It's true,AA is just a suggested program of recovery. Born out of experience, supposed to be a description of actions taken not a set of commands to be swallowed. Me I Wouldn't want to tell anybody else what they need to do anyway...the main reason being they probably won't listen anyhow :)

I do know that It seems to suit me pretty well throwing myself in hook line and sinker. I have learnt and felt a hell of a lot just from following a simple set of suggestions, perfectly imperfectly. If it doesn't suit someone else good luck to them. Me, I gots no way to go but a little more letting go :)

P

it was said on DS. since it was my thread and right under my comment i guessed it was directed at me. it wasnt this board. the thread wasnt even about alcoholism. i imagine it came from something i said previously. i can b prickly at times

Yeah. It is really a damn shame when people do that. Fortunately, there are a ton of good people in AA that don't act that way (many of them have responded in this thread). I'm not in AA, personally. The spiritual aspect is a little too mainstream Christian for my taste, though that is more a function of my region than anything else. My whole state is too mainstream Christian for my taste.

It bothers me when I hear about these things because I think AA is generally a positive thing that has been beneficial for a lot of good folks. Unfortunately, I guess there's a few bad apples in any bunch (office, playground, recovery group, etc....I could go on forever) Such statements are not only rude, but counterproductive. They give the uninitiated a horrible first impression of AA. It probably prevents a fair amount of people from being willing to try AA, some of whom might have found it to be a good fit.

I hope you don't think that attitude is representative of the majority. There are a lot of AA members in this online community, most of whom would never be so inconsiderate or rude.

i dont think its representative of AA but i wonder about other people who r trying to stay sober hearing that kind of thing. people on the cusp of trying to change their lives

There is many other ways to get sober...I respect AA,but It is not whats keeping me sober.

Hi dr c.

I've never heard that from any AA, swear to God. I listen for the message, not the mess.

Good to see you back here.

Don't let it bother you, just find your own path to sobriety!

Good Luck!

Alright Kiddies,
I think we are forgetting what we are ALL here for. A.A. or hypnotist etc... who gives a shit how you did it! The important point is that YOU DID IT! You quit drinking...

I've seldom heard that from anyone in AA. In fact, they only time I ever saw a comment like this was on the internet (never at an actual meeting or from a "live" AA member). And lets face it....there are a lot of bomb throwers on these anonymous forums.

Seriously like to stir the pot much? Not worth commenting but agree with ya D reply#24

the how i did, is the part i have to share. all i got is my experience. if i wanted to talk war and terrorism id go there. i like to jump around. different boards so i dont annoy anybody more than anybody else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuGf34F0f5g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xqKkLlCfLE

i listen for the message, not the mess. good one

I so agree with Eric at #23 - it doesn't matter how we got sober - what matters is that we are sober.

dr. - you've been sober for years - that's cool - I think we've all pretty much agreed around here - that there are many different ways to reach the same goal - sobriety.

A lot of us got sober through aa = and that is part of the experience, strength and hope we share but it doesn't mean we are lecturing that this is the only way to get sober.