Alcoholism Support Group

From my experience, I tend to stay away from meetings that does not talk about the solution.

I have been to many meetings where some one shares about there dog or what ever for 5 minutes while a newcomer is sitting there trying to figure out how not to drink after the meeting.

That's why we have sponsors, come before the meeting or stay after and or get phone#s to talk about things like that.

As far as the thinking problem, I'm grateful today I have been taught I had that problem way before I put a drink or any other mind altering substance in my body.

Of course just my opinion..

Alcoholism is a primary disease. Meaning it's not a symptom of another disease. Rather than being a symptom of an underlying psychological or physical disorder, alcoholism CAUSES many said problems or irritate those which may already exist. These can't be treated effectively UNLESS the chemical dependency is treated FIRST.

So I hate to disagree but I believe that alcohol IS the primary problem.

I do agree with your first paragraph completely. I think it is completely appropriate to discuss our details of life in a meeting regardless of if it relates directly to alcohol. I become irritated and disappointed with those who stifle anyone.

This is why AA gets on my nerves and can be a problem for me.

The problems we create regarding "over reaction to people places and things" is right on but I just don't think it's the root when it comes to alcoholism. Our "selfishness and self centeredness" IS a HUGE problem with many more character flaws that come along with them...

We all have a sin nature and our charachter flaws must be dealt with minute by minute (but that's another subject!, lol).

Maybe I'm just having a problem with you comparing the two. I don't thank there is a comparison.

gjm

I appreciate what your saying yet it returns to the same question. Is it really about drinking or is it the true root of the problem. Don't you think BOTH should be addressed. Or do we forsake those with real life problems.

qim,

I think that discussing our personal experiences in life is acceptable in an AA meeting. If someone rambles too terribly long, etc. the chair person can manage it. That's what they are for.

I don't think a new comer is going to fall apart if someone speaks about something other than alcohol.

I think it brings a connection of humanness to the group. Reciting the same words in the BB can make a person appear robotic and rehearsed.

Listening to real life experiences which include their relationship to alcohol or not is just.....more real.

The biggest challenge to living in sobriety is dealing with everyday stressors and I believe that it is appropriate to bring them up in meetings. If you take that topic and share your experience, strength and hope with the rest of the group, then you've honoured AA's mandate. You can be respectful of sharing time when doing this. It's not hearing about dog poop that gets tiring. It's hearing about it for 10 minutes straight. lol We can all relate to the frustrations of dealing with messy pets or kids.

I agree with you that alcohol is not the major problem with alcoholics. It is a symptom of the major problem...which is 'alcoholism'. The 'isms' are the unhealthy coping strategies that make us emotionally and mentally ill with the disease. It is just as important to identify the problem as it is to talk about the solution. Newcomer and oldtimer alike benefit from that identification.

I do believe...and the twin studies back this up....that the roots of alcoholism are 50-60% genetic and 40-50% environmental. That means your childhood and adulthood experiences/traumas do help determine if you develop the disease or not. It is appropriate to discuss these also.

Over the years I have referenced in a general way, that I was exposed to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as a child. I have talked about the history of alcoholism in my family. I have referenced my abusive marriage with a drug addict/alcoholic spouse. I don't do it all the time, but I do occasionally because I think it is important to get the message out that you can survive stuff like that and choose to not pick up a drink....that you can recover from the pain. I do not go into detail, however, because I don't want the message of hope to get lost in the message of horror. So far, the feedback I get is really positive. I've lost count of how many grateful alcoholics have thanked me for my courage in sharing my story so openly and with hope. I wish my life experience wasn't so common, but it is in the rooms of AA especially.

Just one woman's opinion, right or wrong...

Bato,

I also have a lengthy history of many types of abuse in my childhood. I just don't think it made me an alcoholic. I sure gave me a reason and excuse to drink more when I was terribly upset trying to make sense of all of it though the years. I think I'm an alcoholic because I inherited it. Had I never taken my first drink, I would never had gone through the hell and symptoms of alcoholism. I could have been a normal drinker like so many..... But it wasn't in the cards genetically.

Dreamingtree: I know many people share your opinion. The twin studies are really interesting, though. Have you read them? You can find reference to them here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disea...#cite_note-6

Even the twin studies seem to show that although you don't have to have a genetic predisposition to develop alcoholism, it is the most common factor.

Our topics are limited to alcoholism and recovery. Sharing about a specific problem in a general way and then sharing how you use the steps or the BB to deal with it is appropriate. We had a fellow talk about the bad day at work and how it got worse on the way home and then his neighbor from hell and how he wanted to kick someones ass each time, the chair said Rick how did you use the program to keep from kicking ass today. Turned it from a bitch session to a solution session. We share in a general way, and then get into the specifics of the solution.

Thanks Bato! I will check it out!

Bato,

I read the twin studies and it's very informative. I'm not sure I agree with the environmental theory but I will definitely be keeping an open mind and read more about it.

These types of discussions are great. I really enjoy learning more and more.

Thanks again.