Mines primarily with sailors and soldiers and anyone my friends give my number to. Sharing with friends has been like a ripple in the lake Tony. It's like whenever I learn about anything new and it opens my eyes and raises my awareness about something going on outside my world. I find being open has done that with my mates too and they don't see alcoholism with a stigma as they once might have. Works sending me on a two day Suicide Intervention Skills training course next month which I'm looking forward to doing. All we can do is open the door for others, and walk through the ones we open ourselves.

Pretty much the same as you described Rivalino, except...nobody seems to call the phone office these days, so formal twelve steps like you describe don't happen that often. I cover phones and make myself available for 12 steps, we're lucky if we get 12 step call set up in a four hour shift. Lots of changed minds and second thoughts also.

Ah well, as long as I show up and show willing

P

We get calls Paul, but we don't pounce on people to 12step them there and then. Resistance is often stronger than the desire. Probably because it's been practiced for so long. Often just getting the alcoholic to a meeting so they can hear their heart beat and their feelings as other alcoholics share can bring out the desire to pursue a path that others have travelled. More people find the rooms from calling Lifeline and BeyondBlue than they do an AA hotline. Just be there when they're ready :}

In my area we have a pretty good size call center and get quite a few calls on a monthly basis. I would say 15-20% make it a meeting but the main thing is the seed been planted. If they don't have transportation someone picks the up. It just not like the 'old days' with a 12 step call its "I will meet you at a meeting". Is that good or bad? Who's to say.

Tony remember we can't get anyone drunk or sober, just reaching out a hand and let them know they may never have to drink again if they so choose.

I here you gim thanks for the reminder, Well he turned up Really nice young guy Quite a large mtg but not as big tonight Its been very cold so that probably kept numbers down.But some good shares He seemed to get identification from the binge type alcoholics So we had a good chat before and after I gave him a starter pack
Told him to call me anytime Think he's coming to my home group on thursday Yep the seed is planted

good to hear on the outcome.

All it ever is eh? Plant the seed...

Coogee, we don't force 12 steps at all but offer them. It's quite rare that someone is in that spot where they're just ready but they're usually pretty grateful if we offer a telephone call or visit. Of course the easiest thing these days is a quick phone call and agree to meet someone at a meeting.

P

Paul, just curious is that a question on "planting the seed" or are ya agreeing?

I usually meet the person Paul, but I don't bring the Steps up at that meeting. Mostly it's a listening one with lots of tears and emotion. I'll give them some options, one being an AA meeting and I offer to go with them. If that's the case, then I'll try to get them to a meeting close to their home or work. The first step they need is just to know they're not alone.

I went to a meeting the following night were there was a female newcomer earlt middle aged.By chance there was quite a few women of simular age.So It was great to hear mainly female shares (just my op) particularly a women who was 6 weeks sober and shared how she was 6 weeks ago and the change since, really powerfull.
Of course it cant allways fall so well. As for my newbie the night before most of us were older generation but I still think he got some ID If someone gets hope at that first mtg its got to be good imho

Rivi you ever been trolling for fish... you throw out a baited hook and cruise the lake and whatever takes the bait must be hungry for it lol... If not .... maybe on another occasion the bait might seem more appealing ,or if the coordinates have changed 'just maybe'... all involved might have been in the Right place At the right Time ...Whos 2 say Mister haha
Good for you Tony,
Billy

Hey GJ, agreeing with you. That's been my experience mostly, you show up suit up and do your bit. Planting seeds is often a good way for me to think about things...listen and share my experience (if asked!), if it's helpful there and then great if not, who knows what it'll mean to someone down the line when the time is right. Many times in my own life I've thought "gee, remember when that guy said..."

Coogee, went on a 'wet call' last night, not planned at all but happened as it should have. Best I think I can do in those situations is listen and be a real person. Two of us went to avoid the 'run around' so to speak...had a great chat but unsurprisingly what the person really wanted was some company and someone to fetch more ciggies and a bottle and or a few librium for them. Felt right anyway and glad we went when we did and left when we did.

When I say offer 12 steps, (calls) I mean the formal process we have for getting local members to call someone back and then we leave it with them. Always seems to me that TALKING about the steps with a drunk/newcomer is about as useful as trying to give a drowning man swimming lessons :). Much better to get them out of the water and dried out with a few nights in their own bed before they're ready to hear anything else eh? :)

P

Yep! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsLa0eND_uA

Hey Paul though that's what ya meant.
At the end of the day when sharing are E,S&H with someone that is seeking a solution to the hopelessness and pain "planting the seed" is the best we can do.

Ha, yes Paul. I usually let them know we're there to help and leave my number, ask them to call in the morning and we can talk more if they like. Yep, planting the seed and also letting them know there's other help out there too 24/7. We've some amazing support networks such as lifeline and beyondblue.

You know, you guys are just the bees knees as far as I'm concerned and I love reading what you all post here. Thank you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx