are together.it is the best for shawna(daughter).this week the mother decided out of no where that she was not going to let me see her anymore.the first real problem arises in my sobriety.how to deal with this.Take control like old times or just let it pass and suffer for a while. She chose not to leave that life style and being that she likes to party on the weekends i turn out to be the banbysitter.works out perfect. any sugesstions.pjnsnn@mailexcite.com.

sorry for not staying on the topic, i needed to talk. thankyou all paul


Member: Susie S.
Location: Dallas, TX
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 12:13:30 PM

Comments

This has been a really interesting topic. There have been good "debates" for each side. I have not shared up until this point because I was really resentful (in my head I was thinking, "who is anybody here to tell me that I can't attend a meeting because I did drugs as well as alcohol? - I earned my seat in here, no matter what it took me to hit my bottom!! Alcohol started it, the drugs just made me hit my bottom a little faster!") But after I have continued to read everyone's own "experience, strength and hope", I started feeling less and less resentful. When I first came to AA, I thought "these people are not like me, why do I even bother to come to these meetings?" The truth was that I had no other place to go. And I saw what each of you had and I wanted it. And I remember someone telling me, "Do the footwork and the feelings will follow". So I continued to go to meetings, and one day I was sitting there and a thought ran through my head. I thought, "Here I am judging all of 'these people', & I am so busy looking at the differences, I never really tried to look at the similarities. Now, this may not be mind boggleing to anyone else, but to me, it was a spiritual experience. I am one of "you people". And I am very grateful at that. When I am at an AA meeting, I CHOOSE to call myself an ALCOHOLIC because for me, I am respecting the way I understand the tradition. However, if YOU call yourself an addict or dually addicted or whatever, I am not going to not listen to you becasue that's what you choose to call yourself. Just like in a face to face meeting, I was always told to listen to the message and not the messenger. That use to be really hard for me to do, but in all honesty some of the best "messages" I have ever recieved have been from some messengers I didn't really care for.

I want to thank you for bringing this topic up. It's really made me work my program with acceptance, tolerance, patience, etc.

I am a very grateful recovering alcoholic. Thanks to everyone who has shared. Love and Peace -


Member: Pam T.
Location: NE.
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 1:02:56 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Pam I am a alcoholic/addict.I tend to get addicted to just about anything.I had a counselor once tell that I was/am addicted to misery.Which I can believe.Anyway I use AA for all my addictions.And it works.I believe its Gods will for anyone to use AA for help with thier addictions.SO BOB CHILL OUT.and let go and let GOD.


Member: Big Frank
Location: Willowgrove,Pa.
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 4:57:49 PM

Comments

Bob Dont give up,great topic and do agree with you.To be a member all you need is a desire to stop drinking.The (1st step and the 3rd tradition) so Bob dont lighten up. Just respect AA. Big Frank


Member: Tony G.
Location: Pequannock N. J.
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 5:34:41 PM

Comments

Hi gang, an alcoholic named Tony. One is too many and a thousand is never enough. Good saying right, heard it before but where did it come from. I heard it at an NA meeting at a time I needed a meeting but NO A A meeting was available. Honesty, open mindedness, willingness are not just words in this program but a way of life for us. If you can not respect someone saying He/She is an alcoholic/addict you lost your open mindedness this program professes. The tradition have something to say about this. Do not look at me look it up. From a typical drunk Tony G.


Member: Anny H.
Location: Sault Ste Marie Michigan
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 5:43:18 PM

Comments

Can we change the topic soon? I am glad I went to the coffee pot page first! Third Tradition always struck me as very inclusive. Living in the rural North we are a long way from any stable 12 step meetings aside from AA. *** AND HOURS AND HOURS FROM CITIES WITH BIG NA AND CA GROUPS THAT ARE PERMANENT AND MEET REGULAR ! I came to AA 22 years ago and they thought I was too young! I had to cross the border to Canada to go to AA meetings with many women or people remotly near my age. Today we have lots of women and young people and nobody questions there right to be here! Get a grip lots of us used drugs other than alcohol and can identify fine at AA. Alcohol was my main addiction, it was legal It was easily accessible and reliable. I used and even was addicted to other things , when I sobered up the nearest NA meeting was maybe Detroit, 6 hours from where I live. I am grateful My sponsor and the other old timers helped me find a way one day at atime to stay sober and free. My life is a joyous journey. This is my first Cyber meeting . Thankyou!


