tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54917955076436742332024-02-21T02:53:07.315+00:00aacultwatchaacultwatch has been set up by members of Alcoholics Anonymous who are concerned about the development of a movement in the Fellowship that we refer to as a cult.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1747125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-72126719388871491472021-10-03T08:21:00.000+01:002021-10-03T08:21:49.250+01:00A Newcomers (Survival) Guide to Alcoholics Anonymous<br />
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Firstly
…....<b>DON'T PANIC!</b> Most AA meetings are still safe to be
around, and most AA members only want to help you.... because helping
you helps them as well. So everyone's a winner! BUT.... and there's
always a BUT.....there are people associated with AA who aren't very
well, and have quite a different agenda. This article is intended to
help you spot these pitfalls and avoid them. Otherwise enjoy the
journey!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Membership
of AA</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
are a member of AA when you say you are. You don't have to prove to
anyone that you have a desire to stop drinking - or that you
“qualify” for membership in any way - or present a doctor's
certificate - or swear an affidavit or even fill in a form. You
decide …. end of! Similarly if you don't want to be a member of AA
any more? Guess what! It's your choice. If you say you're not a
member of AA then you're not a member of AA. Couldn't be simpler
could it!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meetings</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
can attend any AA meeting you like (anywhere in the world) and go to
as few or as many as you wish – or even none at all. It's your
choice and no one else's. If a group places ANY restriction on you
attending a (closed) meeting (other than the fact that you meet the
self-determined membership requirement) then it's NOT AN AA MEETING.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Speaking
(“sharing”) at AA meetings</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Any
member of AA can speak at an AA meeting (but one at a time –
otherwise it's gets a bit messy!). No one can censor what you say
(other than according to the criminal law of the country). You can
speak if you're one hour sober or a lifetime off the booze. That's
your choice – and no one else's! There are no qualifications for
“sharing” eg. you do not need to have 'done' the programme,
reached a certain step, have a sponsor etc in order to talk about
your experiences. And of course if you don't want to say a word you
don't have to. That's your business.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Money</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
can make a contribution to help pay for the expenses of running the
meeting and maybe towards other costs incurred by AA in “carrying
the message”. e.g. general service office, telephone service etc.
Or then again maybe you don't feel like giving – in which case you
don't have to. That's your choice. But at least don't take any money
OUT of the pot!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Service</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
can help out at meetings right from the start. But if you don't want
to and would rather just sit and listen (and share maybe) then you
can do that as well. Remember – that is YOUR choice! And no one
else's.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
programme</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Generally
this refers to Alcoholics Anonymous “suggested” 12 Step
programme. “Suggested” means advised. You may elect to follow
this advice. On the other hand you may not. Either way this is your
choice and …. NO ONE ELSE'S!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Experts</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
AA there are no 'experts', 'authorities' or 'bosses'. There are,
however, people who think they are! Study guides, work sheets etc
are entirely dispensable (including ours!) and none are provided by
AA. Circuit speakers, “personalities” (for want of a better
word) and gurus are merely the modern day equivalent of 'snake oil
purveyors'. If what they promise sounds too good to be true …
guess what! It probably is. Remember! While they're busy lecturing
the rest of us are just getting on with our lives. Beware of the
slick sales pitch because that's precisely what it is! All that glitters is not
gold! Or maybe it's just fool's gold! So why buy it!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sponsorship
(see <a href="http://www.aa.org/pdf/products/p-15_Q&AonSpon.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> for some ideas on the subject)</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
isn't essential or even necessary for recovery, and no sponsorship is
certainly better than bad sponsorship – and there's plenty of that
around. If you've stopped drinking and you're getting some insight
into your alcohol problem (and some possible solutions) then you're
ALREADY ON THE PROGRAMME... and you don't need confirmation from
anybody else as to whether you are or you aren't! Don't be in a
rush. You've got your whole life to get well and it's better to lay
sure foundations now than rush ahead only to have to retrace your
steps later. Again if anyone claims they can show you the way to
overnight success then remember what we said about it sounding too
good to be true. It is! </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
you do decide you want a sponsor (and that's your choice not theirs)
then here are some things to look out for:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
someone offers to sponsor you (temporary or otherwise) they may have
good intentions … or then again they may be control freaks looking
for another victim. If in doubt DON'T take up the offer. Take your
time and when you have got to know someone (and are confident they
are NOT A CONTROL FREAK) then YOU MAY choose to ask them. Take the
initiative and remain in control. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't
give your phone number out to anyone who asks. They may offer their
number to you – that's up to them. Again wait until you've got to
know somebody before handing over this information. You have the
right to privacy.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">If,
having got a sponsor, you find that they are trying to control any
aspect of your life eg. relationships, medical treatment (including
medication), therapy (eg. counselling), finances, relationships
(sexual or otherwise), employment, dress code (No! We're not kidding
here!), which meetings you attend, what time you contact them etc
then you have by definition lumbered yourself with a control freak.
This is not sponsorship. This is someone playing God! Again …
DON'T PANIC – unlumber yourself forthwith... and then it's back to
the drawing board! Don't blame yourself for the decision. Put it
down to experience and move on.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
same guidelines apply with groups. Most AA meetings are run by
members who are there simply to help. They will share their
experience, strength and hope with you but the rest is your
responsibility. But some meetings are run by groups of people (we
call them cults) who want to run your life. Don't let them. Again
don't be fooled by appearances. Some of these operations are quite
slick and appear impressive. But again … look out for fool's
gold. The fake stuff gleams just as prettily but just try and cash
it in! </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">REMEMBER:–
</span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
DON'T have to put up with bullying! You're worth more than that</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
DON'T need your life run for you by someone else. That's YOUR
responsibility</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
have the RIGHT to THINK FOR YOURSELF. Don't let anyone try and
undermine that</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">You
have the RIGHT to FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION – don't let anyone try and
stifle that</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Your
HIGHER POWER is your choice – no one else's</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's
YOUR PROGRAMME OF RECOVERY that counts! Not theirs!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
finally - we did not escape the tyranny of alcoholism simply to be
subjugated by another alcoholic. Freedom is the magic word! </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
fun! (and that IS a suggestion!)</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheerio</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-39852352635801782782021-05-27T14:54:00.008+01:002021-05-27T14:59:13.590+01:00DUAL DIAGNOSIS ANONYMOUS (UK)<p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>Dual Diagnosis Anonymous:</b></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Dual
Diagnosis Anonymous is a fellowship of persons who share their
experiences, strengths, weaknesses, feelings, fears, and hopes with one
another to resolve our
dual diagnosis, and/or learn to live at peace with unresolved problems.
