and for those that want to reference Dr Pauls story ( acceptance)...
maybe read what HE has to say on this whole topic from an interview he did with the Grapevine Magazine in 1995 >>>>

see the next Topic so others can pull it up

thanks.

Thanks to you both for this prudent information!

I'm sorry,I may have oppened up a bag of worms on this topic.I have almost 11 years sober now but my selfishness still pops it's evil head out from time to time.This is just something that has been bothering me so I guess I was venting.
Joe

Thanks nicky

I couldn't agree more. Identification with other alcoholics has been key to my sobriety.

Let's see....the cover to the Big Book says: Alcoholics Anonymous

Go figure!

Guru

Perhaps reading the Long Form of the traditions would add to the knowledge of the group, paying particular attention to 1-3-4-and-5.

Once upon a time I heard a speaker named Clancy I. discuss singleness of purpose. Clancy contends addicts attending AA meetings came about mostly because treatment centers only had one van, and therefore all their paying clients had to attend the same meeting.

Absolutely! When I worked at the treatment center for numerous years, the addicts did have to go with the alkies!! In one van, lol! I find in my local meetings, addicts will talk about drugs and it's very few people will raise their hand to share about our disease to get the meeting back on track. I happen to be one of the few. I tell my sponsees when they complain about it that they are all, as members of AA, responsible to change the course of the meeting, not just the chairperson. It's all about Singleness of Purpose.

Crusty, GT - Funny isn't it, there seems to be a world shortage of vans at treatment centres. Here in England, when I was in treatment , there was one van that took both addicts and alcoholics together to AA and NA meetings and both had an equal opportunity to not identify with the each other's illness.... The solution was the same although the experience was not.

Thank you, this is so informative. You know I am an alcoholic, who was pulled back from the gates of hell through my Higher Power and the fellowship of AA. It is such a daily struggle to contend that I really don't know how to help a drug addict, or someone who doesn't work a twelve step program. More power to them if they can do it. I just get tired of apologizing for sharing my experience, strength and hope as an alcoholic working the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Never apologise for carrying the message. Leibug. It could save someone's life. It certainly saved mine.

The only problem I have is with a few people in my town that just rant and rave about it in meetings where new people have no clue what is being said. I am far from perfect, but when I see, hear our singleness of purpose being "violated" (for lack of a better word), I usually take that person aside after the meeting or state how I believe when I speak. I have found that being/getting/staying angry does not solve any problems. Even though I have to work on it daily. I suppose my approach is along the same lines as goodtwin. It is our responsibility as individuals to speak up, I even redirect potential NA members and tell them where they can get the help they really need.

Has anyone mentioned that one does not need to be an alcoholic to attend any AA meeting. All one has to do is to have a desire to stop drinking. The desire to stop drinking is the ONLY requirement for membership.

Right Crusty,

However, rather than confronting someone after a meeting, which is unnecessary because of the 3rd Tradition, if I, or someone else is concerned about Singleness of Purpose, it is ok when my turn to share comes up to share my ESH as regards to my drinking.

If the meeting is leading away from Singleness of Purpose, then any person in a group, can raise their hand to steer it in the right direction. I don't know about you, but identification was key to me as a newcomer.

Thank you for a great link. I have been one of those "all-inclusive" AAer's, but having read that link, I now better understand the importance of Singleness of Purpose and will try to carry that message.