Member: jim v
Location: s.w.mo
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 6:00:48 PM

Comments

Hi. My Name Is Jim and i am and alcoholic. good to see that the same misinformation is on the web. just like the meetings. july 29 1975 best day of my life. the next best day started when i picked up the books and found out who i was and what i wasnt. we all have to have a place to go. if wecan keep it in the right place it will be there for the next person. never take anyone at there word the most uninformed people walk through our doors. read the books and find out. for each and every one of you who doubts there will come aday that you will crave this thing of ours alcoholics anonymousthats where drunks go. if new people are the life blood dont deny any group the right to grow. thanks


Member: jim.v.
Location: s.w.mo.
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 6:40:43 PM

Comments

hi my name is still jim i came back to look for errors. vanity what a deal . i was nervous last time. thank you bob b from s.c. if any one doubts what bob b had to say write new york ,go to assenbly, go to a forum. welcome to the new people you have just met the finest people in the world even if some of them are called andas. i saw some words in other people comments controversial for one why is it controversial to discuss what we are and what we are not. the steps are how it works and the traditions are why it works. if you cant discuss a.a. in and a.a. meeting something is wrong. it has been my experience that most old timers (over 25 yrs) do it their own way. those tradition keeping little son of a guns are real products of the 80s. at least where i come from. once again welcome newcomers everybody loves ya! one short alcoholic story . i decided i wanted a computerso i blew 5 grand and bought one. my wife had the gall to ask ME who was going to run it. well I told her a thing or two. she knew i dont type ,i had to ask some one what a mouse was and they lied to me. remember read it for yourself. i have a 7 yr old son who has to be headed that way . i really want this to be herefor him. by the way what does reload mean i like guns. i live in alog cabin.i have two fingers that type the rest just graze. thanks guys.


Member: Jay S.
Location: Southeast VA
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 7:40:23 PM

Comments

I'm Jay, an alcoholic. I go to closed meetings most of the time. At the closed meetings here, the chairman usually states that "This is a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is requested that you share as it relates to alcohol." Also, I have heard folks say that they are alcoholics/addicts many times. But believe it or not, most of their comments are related to alcohol! I've been in AA for over 21 years and if a member slips a time or two and mentions the "addict" stuff, so what? It sure has not affected in alcoholics that I know, including the old timers. We always get back to ALCOHOL. I used to take "uppers" when I was younger. It sure did make me a wide awake drunk and kept me drinking longer. But I knew my problem was booze and not uppers. Anyway, if it weren't for AA, I would have been dead many years ago. My God took me to AA when I didn't know him. For that I'm grateful. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Juanita F.
Location: Nevada
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 9:16:08 PM

Comments

Juanita alcoholic here wow what a topic Iam 40 years young and I don't no anybody my age that is an alkie that did'nt drug also my drug of choice was what ever you had I went to Na Ca coda acoa alanon but it was the singleness of purpose in AA that has keep me sober for 5 years . Iam an alcoholic who did drugs AA has freed me to Live a sane and sober life I tried other meeting and only one worked for me Thanks too the singleness of purpose in AA I have not had to take a drink or drug for this Iam forever grateful One problem at a time one day at a time is how I have stayed sober Huggs to all


Member: Lilee
Location: wild, sorta, wv
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 10:31:42 PM

Comments

hey, i'm lillee, i'm an alcoholic. Just browsing through the internet, and wanted to find an aa meeting. I have to say technology can be very cool. I have a few years in aa, and almost two years sober. I began in na, thinking that aa was only for "old drunk men". I discovered aa, discovered my home, felt unbelievable strength and comfort and identity. Had I not gone to na first, aa may have never found me. I work in a halfway house for alcoholics and addicts. I see so many faces come and go, and several that stay around. The ones who stay are not usually the ones who first come in positive about why they are there, or think they are there for themselves; many come through court orders and to get sober "for their kids or wife, or so forth." Does it matter why aa finds someone? Are any of the relationships in our lives the way we initially believed them to be? None of mine are. I couldn't have conceptualized even a minute fraction of what joys I discover today, as it will be for tomorrow's new wonders. While I believe that AA needs to remain strong in original intent, I also know that someone announcing they are an addict, or an alien for that matter, is not going to change my love and devotion to AA. I am comforted to know that if I ever lose track, and try to convince myself otherwise, AA will still be strong enough to withstand me until I can be pulled from drowning. Wow, I didn't realize how much I needed to hear you all, and to share. This has been truly amazing for me. Thanks for letting me ramble on... all my love and gratitude - hugs to you that hug, and firm handshakes to you that handshake. - Lillee


Member: Monte G
Location: NE Iowa
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 10:40:11 PM

Comments

Hi all, my name is Monte and I'm an alcoholic. After reading what everyone had to say and understanding what I needed to, I guess all I can say is that I've been told and have heard this is a selfish program. Take what you want and leave the rest. I do consider myself an addict as well as an alcoholic but do keep my talks in the alcoholic area. I gotta remind myself that I'm talking to a bunch of drunks who, like me, sometimes get carried away with controversy. Although I do agree with keeping your talks to alcoholism, is it really that big of a deal who shares? COME ON, let's Keep It Simple Stupid!

Thank you


Member: Jeff W.
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 11:15:14 PM

Comments

The people that feel intimidated by those calling themselves dualing addicted, or by those announcing themselves to be alcoholic/addict are probably just jealous that they didn'y have the opportunity to reach a bottom enhanced by drugs and/or mental illness.


Member: ruthie c
Location: Georgia
Date: 2/10/98
Time: 11:42:58 PM

Comments

I've been checking in the last few week, seeking encouragement with my problem.

Today I see a type of prejudice. It's not any different than white vs black.

I need help, who cares how I get my start. If AA will help me find some purpose and focus, GREAT! Perhaps later I can be directed to a more specific program.

When you seek medical advise, your primary care provider will do all they can for you and then if needed send you to a specialist. Many times you will still have contact with your primary care provider for advise and follow up.

As people who have in many instances lost everything before seeking help, who have been and seen the hell that an addiction can have on a person; how in all humanity can you say "this meeting is not for you".

I'm not going to say lighten up Bob, I'm going to say have a bigger heart. When you started the program single purpose or not; someone had a big heart and reached out to help you...extend that love to someone who needs you even more!

It seems this topic has become a debate, to bad. many of us really need to stay on task. Bob you spoke your mind and you lit a fuse. I hope you take all comments in stride and continue to give us your love and comments.


Member: Eric O.
Location: Southern Oregon
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 1:55:30 AM

Comments

Hi, my name is Eric and I am an ALCOHOLIC. I believe in the third tradition as wholeheartedly as I do the other eleven. I don't think we have any place changeing/diluting a message that has saved so many lives for so many years. Thank you Bob for speaking up about this subject. I am sorry that some of the other people don't feel this way. Such is life. By feeling this way, I don't intend to alienate anyone. I have friends in many fellowships but it is AA that specifically addresses my problem and I pray that it stays just the same for another sixty years. Thank you for letting me speak.


Member: JOANNA W.
Location: FLA
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 7:47:31 AM

Comments

A DRUG IS A DRUG IS A DRUG..


Member: ShelleI
Location: Austin, TX
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 9:43:56 AM

Comments

ShelleI alcoholic back again. I realize I am very much a newcomer to this whole program, (took my last drink a week ago today and tomorrow will be my first week birthday) so maybe I am voicing an opinion/suggestion before I have enough information, but couldn't we simply approach the subject by saying to someone who comes to an AA meeting who ALSO has other addictions that we love them, and we are glad they have come and that they are always welcome, then have the meeting leader emphasise to the ENTIRE group (and repeat when necessary) that this is an AA meeting, and the discussions will be limited to how ALCOHOL has affected our lives and how to manage being sober and clean from alcohol? It also seems reasonable to me to have a list of telephone numbers readily available for other support programs for other addictions where the program is better geared to help with their very specific problems. That way they will feel the love and caring, be lovingly reminded (with the rest of the group) to keep the topic on alcoholism, and have access to resources to find help targeted toward their particular addiction, and with people to help them who have the experiences that will let them really relate and provide support.


Member: Butch S
Location: Ms.
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 9:48:31 AM

Comments

Some ttimes when i hear "a drug is a drug is a drug"To the people who say that'my responce is,"The next time you get malaria,try taking polio vaccine insted of quinine."I HAVE ALCOHOLISM Ineed to identify and share with other recovering in order to stay sober.If i need an ambulance,Please do not send the ice cream truck because aride is aride is aride.Taken from the February 1998 Grape Vine. The way some of you talk you won't know what i'm talking about. I wonder if very many of you have read any A.A.books that tell us what A.A.is and is not.thanks from an alcoholic.


Member: Jo N.
Location: SE
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 10:20:23 AM

Comments

I'm Jo and I am an alcoholic. There was a time when I needed to say more, but today--for me--those few words speak volumes. Whenever something I hear in a meeting (or outside too) leaves me feeling edgy, I have to assume God is choosing that moment to give me a much needed lesson. Is it patience? Understanding? Acceptance? I have found that only way another person can dilute my serenity is if I allow it to happen. Today I can choose to simply "live and let live". The people in the meetings I attend come to share their experience, strength and hope. How they earned their right to sit in the rooms doesn't matter, I'm just eternally grateful that they came in. Thanks.


Member: jennifer D.
Location: western Pa.
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 2:27:04 PM

Comments

Hello Everybody!! I'am jennifer/alcoholic, I came to AA because I had a living problem. You can take away the alcohol; BUT your left with the "ism". I started taking drugs and drinking because of my living problem. Alcohol was my drug of choice though. It's been a wonderful life sence 3/6/82 !!! I would'nt trade my best day as a drunk, for my worst day sober. Just remeber, resentment is not good for you!!! Also please excuse any mis-spellings that have occured. ONE DAY AT A TIME !!!


Member: jim
Location: s.w.mo.
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 2:55:11 PM

Comments

hi my name is jim and i am an alcoholic learning alittle more about this computer. the issue is not alcohol v drugs. i know alot about drugs and none of it belongs in a meeting of alcoholics anonymous. next i go to meetings in a very small town 3 na groups are there and they feel they should controll all topics even down to the books we read. it is my experience as an alcoholic that can maybe help another drunk. its in the books ,traditions, concepts,steps, its a shame that it cant be in meetings. i sobered up in a large city when there wasnt n.a. the story was different than. today n.a. is every where. look at the topics at assembly, they are always the same. 7th tradition self support, singleness of purpose, bridge the gap, service work. i always wonder where it comes from. by the way take what you want and leave the rest alanon. so much for this . to the new people hang on god has something wonderful in store for you. the old man that told me that is dead,but he didnt lie with that thank you and i pass.


Member: Steering Committee
Location: Hyperspace
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 6:14:47 PM

Comments

On The subject of following The Suggested Format for a Meeting

WE ASK EACH MEMBER TO TRY TO SHARE ONLY ONCE PER WEEK.

This is already a long topic and we are only half way through the week, the suggestion above was included in the format of this meeting, so all members may have a chance to share. If this page gets to long it may Crash the server, but at minimum it makes the page take longer to load each time.

If you feel the need to share more than once on this topic feel free to do so on the Coffee Pot Page

Thanks, Staying Cyber Steering Committee


Member: Charlie W.
Location: Little Rock, AR
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 7:42:21 PM

Comments

My name is Charlie and I am an alcoholic. When I was first introduced to AA I was strugling with the idea that I might just be an addict even thought it was alcohol that ran me into treatment. Once my head cleared I realized that I was more comfortable in the AA setting. I found the recovery potent and the mood loving. My point is that I ran myself to the edge with almost every drug there is, however I found my recovey through the 12 steps of ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. After all the alcohol and drugs were but a symptom of the problem. I was the problem. Thankfully when I began to really work the program I realized that indeed I am an alcoholic/drug addict/power addict/co-dependant and on and on, but they were all a part of my spiritual sicknes out of which I found recovery with AA's 12 steps. I know today that should I decide I don't need the 12 steps that I would again fall prey to my sickness and drink to find relief, and for me "to drink is to die." Great topic, thank for sharing.