The only requirement for membership in DDA is a desire to develop
healthy addiction-free lifestyles.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>DDA
is run by a core group of members who have all experienced mental
health/substance misuse/dependency issues. We are a self-help/peer
support fellowship that
support each other to manage our mental health symptoms, address our
substance misuse/addiction issues, and move towards fulfilling lives in
recovery!</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Dual
Diagnosis Anonymous has but one primary purpose: to carry its message
of hope and recovery to those who still suffer from the effects of a
dual diagnosis. We
are founded upon the understanding that our recovery is predicated upon
hope.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>DDA
runs regular online and in-person peer support meetings (by trained
facilitators) for people who have co-occurring dependency and mental
health issues. We run
a ‘12 + 5 Step’ recovery programme. Not only that but we offer
phoneline support, a WhatsApp group and regular social events that
promote fun in recovery!</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b>DDA’s website address:</b></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>
</span></span></span><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><a href="https://www.ddauk.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><b>https://www.ddauk.org</b></a></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b> </b></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Note: We neither endorse nor oppose the above organisation</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-91931115489493016792020-10-13T08:00:00.002+01:002020-10-13T08:00:29.244+01:00Joys of Recovery?<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://aaforagnostics.com/blog/healthy-sponsorship-boundaries-in-aa/" target="_blank">Healthy sponsorship boundaries</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Note: We neither endorse nor oppose the above organisation</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-53368142978447879432020-10-07T08:07:00.002+01:002020-10-07T08:12:13.151+01:00Newbury (Berkshire) UK meetings<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Worrying stuff! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Two meetings to avoid, both in West Berkshire:<br /><br />MIDWEEK RECOVERY MEETING,<br />BISHOPS GREEN.<br />Wednesday 6.30pm<br />Bishops Green Village Hall,<br />Beech Road,<br />Bishop’s Green,<br />North Sydmonton,<br />Newbury,<br />RG20 4AD<br /> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>FRIDAY TABLEMATE<br />Portal Hall,<br />Burghclere,<br />Church Lane,<br />RG20 9HX. Doors open at 6.30pm. Meeting from 7pm to 8.15pm. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Former and current attendees/members of both meetings are reporting the following practices:<br /><br /><br /> Strong prohibitions against using medication of any kind, including those prescribed by medical doctors for depression and other mental illness. <br /> Strong prohibitions against the use of NHS and private counselling for issues which are not related to alcoholism.<br /><br /> Telling people how to conduct their relationships with their partners and in some cases, ordering people to break up with their partners. <br /><br /> Telling people that the Steps protect from COVID 19 transmission and visiting each others’ homes during lockdown without any protective masks or gloves.<br /> Telling newcomers in particular that people in service in AA re exempt from both the Rule of Six and the Maximum of 15 rule. This exposes newcomers to a potential fine and criminal record.<br /><br /> There is a very strong link with a local religious sect with fairly extreme views on matters which are not related to AA at all. A small number of people “at the top” of both meetings attend some sort of religious meeting weekly or twice weekly where some pretty extreme views are preached. Newcomers who are “strong enough” are encouraged to begin attending this religious group in addition to the two named AA meetings and in some cases, break off contact with some or most family members.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>Thanks to our contributor</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>The Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span><br /></p><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-50415488346059908482020-01-14T08:15:00.000+00:002020-01-14T08:33:17.976+00:00Narcissists - AA's got some - and a lot of them become cult sponsors. How to deal with them!<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="638" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WtsPc3w9XU" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And of course there's
always the “walk away” option!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheers</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Fellas (<b>Friends
of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-34155040043386754992019-11-11T12:17:00.000+00:002019-12-17T14:08:23.333+00:00Drunk with power: Inside a rogue Syracuse AA group<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">
</h1>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">
</h1>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">
</h1>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">
</h1>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="615" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ou48pvM9VSk" width="500"></iframe></h1>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">
</h1>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
This group exemplifies the kind of conduct characteristic of a cult
(although standing at the more extreme end of the spectrum). However
plenty of other examples can be found within AA where groups are
personality driven (usually by individuals exhibiting narcissistic
traits), micro-managed and displaying exploitative and abusive
conduct mostly directed at newcomers. Such conduct (and groups)
should not be tolerated</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheerio</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-73187941452045902212019-10-28T07:19:00.000+00:002019-10-28T07:19:15.056+00:00AA's Ultraconservatives Invade the Middle East
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We quote:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">As a
newcomer in Alcoholics Anonymous back in the 90’s, I remember being
on the lookout for anything that I thought was even remotely
cult-ish. I thought if I spotted something, it might just be my ‘get
out of AA free card.’ While I needed to get my <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=court+mandated" target="_blank">court card</a> signed
and may have even wanted to learn how to control and enjoy my
drinking, I sure as hell didn’t want to join a cult or find God. So
at the beginning of the meeting when they read the Twelve Traditions
and everyone chanted in unison ‘<i><a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-aa-preamble-contd.html" target="_blank">principles before personalities</a>’</i>
I thought, WTF have I gotten myself into?! The chanting and the
holding of hands at the end when the serenity prayer was recited in
unison seemed like something straight out of the Jonestown Massacre. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After six
more years of hard drinking and sixteen years of sobriety after that
(weekends and holidays included) I now realize that our Traditions
are actually what prevent us from becoming a cult and that they have
actually kept us from going the way of the long defunct
<a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search/label/Washingtonians" target="_blank">Washingtonians</a> and the <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-oxford-groups-how-it-doesnt-work.html" target="_blank">Oxford Group</a>. So when I heard about the
cult-like activities happening here in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation
Council) countries and about how our Traditions were being routinely
and systematically violated, I was shocked. If I had even heard
rumors about what is currently happening in the Fellowship back then,
when I was a newcomer, I would have used it as a ‘get out of AA
free card’ for sure. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like other
extremists, the ultra-orthodox among us pine for a time when the
ideals that set our spiritual movement in motion were ‘<a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/2015/08/greshams-law-and-alcoholics-anonymous.html" target="_blank">pure</a>.’
They want to ‘get back to basics’ by working the AA program in
the way they believe it was before it became ‘corrupted’ and
‘diluted’ by <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/2014/03/aa-conference-questions-2014-contd_20.html" target="_blank">Hazelden</a> Treatment Centers, self-help books and new
age philosophy. Like all zealots, the leaders of these groups in AA
claim a lineage to the founding members which they say makes their
way, the only true path to salvation.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now,
thanks to a host of workshops and local proselytes in the Persian
Gulf who preach a lock-step interpretation of the AA doctrine, this
form of spiritual extremism has been brought to the Middle East, a
corner of the world all to familiar with those of their ilk. What’s
sadly ironic is that while these hardliners from the <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Pacific+Group" target="_blank">Pacific</a> &
<a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Atlantic" target="_blank">Atlantic</a> Groups in our midst long to get ‘back to basics’ and
consider themselves a ‘By The Book Group,’ they have actually
pushed aside one of our main textbooks, The Twelve Steps & Twelve
Traditions, in order to do so. They are violating, in both letter and
spirit, most of our Traditions including One, Two, Five, Eight, Ten,
Eleven and Twelve. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
One states that our common welfare should come first; personal
recovery depends on AA unity. While their intentions may be good,
these fanatics are destroying the most cherished quality our society
has - unity. They are doing this by differentiating themselves from
what they call ‘mainstream AA’ or ‘AA Lite.’ While most of
us identity ourselves as ‘alcoholics’ or ‘recovering
alcoholics’ they are, on the other hand, self-professed ‘recovered
alcoholics.’ They are ‘recovered’ because unlike the rest of us
who are just recovering, they are actually working the program as it
was supposed to be worked, like they did back in 1935 (or even
pre-Big Book) when it was ‘pure.’ This creates an ‘us’ versus
‘them’ dynamic that gives these sponsorship cult members a false
sense of spiritual superiority, of ‘better than’ recovery that is
splitting our Fellowship apart. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
Two states that for our group purpose there is but one ultimate
authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our group
conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
Within these extremist groups in AA, sponsors govern the lives of
their sponsees. If obligations are not met, calls not made at exact
times or detailed, daily inventories not delivered into inboxes when
they should be, there are punishments to be doled out, usually in the
form of the sponsee not being able to proceed with the step he is on
or not allowing him to move on to the next step, a sort of spiritual
blackmail that governs their lives by their ultimate authority -
their sponsor. Sponsors in other Fellowships such as NA are also
strictly forbidden. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
FIve states that each group has but one primary purpose - to carry
its message to the alcoholic who still suffers. These ‘<a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search/label/Back%20to%20Basics" target="_blank">back to basics</a>’ groups in AA violate this tradition by insisting that their
sponsees buy workbooks that are not conference approved literature.
The workbooks, may not be photocopied nor may they be passed on to
another alcoholic. All sales proceeds go to their maker, not to AA
as a whole. Carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers
does not mean selling it to him for profit. Nor does it mean
targeting newcomers, the most psychologically vulnerable of all which
is what one ‘by the book’ group is doing in a major metropolitan
area by falsely advertising their praetorian gatherings as beginner
meetings (the only two such meetings listed for this particular
area). </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
Eight states that Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever
non-professional but our service centers may employ special workers.
These splinter groups within AA seem to have forgotten the ancient
words used in this tradition, ‘freely ye have received, freely
give’ and that ‘at the point of professionalism, money and
spirituality do not mix.’ Leaders of these fundamentalist groups
often set up foundations with slightly modified AA symbols on them to
hoodwink the unsuspecting and channel profits from the sale of their
workbooks, personal programs (and even an AA board game in the case
of <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Wayne+B" target="_blank">Wayne B</a>.) into their pockets. They fly around the world, all
expenses paid on the AA speaker circuit - famous in their anonymity.
In so professionalizing the 12th Step, they have defeated our
singleness of purpose, opting instead to exploit the AA name for
personal prestige, power and money. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
Ten states that Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside
issues; hence the AA name out never be drawn into public controversy.
