Not at all, all are welcome in AA. We just have to protect those most vulnerable - the "real" alcoholic as described in the Big Book.

There is no problem generally but unless people are desperate for recovery they should respect that AA is not a self-help counselling group, saving personal problems other than alcohol for before or after the meeting.

Those who can get by just on meetings should not sponsor the end stage/chronic alcoholic - again, another way of saying the "real" alcoholic.

I hope everyone realises that we all learn this term when we do the Steps by the book. It is how we identify ourselves and it is no insult to anyone else or any other method.

It is perfectly true that some people use AA for a get-together. Just three weeks ago I was at a meeting where a man with schizophrenia finally mentioned in his share about his "week" that he was not sure he really had a problem with alcohol.

No-one asked him to leave but can you see what happens?

Hey Angie, if you can't stop drinking on your own then AA can help you!!

There are many descriptions of alcoholism in the Big Book - different ways of describing it is all. This is the one that gets most people and I think you might identify with this:

'If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely or, if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer.' - Big Book pg 44

Hope this helps!! - I am with Gailly on this matter!

that thread is too long for my weary eyes-but I say wtf?! Who cares! Who is allowed to define who is a drunk vs. a wannabe? Sheez, and I tell you what, I think the line is so fine that if there is even a question-get your butt to SOMETHING to help you, AA, counseling, rehab, etc.

Ugh, all the tediousness of definitions and in fighting. Betcha your liver is sick of your minds going around and around about who is a drinker for real or not-that liver is suffering regardless!

I say all should pow wow about quitting that think they need to.....

I am also with Gailly and serenity on this.

Oh please, please dont just go to meetings and listen!! Thats what I did for 8 years! Get a sponsor get the steps done get a higher power! be free, be happy be sober! Please ask about the above, meetings and tea WILL NOT get you sober.

I honestly don't know the difference between an alcoholic, a real alcoholic or a heavy drinker who is ruining their own health along with failing to meet their social responsiblities because of their drinking. If you can't drink modreately, then don't drink at all and use whatever approach works for you. That's all I have to say.

I refrained from posting on that thread as I just don't believe anything good happens when we all start arguing. It took a lot of praying and tolerance to refrain.
These posts that keep cropping up that cause us all to argue do no good for any of us and I'm pretty sure the newcomer must think we are all a bunch of raving lunatics, not that we aren't.
I honestly thought about establishing a 2nd identity and telling my story to see if people would say I was a "real alcoholic" but didn't as I don't want to violate anybody's trust.
I know one thing I had a problem with alcohol and it was going to kill me if I didn't kill myself first as I was so confused, lonely, filled with self hate that I ceased to function like a marginally decent human being.
At the very expensive constant suggestion of a psychologist I finally went to AA. I listened for awhile and then started to do the suggested things. My life has never been the same since.
For that I am eternally grateful to God and the program and people of AA.
For God's sake people have we forgotten that we are here to help each other and the lost souls that wander in here?

Doesn't matter about the real or unreal alcoholic. To stay sober do the Steps.

It's good that you go to meetings. You can do the Steps, just start doing them and if you have a question, ask the board.

At your age I was exactly the type of user you describe yourself to be. Remember Alchoholism is a PROGRESSIVE illness, it will only get worse, if you can not quit on your own NOW then do go to AA. You have a long happy, productive life to live....live it sober! 24/7!!!

You obsess about drinking, give into obsession, drink, develop craving and never know how much you are going to drink and what is going to happen after you take that first drink. Can't stop even though you want to (ex. for 1day, 1 wk, 1yr). You're probably an alky and can define yourself however you want...just get some help. Some experience, strength and hope from others who have lived through it. Then begin to live life happy, joyous and free.

I am pretty sure that if there was a difference between a "real" alcoholic or an alcoholic then we would have "Real Alcoholics Anonymous." I think saying alcoholic is quite enough and is inclusive and not confusing to newcomers.

I really dont like that part in the book . I believe if your an alcoholic your an alcoholic.Why put presure on it. Anyway I did the 90 and 90 to it really helped i dodnt talk much my sponsor didnt want me to do anything but listen. The hardest thing for me to do at first was pick that 100lb phone and ask for help,but you do what you have to do ta stay sober. Ok why a temp sponsor? That is kinda like doing AA half way . Go all the way get a real sponsor!!!!!!!!!

Meetings help but they do not keep us sober, only the 12 Step programme and a spiritual awakening can do that IF you are a "real" alcoholic. The sooner you begin your 12 Step programme with a sponsor the sooner you recover.

If you can stay sober with meetings, no problem. If you are a "real" alcoholic as described in the Big Book the 12 Step programme is essential, not optional. That is the very fact why the distinction is made. To help save the lives of those who keep relapsing. It is not made to annoy people!

Angie don't let our discussion confuse you. If you have a loss of control over alcohol then you are a "real alcoholic" . This one program works and works well , if you work it as you appear to be learning to do.
We may have differences of opinion yet this one program keeps us sober ansd it can work for you to.
Sorry for the confusion
Joel

Berry, in answer to your temporary sponsor question, a temporary sponsor is far better than no sponsor. A sponsor's real purpose is to guide you through the 12 Step programme, 90 meetings in 90 days is not a part of that. All it does is ensure that you hear other people sharing and keeps you in a routine of contact with AA.