Member: Heather H
Location: Vancouver, BC
Date: 2/11/98
Time: 11:56:44 PM

Comments

Hi Friends,

I'm a alcoholic and my name's Heather. "A loving God as he may express Himself in our group conscious" & the words "our common welfare should come first" So what is our welfare on this discussion. I'm not God so I can't answer that. What I do recall is a member sharing about his outside issues. He explained that it was part of his story but also he didn't get too much into the details, just the basis, then he said the reason he dosent' share a lot about his outside issues/addictions is because he wants his message to connect with everyone in the room. Since he was at a AA meeting, the common bond was alcoholism so he tried to keep this in mind so that everyone would be connected throught his talk. I liked and remember this speakers message.

Keep a Open Mind and a Open Heart.

God Bless you All.

Heather-Remember to laugh lots.


Member: Peter B.
Location: St. Paul, MN.
Date: 2/12/98
Time: 12:29:58 AM

Comments

Hi , My name is Peter and I am an alcoholic. Whew....A.A. meetings can be roller-coasters! Back in New York I used to sit through meetings that would drive me crazy...but we used to say..."ride the chair"

To any new comers...Don't Drink...Go to meetings, stick with winners, Help somebody else, stick around it gets different. Ride the chair!

The Big Book tells me to resign from the debating society so I have.

Thank you God for another 24 hours of sobriety...

My best to you all.


Member: Kristen M
Location: Boston, MA
Date: 2/12/98
Time: 4:53:21 AM

Comments

want to open that bottle of wine. Just opened my text to any page and it just happened to open to the ch about relapse. I'm in deep. Want it to stop. My skin is itching so bad and I know that it's not my detergent. A decision. humility. i've got too much to lose and so much to gain. now i should read


Member: Judy K
Location: Maine
Date: 2/12/98
Time: 9:41:24 AM

Comments

So many have shared that this is a God-given,life-giving Program. It works if you work it!

A little historical tidbit: right from the gitgo (1935-7), heroin addicts joined AA. They were quiet about their specific drug-of-choice, but they knew where recovery could be found!

And so do I!


Member: MissyG.
Location: Del water gap,PA
Date: 2/12/98
Time: 5:46:57 PM

Comments

Hey Kristen..hang in and hang on..do whatever it takes to not drink for the next hr. Pick up the phone & get someone over there to get rid of that bottle of wine!!!! MY experience as an alcoholic/addict is I identify myself as just that in AA, and have no need to discuss any particular chemical when I share at a meeting anymore. I don't name drinks, beer, whiskey, cocaine, heroin, any of it because these were only symptoms of my disease..alcoholism. I try to share my feelingsg to my exp ,strenght & hope. Silly me..I though SINGLENESS & PURPOSE was talking about the 12th step. Ignorance is bliss!! Love to you all & happy 24!


Member: Ken H.
Location: Ottawa Canada
Date: 2/12/98
Time: 8:27:48 PM

Comments

Hi ! My name is Ken and I am an alchohlic. This topic seems to be stirring quite a few responses. I will share a bit of my "AA" entry and first few years. I came into AA in 1986. I always found alchohol my drug of choice but at same time used other mind altering substances. Well I came to my first meeting and I was sure the person speaking was told I was going to be there because he toild my story to the letter. I kept coming back one meeting a week until my six months. I went out and bought a 12 pack of beer. On my second pint, all the old feelings came back and I new I could no longer fool myself. I was an alchoholic. I started to attend more meetings but I was still holding on to my other habit. I would go to meetings high as a kite and laugh at those poor suckers that did not know how to stay sober. Hang aroud with me and I will show you how easy it is. I used to laugh at these old timers and made a fool of myself but they let me carryon. Two years later I hit another bottom. My sponsor, once I told him my secret ( as if he did not know already ) suggested that I deal with my alchohol and drug problem separatly. His opinion is that drugs did not belong in AA. I used to think that he was sober too long and forgot how it is out there, besides I was different. Well I took his suggestion and went to AA for booze and NA for drugs. Did it work? These AA old timers were still there and all they said was welcome back you are in the right place.For me something hapened and from the 14 March 1988 I have been clean and sober. I have stopped going to the other fine fellowship for the past 5 years. I can only share what I went through and hope this helps someone. I don't shut out someone for qualifying as an adict or cross adicted but through power of example I share at meeting the alchohol part of my disease and hope this message reaches at least one person. If I am asked for my comment on this subject, I only share my experience and hope they get the message. If not don't drink and go to meetings. Wishing you all another 24 hours!!