These sponsorship cults seem to have forgotten the fate of the
Washingtonians, a precursor to AA. While they once had a membership
of over 100,000, their opinions on outside issues destroyed them. In
much the same way, these sepratist groups in AA have an opinion on a
variety of outside issues that range from the very dangerous practice
of non-medical personnel restricting the use of antidepressants and
other prescribed medications for members who suffer from mental
illness to policing the use of profanity and even telling sponsees
how they ought to dress. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
Eleven states that our public relations policy is based on attraction
rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at
the level of press, radio and films. Leaders of these sponsorship
cults are heavy self-promoters with their own websites, foundations
and self-help books. The essence of this tradition is self-denial,
not self aggrandisement as practiced by those on the AA speaker
circuit selling their own version of recovery. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tradition
Twelve states that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our
traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before
personalities. These AA gurus lead cults of personality that
routinely break anonymity by using their first and last names at
meeting level. While only using their first names and last initials
at the level of press, radio, films and on social media, they have
nevertheless become household names in AA and in the case of Clancy
I., Wayne B. and <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Wally+P" target="_blank">Wally P</a>. deity like figures within the Fellowship.
Like all cult leaders they demand absolute submission and compliance
to their dogma. Any resistance is dismissed as self-will which will
inevitably doom the one rebelling to surely drink again. These
practices are the antithesis of Tradition Twelve. Just as we couldn’t
afford to have any self-appointed messiahs representing AA when the
Twelve Traditions were written in 1952, nor can we afford to have
them with us today.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Therefore,
for the sake of unity and for our own collective survival, groups
that violate <i>any </i>of the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics
Anonymous in word or in spirit should not be associated or linked
with those who do not. Any use of the AA name, logo or listing on an
AA website should be banned by those breaking the Traditions that
bind us together.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
All sounds VERY familiar</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our thanks
to our correspondent</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas
(<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>) </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Suggested reading: <a href="https://aaminority.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://aaminority.blogspot.com/</a></span></span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-1889730238114946872019-10-11T07:23:00.000+01:002019-10-11T12:17:42.117+01:00Questions and Answers on Sponsorship<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Having
given the <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/the-aa-preamble-contd.html" target="_blank">AA preamble</a> the 'once over' recently we thought we'd apply the same
approach to the booklet “<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0cW38yqky8ucm4wdmVtRFphcU0/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Questions and Answers on Sponsorship</a>”. This piece of AA (<a href="http://www.aa.org/en_pdfs/smf-29_en.pdf" target="_blank">conference approved</a>) literature as you can see is available free online (as
is most of our literature with the exception of various books (but
see the “Big Book” (“<a href="http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_tableofcnt.cfm" target="_blank">Alcoholics Anonymous</a>”) and the <a href="http://www.aa.org/twelveandtwelve/en_tableofcnt.cfm" target="_blank">12 Steps and 12 Traditions</a>).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sponsorship
means many things to many people. Generally it has a benign impact
but in the hands of the cult it has become a weapon of control,
widely abused, and barely recognisable when compared with its
exposition in AA literature (eg. “Alcoholics Anonymous” Chapter
Seven - <a href="http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_bigbook_chapt7.pdf" target="_blank">Working With Others,</a> the above booklet etc). It's interesting to note
that those groups (<a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Roadies" target="_blank">Roadies</a>,
<a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Joys+of+Recovery" target="_blank">Joys of Recovery</a>, <a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=d632e582d3f9f953&resid=D632E582D3F9F953!128&parid=D632E582D3F9F953!107&authkey=!APx6OV99yW9hcIQ" target="_blank">Back to Basics, Primary Purpose</a> blah blah blah) who lay such stress
(ad nauseam) on the benefits (even necessity) of sponsorship (or some
kind of recovery 'expert') rarely if ever make reference to these
texts (eg. <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Joe+and+Charlie" target="_blank">Joe and Charlie</a> in their so-called Big Book study virtually ignore
the above chapter from the Big Book). The reasons why become clear
when you contrast their approach with those recommended by AA
generally. Fortunately anyone conversant with the relevant sections
can easily avoid falling into the trap of being stuck with a cult
control freak (and the nightmare that generally follows from such
associations!), or, once “armed with the facts”, can extricate
themselves without too much difficulty from the unwholesome clutches
of these warped individuals. At this point we'd like to draw your
attention to some important principles: <a href="http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_bigbook_chapt5.pdf" target="_blank">Step Three</a>; two of the three “pertinent ideas” b) and c) (BB,
Chapter Five); <a href="http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_appendicei.cfm" target="_blank">Tradition 12</a> (as well as the section discussing Step Three in the Big
Book):</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Step 3:
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of
God as we understood Him.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Note: This
step does NOT say “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives
over the care of <b>our sponsor</b>.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again in
Chapter Five, How It Works (online edition, p. 60):</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">(b)
That probably <b>no human power</b> could have relieved our
alcoholism;</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(c)
<b>That God could and would</b> if He were sought.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(our
emphases)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ie. “no
human power” (including a sponsor) is going to sort this problem
out. On the contrary it will require the intervention of a Greater
Power (howsoever this may be conceived) to produce the required
results. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_appendicei.cfm" target="_blank">Tradition 12</a>:</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Twelve—Anonymity
is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, </i><i><b>ever
reminding us to place principles before personalities</b></i><i>.”</i>
(short form)</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">12.—And
finally, we of Alcoholics Anonymous believe that the principle of
anonymity has an immense spiritual significance.<b> It reminds us
that we are to place principles before personalities</b>; that we are
actually to practice a genuine humility. This to the end that our
great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in
thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.” (long
form)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(our
emphases)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again the
principles of the fellowship and recovery programme are of far
greater significance than any personal (and therefore necessarily
partial) interpretation offered by the local 'guru', 'super sober',
circuit speaker, Big Book 'expert' etc. Each member of AA is
responsible for their OWN recovery and for no one else's. We repeat
– no sponsor is going to fix you. Your recovery is dependent on you
and your own conception of a Power greater than yourself.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally if
you take a couple of minutes to read Step Three in the Big Book
(Chapter Five, pp. 60-62) you will find a perfect description of a
control freak in action</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since the
booklet itself is some 32 pages long (and we're more than
enthusiastic advocates of “Easy Does It” and “First Things
First”!) we'll be dissecting it in easy stages over the next few
weeks (commencing tomorrow).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas
(<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-29438958031078945782019-09-30T05:36:00.000+01:002019-09-30T07:12:14.718+01:00aaminority<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A new
website (<a href="https://aaminority.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">aaminority</a>)
has been set up devoted to publicising the AA Minority Report. All
relevant links on our site now point you in that direction. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb5jsc9lnzhFKBWJVIs13RmAU8BlLAhPnjadAMLf2KwmIKFXRUbaebmFqNVhkAxgwx0zebYM8rM_UVbBW03C91_sJHH3orNWVTRMcB2L8dfr4FCMk7lRaYhZLafpVlZ0W329lBkE-Ux1Q/s1600/aaminority.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="969" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxb5jsc9lnzhFKBWJVIs13RmAU8BlLAhPnjadAMLf2KwmIKFXRUbaebmFqNVhkAxgwx0zebYM8rM_UVbBW03C91_sJHH3orNWVTRMcB2L8dfr4FCMk7lRaYhZLafpVlZ0W329lBkE-Ux1Q/s320/aaminority.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
recommend that any and all AA members concerned about the future of
our fellowship (and its increasingly parlous state) study the report
and reflect on its implications for the future … and then hopefully
take the necessary ACTION!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas
(<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-1326891043766406232019-09-18T12:45:00.001+01:002019-09-18T12:53:59.305+01:00Protection from Harassment Act 1997<br />
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en">Should
you have the misfortune to be thrust into contact with someone who
can't take a hint or even a direct request to desist in their
attentions eg. sundry control freaks, cult sponsors (same thing) etc
then this piece of legislation might come in handy. This law “was
always intended to tackle stalking, but the offences were drafted to
tackle any form of persistent conduct which causes another person
alarm or distress." (Home Office guidance):</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_from_Harassment_Act_1997" target="_blank">Protection from Harassment Act 1997</a> </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en">Cheers
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="en">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>) </span></span></span></span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-84492843285092544432019-09-06T14:49:00.002+01:002019-09-06T14:50:49.934+01:00Safeguarding Standards in AA Fellowship: June 2018<br />
<a href="https://alcoholics-anonymous.eu/safeguarding-standards/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Safeguarding Standards in AA Fellowship: June 2018</span></span></a><br />
<div class="western">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
Good as far as it goes but insufficient to deal with
institutionalised abuse in the case of cult groups. Moreover there
are criminal (and civil) legal remedies for offences such as
harassment and stalking. We will go into these in more detail in
future posts </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-81402855551562994052019-08-26T08:33:00.000+01:002019-09-06T14:58:24.367+01:00Complaints procedures:Smart Recovery UK and Alcoholics Anonymous – compare and contrast<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.5cm;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.smartrecovery.org.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Smart
Recovery UK</b></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
(complaints procedure)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
their site :</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"<a href="https://smartrecovery.org.uk/about-our-organisation/" target="_blank">Complaints</a> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UK
SMART Recovery is committed to our meetings being safe, supportive
and as effective as possible. We train and support meeting
Facilitators and provide a range of materials to keep things on
track, though as with any organisation, things can go wrong. This
page describes how we handle concerns or complaints about any SMART
Recovery meeting, volunteer or member of staff.</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Informal
Complaints</span></span></span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For
minor grievances not related to safety or serious breaches of the
Facilitators code of conduct, we would like to encourage a culture of
informal problem solving. Most differences of opinion, mistakes or
failings do not need to be taken through a complaint procedure, so we
urge common sense and talking things through if no one is at risk of
harm.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If the
complaint is related to a particular meeting, please talk to the
meeting Facilitator and explain the problem. If possible, point to
the specific part of the meeting structure, code of conduct or
failure to follow the SMART meeting model that is of concern.
Facilitators need and deserve feedback and often this will make the
difference you seek. If the meeting is under the Partnership scheme
it would be appropriate to speak to Champions / staff of the host
agency.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
this does not achieve the result you want, you could contact the
Volunteer Regional Coordinator. These do not exist in every area yet,
but it is worth checking the ‘Meet the Team’ section of the
website. If there is no Volunteer Regional Coordinator or the matter
is a little more complicated, you could talk to the National
Coordinator (for England, Scotland or Wales). All these volunteers
and staff will help you try to resolve problems and improve SMART
Recovery.</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Formal
complaints</span></span></span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stage
1</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you
are unable to resolve the issue informally or it is a serious issue,
you should contact <a href="https://smartrecovery.org.uk/contact-us/" target="_blank">Central Office</a> and address your complaint to The Executive Director.
In your letter you should set out the details of your complaint, the
consequences for you as a result, and what you would like to see
happen. You can expect your complaint to be acknowledged within
5 working days of receipt. You should get a response and an
explanation within 15 working days.</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stage
2</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you
are not satisfied with the initial response to the complaint then you
can write to the member of the Board of Trustees who has a lead
responsibility to handle complaints, indicating you would like the
issue to be reviewed. You can expect the Board member to acknowledge
your request within 5 working days of receipt and a response within
15 workings days.</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stage
3</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you
are not satisfied with the subsequent reply from nominated Board
member, then you have the option of writing to the Chair of the Board
of Trustees stating the reason why you are dissatisfied with the
outcome. You must do this within 10 days of receiving the written
response from the Board member.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Chair will, as he or she sees fit, discuss this with the entire Board
and respond normally within 10 working days to inform you of the
action which will be taken to investigate your complaint, and when
you can expect to hear the outcome of the investigation.</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Timescales</span></span></span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We aim
is to resolve all matters as quickly as possible. However, inevitably
some issues will be more complex and therefore may require longer to
be fully investigated. Consequently, timescales given for handling
and responding to complaints are indicative. If a matter requires
more detailed investigation, you will receive an interim response
describing what is being done to deal with the matter, and when a
full reply can be expected and from whom.</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Special
cases</span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
the complaint is about the actions of the Director of UK SMART
Recovery, skip stage one and go straight to the nominated Board
member as described in stage 2. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
the complaint is about a Board member, skip stages 1 and 2 – go
straight to the Chair of the Board. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #666666;">If
the complaint is about the Chair, the entire Board or the overall
behaviour of the charity (such as breaching charity rules), you
should complain to the Chair. Optionally, you could also complain to
the charity in the US, which gives the UK charity permission to use
and develop SMART Recovery in this country,
<a href="http://www.smartrecovery.org/" target="_blank">http://www.smartrecovery.org"</a></span>
</span></span>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/" target="_blank">Alcoholics
Anonymous Great Britain</a> (complaints procedure)</span></span></span></h1>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wait
for it......</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wait
for it …....</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
is none... </span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Certainly
the General Service Office (York) operates no such system... nor to
the best of our knowledge does a single intergroup throughout the
entire country. Some individual groups, however, do more actively
apply the ever increasing volume of guidelines relating to bullying,
abuse, sexual predation etc.. but these are few and far between...
Otherwise the remainder just operate autonomously … or to put it
another way … <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_City,_Kansas" target="_blank">Dodge
City</a> style..... (especially cult groups who use <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tradition%20Four" target="_blank">Tradition
Four</a> as a licence to engage in pretty well any abuse they feel
like … <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Plymouth+Road+to+Recovery" target="_blank">sexual
predation</a>, larceny..... stuff like that). </span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the absence of any kind of effective protection in AA what recourse
might there be for anyone who feels they have been the victim of this
kind of abuse? Under English law a “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_of_care_in_English_law" target="_blank">duty
of care</a>” exists between individuals. If the various tests are
satisfied there may be a basis for legal action against the
perpetrator. Moreover (and perhaps more importantly) where an
individual has been referred to AA (or even required to attend) by an
outside agency (eg. health trust, GP, probation service, employer
etc) and where as a consequence an individual feels that he or she
has been subjected to any form of abuse legal proceedings may be
instituted against the relevant service. Finally the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_from_Harassment_Act_1997" target="_blank">Protection
from Harassment Act 1997</a> affords some further protection:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Section
1 “prohibits a person from pursuing "a course of conduct"
which "amounts to harassment of another" and which "he
knows or ought to know amounts to harassment of the other". A
person is taken to know that conduct is harassment if "a
reasonable person in possession of the same information would think
the course of conduct amounted to harassment of the other".”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the meantime faced with such a disparity between the two
organisations in terms of the measures they have adopted to ensure
the security of their attendees we find it hard to conceive anyone
would opt for (or be referred by any professional agency being aware
of the duty of care it owes its clients) AA under these
circumstances.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-91457438908415789162019-08-21T06:29:00.003+01:002019-08-21T06:37:58.922+01:00A truly DEMOCRATIC intergroup<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We quote:</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Hi Fellas, Good to
see you back in action again! Don't know if my Intergroup's
experience could be of help to any other out there who maybe
suffering from an infestation of 'roads-to-untreated-alcoholism', or
any other of the Oxford Group's manifestations.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When our IG was set up
a few years ago we learnt from our neighbours who, over many years
suffered from a cyclical takeover by one particular Group. They
managed this by filling every officer position in the IG, so when we
set up our IG we learnt from them (yes ANYTHING is possible in AA)
and made our structure that ONLY GSRs had a vote thus precluding any
one Group taking over the whole IG. The result has been a very
friendly workable IG”</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment: AA seems to be
suffering from inflation - inflation in the number of 'officers'
taking up positions in intergroups. The latter used to be able to
function with maybe half a dozen... but they're multiplying – and
each one has a vote. Moreover votes cast by IG officers (who vote
only according to their own individual conscience) have equal weight
to those cast by GSRs (who vote according to the conscience of their
groups – which may number dozens of members). This is an inequity
which should no longer be allowed to continue.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In our view the IG
above has shown the way forward. End voting rights for IG officers.
