Agreed.

agreed. I've done the same thing myself, but I'm careful about how I word it... I try to put it to them this way- "if you think you have a problem and need help with it, you may want to check out AA", rather than "you need to go to AA, get a sponsor, get honest and start living the program, and you need to do it NOW!!" (LoL)

kinda funny how I suggest AA occasionally even though I think it's all bullshit... I guess I do it because I'm aware that the program can work for most people, even if it doesn't do it for me

I would like to say that the excavation of a drunks soul needs a lot of little tools to dirt remove all around their bones....you know Archiologist dig they do not get the whole soul the first time they break ground on the dig site....it was that way for me...all them with the brushes pushing away the dirt around my bones of my soul....I needed all of that to get here....and I think I will stay now!

Since not every hard drinker is alcoholic I suggest AA for those from whom I think they qualify.

When new people come here they want to hear what works for others. So those who have had success with AA recommend it. That's seems reasonable knowing only that this new person is here worried about their drinking. I don't think giving information can ever be too soon...if they don't want to listen because it's too soon for them AA talk shouldn't get the blame.

What's troubling is when the new person says they're going to follow a path other than AA and they get comments such as "see you after that fails".

I believe going to an AA meeting is an experience every person with an alcohol problem should have. Perhaps instead of ruining a chance for later we will plant a seed instead?

As far as I know, AA has the longest track record for helping alcoholics stop drinking and change their lives for the better. That's not to say other orgs. can't also work wonders, but the AA history is, I think, is an attractive draw.

I suggest AA because I offer my own experience to those looking for help with alcohol problems, not because I believe it is the only way to sobriety. It's a good starting point, and members are free to move onto a different kind of group if they feel AA isn't the answer for them.

I think it is fine to tell someone who is new what you are doing to stay sober. Saying AA works for you? It is not pushy at all.

As far as folks who mock paths outside of AA, they actually make AA seem like an arrogant group full of fanatical, angry folks. This seems counterproductive-not sure why this is done, anger and ego issues... ? I know that cannot be a true representation of how all AA people feel.

This hostile vocal minority is so offensive, especially to someone investigating.

Also, I think that with telling someone what has worked for you, it is important to be aware that not everyone who comes to this board is an alcoholic. I read some of the posts and wonder if we can diagnose on our end with a few simple statements made by an anonymous person.

every time from a sober state i swore of and evey time i drank again,i thought i was craving a drink then ,i found out that for me i only crave more drink once ive drank.so the question that was put to me was why was i drinking in the first place,i didn't no why i was as i had a honest desire never to drink again,guess that when i found out i couldn't stop drinking,i couldn't even bring that question to mind as i was full of self pity,thank god my sponcer shared for me and i identified on the two fold illness,then i new if aa was for me,as i was beyond human aid,thank god for principles rather than personalities,opinions will killl the real alkie if they aint in the big book,

I believe that the suggestion of A.A. is the right thing to do for anyone that drinks heavy, who asks" do you think I have a problem!". There are people that drink that never heard of the program. Introducing them to it does not hurt anyone. It still comes down to it being there decision of what is right, and what is wrong, for them. Just like it is our decision to stay sober. And that is what it comes down to, making decisions. I hope you make the right one. And spread the word. AA is a good thing.

Its one thing to share what has worked for yourself but its entirely another to scream at someone to get themselves to an AA meeting. I know someone right now in very early recovery and being bossed around and yelled at would make her bolt.

And I have to wonder if thats why these new-comers post once or twice and disappear. Their bravado in their post may not reflect their true state of mind.

Interesting topic. I am a newcomer with 79 days of sobriety so far. In my first few days... AA was suggested. I didn't want to hear it. I didn't want to go. I was NOT an alcoholic! I didn't mind saying I was an addict, but not an alcoholic. It wasn't until I spent TIME with another alcoholic that I thought, "Hmmmm... maybe I have a drinking problem." I'd stopped abusing drugs, but still used alcohol to deal with life. He didn't cram it down my throat. He spoke to me about his experiences... his drinking habits, what it cost him (not monetary value), his behaviors, etc. In hearing HIS story... I could see my own. That is what I take from the BB and it's explanation of sharing your experiences. I did KNOW he was going to AA. He was open about it. He ask if I'd like to have coffee one morning and MAYBE go to a meeting with him. I agreed... not for the meeting... but because I began to trust HIM. After going to a few meetings I realized I was an alcoholic. My friend had seen this in me before I could see it in myself. It's kind of like the old saying, "You can take a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."