Member: Erv W.
Location: Adams Wi.
Date: 2/12/98
Time: 10:12:34 PM

Comments

Good evening, my name is Erv and Alcoholic.. Controversy is good for AA.. AA needs to change with the times.. I don't care what problem you have, if the word Alcoholic is one of them, your in !! God bless and have a good night !! Erv


Member: Michael D.
Location: Dunwoody, GA.
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 12:31:43 AM

Comments

My name is Mike and I'm Alcoholic. I recently commented about this weeks topic concerning singleness of purpose, Today I have a problem. I drank this week. I had 90 days this week I drank because I wanted to, knowing the circumstanses my drinking may cause. I spent $1000 flying around the fucking country. I've spent 25 years dealing with this shit & have been at the "jumping off place" and fear I am there again. I have a wonderful woman, I live in a $300,00 home I work, don 't get me wrong I'm not ungrateful, I Just cant fiqure it out any more. The longest I ever had was 2 years in Las Vegas of all places. Today I will start again. Any comments? You self righteous folks don't waste my time.


Member: Tony G.
Location: Pequannock N. J.
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 3:03:35 AM

Comments

Hi gang, Tony G. with more thoughts. Did you know that BILL W. took DRUGS!! I Know over dramatic but true read His Story. Why did I bring that up? I brought it up because some of us thought this should be for PURE alkies. If true most of us do not qualify. Pray for Open Mindedness, Your Loving Servant, Tony G.


Member: LOUIS
Location: GATINEAU QUE. CANADA
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 7:44:05 AM

Comments

i don't understand.why try to change something that worked for over 60 years. i tryed to do it my way all my life and ended up in deep s...LOUIS A DRUNK.


Member: Joanie O
Location: Portland ,Pa.
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 8:41:13 AM

Comments

Hi Mike D Joanie O alcoholic here in cyberspace just to tell you that this program works if we work it. I have floundered around for years until I made up my mind that nothing would allow me to drink. When the alcoholic life hit the fan I was beaten and at the jumping off place I had to turn my will and my life over to my sponsor and for the first time in my life I had to follow directions . This is the easyier softer way I have no options If I drink I am dead. Good luck and God bless and for those who have such a muck over the topic we must remember that we are human and God has given us AA we are loving and caring people who want to help one another not judge them Kindnes and love go a long way why would we want to change this program it has worked and saved our lives just as it is when we try to change it or make it seem different we get in trouble and let a whole weeks worth of good stuff that migght help others go by in self centered bickering .Let us keep this site as a helping tool and a calm uncontroversial place love Joanie O.


Member: Diane G.
Location: MA
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 9:21:31 AM

Comments

Hi, I'm Diane and grateful to be sober. I don't know why people are so concerned because a person introduces himself as an alcoholic and drug addict. On page 439 in the Big Book entitled "Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict, he makes reference several times to his addiction to pills. A few years ago, my husband and I were on a joint committee with Narcotics Anonymous. The addicts involved indicated that they felt that they were not getting the recovery they sought from Narcotics Anonymous that they experienced in AA. Therefore, those who wanted recovery joined AA. Also, I find that we would not have as many young people in recovery if they had not been brought to their knees by using drugs. They do indicate that if they had not drank alcohol they probably would not have drugged. Therefore, their drug of choice to enable them to drug was alcohol. So let's have some patience and tolerance when a person introduces himself as an alcoholic and drug addict.


Member: BOB B
Location: SEATTLE
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 10:59:13 AM

Comments

My name is Bob and I'm an alchoholic. I have about 1 week of sobriety. Yesterday I attended a meeting where one of the members was having his 22nd year of sobriety, I,ll call Tom. In his discussion he related to a story about his son. It seems his son died two years prior of a heroin overdose. He exclaimed that if he had been able to get his son into one of the AA meetings things could have been different.

I guess the point is that Alchohol is a drug, one of the worst. But all addictive drugs lead you down the same path, eventual death. Some drugs will do this faster than alchohol. The symtoms and proccess is exactly the same, as is the outcome. Because of this, the same guidelines that work for alchoholics will work for other drug addictions. If you think that AA is only for alchoholics do me a favor, get a second opinion, ask Tom.


Member: tech
Location:
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 12:00:26 PM

Comments

test


Member: Angi G.
Location: Houston, TX
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 2:18:19 PM

Comments

Hi I'm Angi and I'm an alcoholic. I have sat here and read through days and days of most of you bickering back and forth. I think it's sad. We are all here for the same reasons, how we got here and from what drug of choice doesn't really matter, what matters is seeking the "SOLUTION" and being here to help give it away.

Thanks for letting me share.

Angi G.


Member: Tim V.
Location: Poconos
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 5:11:43 PM

Comments

Good job Bob B. obviously this is an important topic!

For those who think traditions aren't important to talk about, think what it would be like if we had none!

That is exactly what will happen if we don't try to follow them.


Member: Denise Q
Location: Brockport NY
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 6:37:24 PM

Comments

Hi Im Denise-alcoholic and addict-obviously you know my slant on this topicby the intrduction-everyone has an opinion-and AA has and will change over the years-Im sober and AA is still here so let's try to keep it together-AA gets a lot of drug addicts sober-so what's the problem? I'm glad to be here no matter what my addiction Serenity to all


Member: Gene45
Location: Portland Pa
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 7:47:40 PM

Comments

my name is Gene,acoholic,I came in to this program to learn how to stay away from that first drink, ODAAT.I do have many other addictions besides acohohlism,but have a sponsor and a support group to share that with.I dont choose to share about my other addictions in meetings,only share about how alcohol changed my life(for the worse)and how aa has shown me i can live without alcohol.


Member: Ken H.
Location: Ottawa Canada
Date: 2/13/98
Time: 9:11:29 PM

Comments

Hi! Michael D. My name is Ken and I am an alchoholic. The wisest words from my sponsor was and is always " if you want to stay sober, don't drink and go to meetings. Everything else will follow." These words kept me sober during these times that I could not see through the next 5 minutes. Hang in there and don't give up.


Member: Frank D.
Location: Willowgrove,Pa.
Date: 2/14/98
Time: 12:15:01 AM

Comments

I want to thank BOB for his topic,this week. As I said before Just respect AA. who realy cares what you are stick around and you will get the desire to stop drinking,if you get HONEST!!!!!!!! THAT IS THE KEY. ALSO IT HELPS TO ASK YOUR HIGHER POWER.I DID AND I JUST HAD 20YRS.FEBUARY 8TH.AGAIN THANK'S BOB KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. BIG FRANK


Member: David B.
Location: Idaho Falls
Date: 2/14/98
Time: 1:31:23 AM

Comments

I'm David, and I'm an alcoholic. If I were in a meeting of Narcotics Anonymous I would identify as an addict. This is not a matter of dishonesty, it is merely a matter of respect. As a newcomer, I was incapable of differentiating between dishonesty and respectful omission. At around 5 or 6 years of sobriet;y I began to understand why respectful omission was necessary. Old wino's like me don't like to hear about dope. Old dope fiends like me don't like to hear about tequila. Once this concept became clear the only time I had a problem with singleness of purpose was when one member would tell another member "you can't say that here". My sponser's, yes I've had more than one, Christ I've been sober since 1981. I've had sponsers die or just disappear (one of them would disappear every time he knew I was working on a 4th step). Like I was saying, my sponsers always told me this thing was all about love. It's hard to tell someone you love them and shut up all in the same sentence. As far as war stories are concerned, I personally do not tell war stories about my drinking. I have sufficient sober war stories to effectively share about how my life continues to be unmanageable whenever I take hold of the reins and decide to do it my way. The fact that I'm sharing in an AA forum tends to shout that I have some deeply alcoholic background. But I'll give you your due, if you really need it, you probably did spill more than I ever got to drink. Even though I did drink for 13 years. Now, all our egos should remain intact. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Tech
Location: keep coming back
Date: 2/14/98
Time: 3:00:31 PM

Comments

The meeting is temporarily closed that so that the site can be reset for next week's meeting. Please do not post any further comments. The meeting schedule is available in the Guidelines

Thank You and keep coming back