The latter should be regarded as a 'civil service' whose sole
function is to implement the decisions made by the GSRs who in turn
receive their INSTRUCTIONS from their group members. This is how AA
is SUPPOSED to function. The AA groups have PRIMACY in the AA service
structure. See below.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D85evG0nyj0iq821txEXw2UmBOo-Bgi_VQECWS3rTpfsA2EbExM7QkXPP0QuZU5nAbQzMaviUYBGdSpcEJssb-bg0J32cW1Qja2o4e7JGd41_ubq_1G8OUdOe-7v9pl5MO-joS2ll5jV/s1600/aagbstructure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D85evG0nyj0iq821txEXw2UmBOo-Bgi_VQECWS3rTpfsA2EbExM7QkXPP0QuZU5nAbQzMaviUYBGdSpcEJssb-bg0J32cW1Qja2o4e7JGd41_ubq_1G8OUdOe-7v9pl5MO-joS2ll5jV/s320/aagbstructure.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to our
correspondent</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas (<b>Friends
of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-91759209921492039092019-08-14T12:03:00.004+01:002019-08-14T12:09:04.048+01:00A. A. Recovery Outcome Rates<div class="western">
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">See
<a href="http://www.a-1associates.com/aa/INFO%20LIST/RecoveryRates.htm" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-655604549247661342019-08-08T06:22:00.000+01:002019-10-11T12:01:58.978+01:00Gresham's Law and Alcoholics Anonymous - a critique<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Gresham's
Law and Alcoholics Anonymous” was originally published in July 1976
in "24 Magazine" (author unknown), and subsequently updated
in 1993 by Tom P, Jnr.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(The essay
itself – henceforth abbreviated to GLAA - can be accessed via the
internet by putting the title in a search engine. There are a number
of versions available but they differ mostly in format rather than
content)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To
clarify: Gresham's Law states essentially that "Bad money drives
out good". In this context the “law” is cited to exemplify
the view (propagated mostly by the fundamentalist tendencies both
within and without AA, and including the Primary Purpose movement)
that Alcoholics Anonymous' programme (and its application) has
undergone a progressive weakening or dilution since the inception of
the Fellowship, and this has been accompanied necessarily by a
reduction in recovery rates. According to some sources this essay
serves as one of the crucial supports to that argument. We were
somewhat surprised, therefore, on reading the piece, to discover how
much of it was based on the author's opinion, and how little upon any
substantial evidence in support of its contentions. The few
references to any kind of statistical data are, as far as we can
discern, either unsupported by research (independent or otherwise) or
gross misrepresentations (or perhaps, more charitably,
misinterpretations) of these figures. As a work of speculation it has
little merit; as an analysis it has none. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Essentially the
essay purports to demonstrate a number of factors which apparently
“explain” why recovery rates (and quality of sobriety) are much
reduced since the origination of AA in 1935.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Firstly the
author asserts that in the early days of AA (ie. from its inception
but prior to the publication of the book Alcoholics Anonymous in
1939) “a more rigorous and demanding” programme was practised,
one largely derived from that of the Oxford Group, and which
consisted of their initial framework of six steps plus the Four
Absolutes. Moreover this approach placed a great deal more emphasis
on belief and reliance upon God (the last term to be interpreted
according to traditional orthodoxy since the Oxford Group was an
attempt to return to (as they understood them) fundamentalist
Christian principles), a practice which was intended to lead to a
“spiritual experience”.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Secondly,
that subsequently, the programme's presentation and application have
been progressively “diluted” and “secularised”, its
principles “sugar coated”, that it has translated from a
“directive” to a “suggestive” mode of emphasis, and ,
moreover, the expression “spiritual experience” has been replaced
by “spiritual awakening” as the primary objective - and
consequence - of implementing the 12 Steps, and all this due to a
shift within AA (by cause and effect) from the originally more
demanding approach to the present largely watered down version.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author
of GLAA further argues that AA practitioners may be characterised as
falling under three main categories: “strong”, “medium” and
“weak” (and also, by analogy, “strong-cup-of-tea”,
“medium-cup-of-tea”, or “weak-cup-of-tea” types). The
“strong” variety represents those who adhere most closely to the
programme in its 'original' form, and who place a greater emphasis on
implementing its principles. The “weak” type is characterised by
those who have substituted mere participation in the AA fellowship
(ie. meeting attendance) but this accompanied by little or no
application of its principles ie. the twelve Steps. Finally the
“medium” category falls somewhere between these two extremes (the
author also refers to the “weak” type as “COWD AA”
(“copped-out and watered-down AA")).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally -
and as a consequence - this “dilution” has resulted in falling
recovery rates, and even when these are sustained it is asserted the
quality of recovery, or “sobriety”, falls far short of what it
could be.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
should be commented here that the first clue as to the author's
flawed perspective, (and more revealing perhaps of his underlying
bias) lies in his use of the “cup-of-tea” analogy:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">By 1941
(which was the year my father, Tom P. Sr., came into the Fellowship)
it was possible to distinguish three variant practices of the AA
program, which we have labeled the strong-cup-of-tea,
medium-cup-of-tea and weak-cup-of-tea approaches.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He later
goes on to expand on these categories which may essentially be boiled
down to his own summary:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">There
are three ways to work the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. The
strong original way - proved powerfully and reliably effective over
fifty-eight years.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. A
medium way - not so strong, not so safe, not so sure, not so good,
but still effective.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
lastly,</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">3. A
weak way, which turns out to be really no way at all but literally a
heresy, a false teaching, a twisting and corruption of what the
founders of Alcoholics Anonymous clearly stated the program to be.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Firstly,
the notion that these “variant practices” may be reduced to a
comparison of “tea strengths” is dubious in itself. It cannot,
for example, be asserted that there is any particular inherent virtue
in whether tea be taken strong or weak; this is rather a matter of
taste. It follows therefore that what the author may actually be
illustrating in this presentation is not so much the efficacy of the
respective practice but rather a reflection of his own predilections
ie. his own tastes. Moreover, underlying his assumption that there
can be only one effective way to practice the programme (the
“strong-cup-of-tea” method) is the belief that every alcoholic
must necessarily be of the same temperament, of the same
constitution, at the same stage of the progression of the illness of
alcoholism, and of course, and somewhat trivially, inclined towards
the same tastes. This is quite patently a perspective at odds with
actuality. For example, and as a comparison, it may be that an
individual has a malign cancer. The condition may be labelled as a
type of cancer, it may manifest in one part of the body or another -
or many - and at varying degrees of development. No one is going to
suggest that the treatment administered is necessarily to be
identical for every patient. Rather the remedial action, where this
is possible, is applied according to what is requisite rather than
dependent merely on the inclination of the doctor, or at least we
hope so. These variations are, in part, acknowledged within the
author's “medium” category where the programme is practised with
some vigour - but in a somewhat selective style - and with the
caution that this practice may, over time, slip into the
“weak-cup-of-tea” category. He does not seem, however, to
consider the possibility (although this is implicit in his discussion
of the “medium” approach) that practitioners of the programme
might just as easily shift from “strong” to “weak” as in
reverse (assuming of course that everyone needs to apply the “strong”
or even “medium” approaches to remain sober in the first place).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However,
this aside, we will now consider the line of his argument:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is
uncontested that there was a gap between the origins of AA and the
publication of the basic text of our society, the book “Alcoholics
Anonymous”. Moreover it is accepted that the original format of the
programme derives from the Oxford Group (which is evident from the
structure and wording of their own six step framework). Additionally
his outline of the development of the Fellowship is non
controversial. However where we are inclined to part company is with
his subsequent interpretation of events leading to the “dilution”
of the AA message.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the
outset he argues that the Twelve Steps as they were formulated:
“contradict the secular psychological axiom that where the level of
performance is low, you must set a low level of aspiration in order
to gain a positive result in life”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Furthermore:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">According
to the secular psychological view, the only practical approach for
the early AA's to have taken would have been as follows: to put
together a program which aimed certainly no higher than alcohol
abstinence and a return to life as it had been in pre-alcoholic days,
to life as ordinary men and women of the world.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However,
these wild and woolly early AA's, these psychologically illiterate
off-scouring and rubbish of the world, these newly-sobered-up drunks,
set out to become totally committed men and women of God”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is
evident from the above quotes that the author sets little store by
ordinary psychological methods. This low valuation would seem to
revolve around the stated “psychological axiom” (an axiom, to
remind those of you who have forgotten, is a self evident truth, a
universally received principle, a postulate, an assumption). For our
part we are not aware of any such axiom nor do we consider the
statement above to incorporate anything within it which is at all
self evident. In fact it seems rather to be an expression of
prejudice more than anything else. At best it can be considered an
assumption, a simple speculation, but one as yet untested.
