Clover,

I am an AA supporter, I also advocate other methods of support to help with sobriety.

AA does not promote. It relies on attraction. When people continually ask what will work for them to quit drinking, stop thinking about drinking, or why they fail in the attempts, I always talk about my experience in AA.

I spent years trying to control my drinking with willpower and common sense. I "quit" many times, only succeeding once I joined AA.

I'm a "ghost in the machine" mostly these days :) It's nice to drop by and see people doing well and get some food for thought.

I too have seen the sane arguments back and forth several times and with experience I learn there really is no point pushing agendas one way or the other...the result is always the same :)

I have seen people on here and face to face over the years quietly getting on with the business of getting sober, appreciating and sharing what works for them and I always respect that. The people with the loudest voices and strongest opinions aren't always in the know...sometimes experience speaks with a quiet voice :)

Personally, I learnt that and I learnt how to stay sober in AA...others I see learnt it in other places. It's all good and it's all gravy...but to Thine Own Self Be True :)

P

Whirl on!
1-2

@PJ54,

Excellent post! Thank you.

@Clover,

When the OP asks "how did you get sober?" does it not make sense to explain the method or recovery program one followed to achieve sobriety and how that sobriety has benefited them, regardless of the method used?

"AA does not promote. It relies on attraction."

Actually, I think AA is promoted almost daily on this discussion board. While these staunch supporters might not be getting paid, they are certainly vocal advocates and promoters of the AA program. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely comes across as a promotional pitch to some of us.

I believe it is a good thing to promote a program you believe has helped you in some way. And especially for those AA members who have been part of the AA clan for a long time, it is only natural that they would want to promote what has worked for them. I think I am guilty of promoting what has worked for me as well (Allen Carr etc.) I also believe it is a good thing to point out what you perceive to be the failings of a program as well. I would welcome some critical reviews of the books and programs I have promoted. Hopefully that is part of what this discussion group is trying to achieve.

Thanks for all the positive feedback on this topic.

In order to provide a qualified critique or review of something, I would have to experience it first hand. Therefore I am not qualified to give my opinion/critique or review of most the the methods of recovery suggested or mentioned on DS. I have never read Allen Carr's book, never attended SMART Recovery, LifeRing, or Rational Recovery and feel any input, praise or critique I might offer regarding these programs would be unwarranted and worthless. And thus I refrain from doing so.

When I do provide my first hand experience regarding achieving and maintaining long term sobriety through AA, I am accused of promoting AA and it's "my way or the highway" brand of recovery.

Can't win for losing I suppose.

Great Routine Yah think they learned this in Acting Class Or through their ability to Create through their own personal experiences hmmm luv It:)))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wqi7qbyNs4

Now I am a bit confused. Do you want for people who've used AA or read Allen Carr's book, etc., to post here about the benefits and shortcomings of the different methods of recovery? Are you looking for a book discussion? (Please understand that I am not mocking you, I'm just trying now to understand what you are looking for.)

I FINALLY quit on my own. I'm doing fine so I'm really not interested in AA or reading that book (at least not reading it at this point in time.) I'm not finding fault with other methods, it's just that what I'm doing is working out just fine for me and I don't see any reason to branch out. As far as I am concerned, the lengthy chapter in my life on drinking is closed and I've moved on. I don't give drinking a second thought.

I come here more out of habit because this site helped me when I first got sober. I like to see how others are doing and if I can chime in on any posts where I think what I have to say is beneficial.

My observations are that a large number of people who participate on this board are in AA, so we're going to hear more remarks about AA. People who use SMART Recovery, Allen C's book, etc., don't seem to be in great numbers or, just don't post here very often.

People who are happy with their method of sobriety probably aren't going to have criticisms or want to go on fault-finding missions.

To me, the purpose of this board seems to be for people to post who are having an acute problem/issue and needs support. Others need ongoing support to kick-start the quest for sobriety, I think that is demonstrated by the patterns of people coming and going from here. The majority of people who were posting when I came on here in July 2014 are for the most part, gone. I now don't recognize many names.

I think that whatever method is working for a person is great. It's always good to know what resources are available, but there is no need to get into arguments about what is the "right" program or how one must view their drinking/non-drinking condition.

Like I (and others) have said all along, if this (or any other) is a topic you would rather not participate in, then simply hit the blue Stop Watching this Topic button near the top. I understand that some people would rather not have their long-held foundations for sobriety tested through open and honest discussion, and that is fine.

Yes, I am looking for a book discussion, or a program discussion, or a discussion on anything else that someone feels is relevant to learning more about alcohol addiction and finding the most effective route to sobriety for each individual who is looking for help. And if you have nothing to contribute in that regard, then that is fine too. If I get no responses to my posts then I will assume there is no interest. That is fine. Just please do not respond with any negative personal attacks or illegitimate claims of persecution. That seems to me like fair conditions for a truce.

Buck, I think you are confused regarding AA being promoted vs being offered as a discussion.

I make zero reference to AA in my life unless I'm with AA people or at a meeting.

However this is a place where people come to ask about solutions. I merely offer up what has worked for me. I see everyone else doing the same thing, whether it is with AA, Smart Recovery, Hypnosis, Allen Carr's method.

I don't see anyone here saying that if you don't go to AA, you aren't going to get sober. Same with the other methods. This is a board where people are making pleas for help.

When some discusses their method of choice, whatever it is, it's typically because they have been in a similar position as the OPs, and they are in a much healthier, and better position today.

That's whether they have six weeks, six months, or sixty years.

The only time I've ever taken issue in here, is with someone promoting substitution of substances for alcohol.

Personally, I'm glad other people have had success with alternate solutions to AA. Because id rather see someone find help elsewhere, if it saves their lives.

I don't come here for me. I'm come to help the person who is sick. Just like the person I was when I joined her and I finally had had enough of being an alcoholic.

I'm not sure there's a truce needed. There have always been disagreements between programs here. Life goes on.

The bottom line should be that we are all alive tomorrow to help someone who is sick from this disease, any way we can.

I don't have a problem with anyone promoting a truly sober method, and I don't think people should have a problem with my program.

Well, I do think AA has been promoted a bit by some in this discussion group, but like I said, that is not necessarily a bad thing from my perspective. It is only natural that we would promote programs that have worked for us and to support those people that hold our same beliefs. That is simple human nature. All I am asking for is that nobody should limit the range and subject of our topics related to alcohol addiction other than to keep the conversations civil and respectful.

I didn't feel like I was personally attacking you. I was just seeking more clarification for what type of discussion you were looking for. That's all.

I just think it's a sad day others are offended when I share my story of how I got sober.....I

I'm glad for the hide /unfollow button. I guarantee that fear is a large part of this , not fear that it won't work , but fear that it will.

Fear and lack of a backbone were traits that aa helped me with

Whirl on!

1is2many