Additionally the idea that anyone within a social science would be
prepared to present such a statement as being “axiomatic”, when
even those within the “hard” sciences (their subject matter being
far more amenable to such generalisations) would hesitate to accord
to a “fact” such weight, seems to us entirely beyond what is
reasonably credible. Again we have to assume that this statement
itself represents nothing more than an assumption, or more simply, an
opinion. However, he goes on to argue (somewhat ironically), and in
contradistinction to this limited “secular” approach, that these
“newly-sobered-up drunks, set out to become totally committed men
and women of God”. This, of course, immediately begs the question:
If they were already sobered up then why was it necessary for them to
commit themselves to God, or, for that matter, do anything more than
they had already done? We have to assume, therefore, that this
preliminary “sobriety” comprised no more than mere physical
abstinence from alcohol, and did not meet all the other criteria
constituting what he later on describes as “permanent recovery”
(whatever that might be!) (It should be noted here that the term
“sober” or “sobriety” within AA is applied sometimes to refer
to physical abstinence, but also to the quality of life consequent
upon that. The first is relatively easy to assess; it is objectively
verifiable (or falsifiable). The latter, however, is rather a
question of “value”, and therefore, by definition, impossible to
“quantify”, other than indirectly, and by inference; we would
argue finally it is a wholly subjective “fact”).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His
argument proceeds in a similar ironical fashion, but now introducing
the notion that the authors of the Big Book would need to “sugar
coat” this pill if it were not to dissuade newcomers from accepting
this “God-centered,, psychological heretical....” and so forth.
Thereafter in his exposition the relevant passages are cited from the
book 'Alcoholics Anonymous' including that section from Chapter Five:
“Many of us exclaimed, “What an order....” through to “…..
We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.” It
is also proposed by the author of GLAA that Bill and Dr. Bob (the
co-founders of AA) further “sugar-coated” the pill by their
repeated use of the term “suggested” (and its variants)
throughout the basic text in order to avoid “frightening new
prospects”, and again an explanatory extract is presented from
Chapter Five: "Here are the steps we took, which are suggested
as a program of recovery" to support this argument.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However we
are now informed that:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">When
the Twelve Steps were first being formulated by Bill and Dr. Bob and
an editorial committee from Akron and New York - Bill, Dr. Bob and
the entire committee conceived of the Steps as instructions, not as
suggestions. When the idea of presenting the Steps as suggestions
came up, Bill for a long time flatly opposed it.” But finally - and
reluctantly - Bill agreed to the "suggestions" approach.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(It seems
curious from the above (and unexplained) that where there was such
apparent unanimity with respect to the “directive” approach out
of of nowhere apparently comes the “suggestive” mode, and it is
this latter which is subsequently adopted, though with some
misgivings – allegedly – on the part by Bill W).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author
then goes on to assert the language employed in the first part of
Chapter Five “would be utterly appropriate as a preamble to a set
of action directions, but is not as nearly as fitting as an
introduction to a group of suggestions.” He then goes on to quote
that section:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Rarely
have we seen a person …....... Here are the steps we took...”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">together
with his own emphases to exemplify this more “directive”
approach.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author
of GLAA then proceeds to give a brief account of the early expansion
of AA, and including the period when the Big Book was being written.
Apparently it was at this time, and then seemingly quite
spontaneously: “It suddenly became attractive, in a way it had not
been before when the fellowship was smaller and more intimate, to
ease up a bit on the idea that all the principles should be practised
all the time by all the members. More and more emphasis began to be
placed on the fact that the Steps were to be considered as
suggestions only. At this time, and through this set of
circumstances, the "cafeteria-style" - take-what-you-like-
and-leave-the-rest-out - approach to the Twelve Steps came into
practice.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And it
seemed to work. It turned out that many newcomers could get sober and
stay sober without anything like the full and intensive practice of
the whole program that had been considered a life-or-death necessity
in the early years. In fact alcoholics in significant numbers began
to demonstrate that they could stay off booze on no more than an
admission of powerlessness, some work with other alcoholics and
regular attendance at AA meetings.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is
not to say that all AAs began to take this very permissive approach
to the Twelve Steps. A great many continued to opt for the original,
full-program approach. But now for the first time the workability of
other, less rigorous approaches was established, and a tendency had
emerged which was to become more pronounced as time went on.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author
then outlines his categories, ie, strong, medium or weak AA.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In brief:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Strong –
a thorough going and continuing implementation of the 12 Step
programme in its entirety. ie. “Strong AA was the original,
undiluted dosage of the spiritual principles.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Medium –
commencing perhaps with some verve, but subsequently employing an
abridged version of the Steps, and generally easing up “....(due to
encroachment of business engagements, social activities and other
baggage that went along with the return to normal life in the
workaday world).”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weak –
missing out “big chunks of the program totally and permanently.
Their approach could be summarised as: "All you need to do to
stay sober is go to meetings and stay away from the first drink".</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Moreover,</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">....weak
AAs who were successful in staying sober were pretty faithful
meeting-goers. Since they were doing so little with the principles,
their sobriety and their survival depended more exclusively than did
those of the strong and medium AAs on constant exposure to the people
of AA.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He then
goes on to argue that the medium approach is of some value, as a kind
of springboard for the more “reluctant beginners”, but
additionally that this can lead to “sliding back into weak AA”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Weak AA
has none of the redeeming features of medium AA. Weak AA is clearly
at odds with the program as outlined in the Big Book. Weak AAs bases
itself on a flat and un-negotiable refusal to work with vital
recovery principles. Weak AA cops out and stays copped out on most of
the Twelve Steps. Weak AA waters down the program to the point where
there really is no program. A more accurate term than "weak AA"
would be "copped-out and watered-down AA" - COWD AA for
short.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now the
author wades into even deeper speculations:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">According
to his interpretation “COWD” AA has, over time, come to displace
strong AA and its message. He proceeds to account for this tendency
by the increasingly confident and strident approach of the COWD
adherents, and upon the “more relaxed and tolerant, less strident,
less defensive,” strong AA adherents. Gradually “weak AA”
became the 'in' thing, and “strong AA came to be regarded - not
universally, but widely - as a bit stodgy and a bit passé.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Annoyingly,
or so it would seem, the adherents of the weak version of AA were
able to remain sober, and this despite the “....introduction to the
Twelve Steps”, where it is stated, “we thought we could find an
easier, softer way, but could not”, which “was an unequivocal
assertion that it was necessary to practice all the Steps.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now we
have reached 1993, and according to the author “precious few AAs
continue to attempt seriously and consistently to do these things on
a daily basis - not after their first months of sobriety in the
Fellowship.”; “weak” or “COWD AA” is the order of the day.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But then
the surprise. After an earlier claim, that “many” weak AA
adherents are getting (and staying) sober, it now appears that this
is no longer the case: “weak AA, in very many cases, really doesn’t
work. Weak AA brings about a far less profound life alteration than
strong AA does. In many cases, the change which weak AA produces is
not enough to crack the alcoholic pattern, and results in an apparent
recovery which does not last but sooner or later eventuates in a
relapse into drinking. And in many cases where weak AA does succeed
in producing lasting sobriety, these weakly sober AAs peter out into
lives of depression, anxiety, bitter resentment and real despair,
just like nearly all the other merely dried-out drunks in history.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The above
quote exemplifies the two (interrelated) interpretations of what
constitutes sobriety, and moreover the manner in which the author of
GLAA shifts from one to the other as the mood (and his argument)
takes him. On one hand we have “sober” as in simple, physical
abstinence, and on the other “sober” signifying a certain quality
of life but contingent upon that physical abstinence. Moreover, there
is no real precision advanced here for what constitutes the “many
cases” in the above quote. We have to assume that it means a
minority for otherwise the term should be replaced by “most” ie.
as in “a majority”. But how large is this minority? If it is a
small minority then surely this cannot be used as a support for the
argument ie. the smaller the minority the less statistically valid
that sample becomes. But no figures, not even approximations, are
offered to support this assertion. We have to assume that if there
were such data they would be cited but, and from its absence, we are
left rather with a estimate based on nothing but the author's
impression (or opinion). However, if this imprecision fails to
generate much confidence, the subsequent analysis can only provoke an
even greater sense of disappointment. Again we are presented with the
term “many cases” ( but still undefined) where “weak AA”,
although producing lasting sobriety ie. physical abstinence, leads
only to an inferior quality of life. Even if one were to accept this
was the case it is difficult to determine whether this undoubtedly
miserable condition derives from failing to implement spiritual
principles, or may depend rather on the objective circumstances of
those concerned, or indeed upon their even more particular subjective
condition i.e. underlying psychological states unrelated to prolonged
alcohol abuse, or perhaps the emotional constitution of the
individual in question. To apply a blanket diagnosis to all and
sundry, and in such an indiscriminate fashion, simply exemplifies a
overly simplistic assessment of the general - and particular - human
condition. Or to sum it up: You can't blame it all on alcoholism.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author
moves on to expound further on the progressive undermining of the
sudden “spiritual experience” mode, one which would result in
“permanent abstinence [which] will automatically occur as a blessed
and life-saving-by-product”, and further asserts that this was: “
how it happened with Bill. That was how it happened with Dr. Bob.
That was how it happened with the first hundred members. That was how
the authors of the Big Book saw it would have to happen with
EVERYONE.” (our emphasis)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The point
is then hammered home, equating such an experience with only one
result, this to be summed up as: “no spiritual experience – no
recovery.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is at
this point in the discussion that the following 'insight' is
presented: that a “major shift in [AA] philosophy occurred”.
Apparently this was reflected in the respective roles of “recovery
principles and the recovery Fellowship in AA”, this taking place
apparently, “Sometime between 1939, when the [Cleveland] Plain
Dealer articles were published, and 1941, when the [Jack] Alexander
piece ran in the [Washington] Post”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Essentially
as the fellowship of AA grew in numbers so did the availability of
contacts, and gradually recovery became based rather upon meetings'
attendance than “undergoing a real spiritual conversion”. Here
the AA member rather stayed sober “largely off the power of the
pack”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is at
this point in the exposition we are introduced to two more categories
of alcoholics:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">One,
the sober-by-conversion alcoholics - those who, as the result of
working the Steps, had had a spiritual experience and become
transformed human beings, seriously involved with regenerative life
and ideas, as contrasted with the two, sober-by-imitation alcoholics
- those who had remained essentially the same type of people they had
been before coming into AA, except that they had joined a new
organization, made a new set of friends, and given up drinking in
conformity to their new social setup”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Moreover,
the term “spiritual experience” came to be supplanted by that of
“spiritual awakening” reflecting (according to the author of
GLAA) the view that the former was “ too narrow and prejudicial
against the less-profound life changes resulting from the
mimesis-oriented AA, which were coming to be the majority recovery
pattern in AA”, and he cites here the relevant section 'Appendix II
Spiritual Experience' beginning with “The terms “spiritual
experience” and “spiritual awakening” are used …. this
conclusion is erroneous …..”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
section is contrasted with the more forthright exposition of
“God-commitment” as exemplified at the beginning of Chapter Five.
Although he himself expresses some recognition that such a
qualification is itself to be welcomed, that spiritual change need
not necessarily be in the form of some “sudden upheaval”,
nevertheless this, together with the “clear, strong and
unmistakable implication - by the indirect , defensive, almost
apologetic treatment of the whole subject of religious and spiritual
experience”, resulted in the aforementioned dilution of spiritual
principles. Finally: “The founders of the Movement were responding
to the spiritual problem by lowering the spiritual level of
aspiration of the society, a move they could not make in the early
days, but could make, and even felt they must make, now that the
society had become large and gained a reputation for respectability
and reasonableness.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From this
it is asserted that this qualified approach led to AA “dividing
into two camps”: the “strong-cup-of-tea” and the
“weak-cup-of-tea”, this unnoticed apparently by everyone except
the author of GLAA.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
assumption underlying this argument is that these modifications
occurred to accommodate AAs' new found “respectability and
reasonableness”. It might equally be asserted that the reasons for
these shifts in emphasis (rather than in substance) might rather be
attributed to:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a broader
range of experience - as AA membership expanded in numbers and
diversity i.e. to include those who did not derive their approach
directly from the Oxford Group, or indeed from any outside religious
organisation, but who rather got and stayed sober (physical
abstinence) within the context of the Fellowship, their direct
experience accordingly modified - and refined - the original model of
recovery.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a greater
depth of experience – this factor is related to the above but
derives from an increasing average longevity of sobriety (again
physical abstinence).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a
recognition that if AA were to be a truly inclusive Fellowship it
would have to drop those explicit references to - and associations
with - theologies, practices, perspectives etc which were directly
related to outside organisations (including religious, and therefore
encompassing both the Oxford Group and its fundamentalist Christian
based approach).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a
recognition that as a result of the lessening stigma associated with
alcoholism (in part due to the efforts of AA itself) people were, and
in increasing numbers, seeking assistance at an earlier stage of the
progression of the disease (if one accepts the disease model), and
that therefore the therapeutic or 'spiritual' measures required to
support a “remission” from this chronic condition were
correspondingly less drastic, and moreover “half measures” might
in fact “avail us” something after all, and that so-called “weak”
or “medium” AA might be just as effective in some cases as
“strong” AA.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">an
expansion in membership, together with a corresponding geographical
dispersion, resulted in increased numbers of meetings, which in turn
gave the membership easier access to each other via this particular
medium. Whereas this did not eliminate the need for formal 12 Step
work ie. contacting potential AA members at their own homes (always
at the newcomer's request), or via a neutral venue, AA meetings
became the main vehicle for transmitting its message. Therefore
meetings became more significant than they had been in the past for
carrying out this function, a fact which might account for the
increasing focus on meeting attendance as a basis for sustaining
recovery.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the
displacement (partial) of the term spiritual “experience” by
spiritual “awakening” again suggests a pragmatic reform, and one
based upon the “experiences” of existing AA members rather than
on some palliative compromise intended to ease less committed members
into the recovery programme. It is, indeed, recognised by the author
of GLAA himself that this modification was useful, and that not all
spiritual experiences needed to be of some dramatic or sudden nature,
and that they could manifest in the another form, ie. the gradual,
“educational” variety. Therefore we are quite unable to fathom
the author's objection to this redesignation, the terminology
employed being virtually synonymous.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now
the consequences:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">The
relatively superficial life change which weak AA produces is
sufficient to get some alcoholics sober. It is not adequate - it is
not effective - it simply doesn’t work - for a very large number of
others. This situation is evident both in the “easy” cases and
the “hard”cases, that is, those alcoholics who have been very
badly damaged physically and mentally before they arrive at their
first AA meeting, those whose alcoholism is complicated with drug
abuse, crazy sex, criminal or psychotic tendencies, or a hard streak
of socio-psychopathology.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From this
we now have some clue as to the use of the above term “many cases”
- this can be translated more accurately into “a very large number”
though still a little fuzzy for such a serious declaration. And yet
again, from the context of the above passage, there is a shift in the
use of the word “sober” - here it is being wielded in the
qualitative sense rather than “physical abstinence”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Moreover:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">weak AA
simply doesn’t work with the very large population of AAs who are
known everywhere as “slippers” - those alcoholics who have
developed a pattern of hanging around AA, staying sober for periods,
but relapsing repeatedly into drinking.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now we
have moved from “a very large number” to “the very large
population” - seemingly the numbers increase by implication as the
author of GLAA warms to his subject. But still he appears unable to
put a figure to these “guesstimates”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author
then goes on to cite the experience of the “East Ridge Recovery
Facility in upstate New York. Strong AA is standard practice in the
East Ridge group, and this group has a recovery rate of over seventy
percent with these so-called AA failures”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At last we
have a number: seventy percent. Unfortunately, and on consulting the
website which relates to this facility, we find no such reference to
this recovery rate. Furthermore there is no indication of data
collection relating to recovery rates etc. We are again left with a
“percent” seemingly drawn out of thin air.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now we
come to those “many cases” of recovery where the “watered-down
approaches to the Twelve Steps fails to hold up over the long haul.
What looked in the beginning like an easier, softer way to maintain
happy sobriety yields progressively less and less serenity and real
happiness, finally ending in complete reversal of momentum and a
relapse into serious personal misery. The end result may be a return
to active alcoholism; or it may be a sinking-out into a life of
discontented abstinence, marred by some combination of tension,
resentment, depression, compulsive sick sex, and an overall sense of
meaninglessness. It is a final failure to reap the benefits of the AA
program; it is, in the last analysis,a failure to recover.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In this
section the author has fallen back on that old standby “many cases”
and again the shifts between the uses of the term “sober” proceed
apace.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now we
come to one of the few instances where there are any statistics
deployed to support the above assertions, and we hoped quite
naturally here for some further clarification on those “many cases”
or “a very large number”:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Apparently,</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Two
ominous tendencies are noticeable in contemporary AA. One tendency is
toward a lower recovery rate overall. For the first twenty years, the
standard AA recovery estimate was seventy-five percent. AA experience
was that fifty percent of the alcoholics who came to AA got sober
right away and stayed sober. Another twenty-five percent had trouble
for awhile but eventually got sober for good, and the remaining
twenty-five percent never made a recovery. Then there was a period of
some years when AA headquarters stopped making the seventy-five
percent recovery claim in their official literature. In 1968’s
General Service Board published a survey indicating an overall
recovery rate of sixty-seven percent. The net of all of this seems to
be that as AA got bigger and older, its effectiveness dropped from
about three in four to about two in three.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The first
set of figures appears to derive from those cited in the Foreword to
the 2nd Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous (the first printing of this
edition was in 1955). As we have come to expect the figures quoted
are presented unqualified, and state that they relate to “the
standard AA recovery estimate.....of the alcoholics who came to
AA...”. This seems to suggest that these recovery rates apply to
anyone who came to the Fellowship. In fact the figures relate only to
those who, in the words of the text, “really tried”. (This point
has been made repeatedly elsewhere so we are not going to 'belabour'
it again here). The author of GLAA then adduces the 1968 GSB figures,
which suggest an “overall recovery rate of sixty-seven percent”,
a drop of 8 percentage points. However, in one analysis (How Well
Does A.A. Work? An Analysis of Published A.A. Surveys (1968-1996) and
Related Analyses/Comments - Don McIntire) it was demonstrated that
the original estimates of 75 percent still apply, that is if one
qualifies this assessment accordingly.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now,
and apparently defeated by any substantial evidence for falling
recovery rates, he shifts once more to his favoured fall back
position - a revaluation of the term 'sober' to be employed here in
its 'qualitative' function, and which evidence is moreover: “clear
enough to any careful observer of the AA scene”: “As the
Fellowship grows older its class of old-timers, alcoholics sober ten
years and longer, grows. And the question of the staying power of an
AA recovery looms ever larger. It is an unhappy fact that growing
numbers of these old-timers find the joy going out of their sobriety.
Many of them search around frantically for ways to recapture the old
zest for alcohol-free living, and many of them end up in such blind
alleys as lunatic religions, pop psychological fads, or chemical
alternatives like psychedelics, pot, tranquilizers and mood
elevators. And many end up either back drinking or sunk in
despondency, hostility, bizarre acting-out patterns of one sort or
another, or just plain, devastating boredom”.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So - and
perhaps quite annoyingly at least for the author of GLAA - it would
seem that there are “growing numbers of these old-timers [“ten
years and longer”]” (this itself something of a blow to the
thesis that recovery rates are declining), but, “It is an unhappy
fact that … the joy is going out of their sobriety”. There
follows here an extensive list of where these unfortunate fellows are
going wrong but - though not unsurprisingly - a dearth of any kind of
data to back it up - not even anecdotal evidence - just more opinion.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And we
come finally to the proposed solution:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">The
answer lies in a return to original, strong AA. It turns out that the
men who wrote the Big Book were right after all. It turns out that
there really is no easier, softer way. The extra work and commitment
demanded by the full-Program approach pays out in enormous and
indispensable dividends. The extra work and commitment make sobriety
fun, because they do not make sobriety an end in itself.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Moreover:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">The
majority of those who become addicted are people with a mystical
streak, an appetite for inexhaustible bliss. We sought in bottles
what can only be found in spiritual experience. AA worked in the
first place because its Twelve Steps were a workable set of
guidelines to real spiritual experience. The growth of the Movement
made possible for a time a kind of parasitism in which partial
practitioners of the spiritual principles were able to feed off the
strength of full practitioners; those who had undergone real
spiritual experience.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again we
are presented with a figure, but one only slightly more specific than
those alluded to above, and from which we can at least gauge the
minimum value to be over 50 percent. Here it is asserted that a
“majority of those who become addicted are people with a mystical
streak”. Quite precisely what the author of GLAA had in mind by his
use of the term “mystical” is not clear. It is to be assumed that
this is in some way connected with the notion of “spiritual” but
suggests again the writer's prejudice, ie. in regarding valid
“spiritual experiences” to be in some manner linked with this
tendency. Both terms are, by nature, subject to considerable
interpretation, and it cannot follow that such particular definitions
will of necessity converge upon that one determined solely by the
author of GLAA. Moreover such a presumption on his part would suggest
a remarkably obtuse perspective, or one which might even be regarded
as verging on arrogant. To judge from the content of the remainder of
the paragraph we would opt to apply the term “arrogant”. Here his
withering contempt is clearly exhibited for anyone who applies these
principles – or not - in any fashion other than that which he deems
to lead to – and exemplify - a “real spiritual experience”. It
is these “partial practitioners” who “feed off the strength of
full practitioners” thus inducing “a kind of parasitism” within
the Fellowship and programme.</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">But
now, the parasites have already drained the host organism of a
considerable portion of its life force, with no benefit to
themselves.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
finally, and rather confusingly, but reiterating the previous themes:</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">Complacency,
smugness in our record of success, is our greatest enemy. If we as a
recovered-addict society are unwilling to reverse our present course,
the outlook is clear enough. We stand to recapitulate in less than a
century what the great religious communities of the world have spent
the last two thousand years demonstrating: that even the very best
and highest of human institutions tend to deteriorate in time; and
that size in spiritual organizations is often achieved at the expense
of the abandonment of original goals and practices.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We would
remind you here that the author of GLAA has gone to some lengths
(largely ineffective) to demonstrate the decreasing efficacy of “COWD
AA” and yet we are now to beware of a “smugness in our record of
success”! This confusion is not only exhibited here but throughout
the whole of GLAA. Finally, and again betraying the author's own
prejudices, there is reference to the “great religious communities
of the world [who] have spent the last two thousand years ….”.
This may be a valid statement when it comes to one specific,
religious organisation – that of Christianity - but we can think of
at least three others, and of comparable significance, which have
been around for considerably longer than two millenia.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
conclusion the author of GLAA:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">has failed
to supply any evidence which lends credence to his argument. The
data, where it is presented, is vague or misquoted.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">shifts
constantly between the two definitions of “sober” moving from the
verifiable and quantifiable mode (when the evidence would seem to
contradict his assertions) to the qualitative and subjective mode, an
area by its very nature inaccessible to measurement, and only to be
assessed by direct reporting on the part of those subjects, or
inferred behaviourally (neither of which sources he provides).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">asserts as
fact what IN FACT are merely impressions, opinions, hypotheses,
speculations, generalisations, assumptions and prejudices
(unsubstantiated), all of which though are quite legitimate areas of
human activity, but should hardly figure in any serious analysis of
what is finally a very serious question.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
would invite you to consider the following studies (click <a href="https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=d632e582d3f9f953&resid=D632E582D3F9F953%21133&id=D632E582D3F9F953%21133" target="_blank">here</a>
for link) which do present the relevant data, and ask you to consider
this material (and draw from it whatever conclusions you wish) as a
basis for judgement rather than the “kite flying” exemplified by
GLAA, and others of its type.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, and on a personal
note - </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The author of this critique is a member of AA (by this I
mean I have, and still retain, a desire to stop drinking – this
being the ONLY membership requirement for Alcoholics Anonymous). I
have been continuously sober (physically abstinent from alcohol in
any form and in any quantity) for a period running into decades now
(“one day at a time”). I account for this fact by my regular
attendance at AA meetings (which frequency has varied over the
years), and my implementation of the recovery programme (as it is
presented in the book Alcoholics Anonymous 3rd edn). My understanding
of the principles it outlines is based upon direct study, and is, for
the most part, unmediated by received opinion. Apart from the first
couple of years of my recovery I have undertaken this particular
journey without the services of a sponsor (“control freak” or
otherwise) finding myself to be entirely capable of doing all of my
own thinking, and making my own decisions (leading to successful
outcomes or not) as is appropriate to one who makes claim to being an
adult. That is not to say that I am unwilling to listen to the views
of others, but I take quite seriously the notion that the only Higher
Power upon which I can ultimately place any form of reliance is
“probably [not] human”. For my part I do not believe in God
(orthodox or otherwise), nor do I pray (on my knees or in any other
position) for to do so would be to engage in an activity which I
would regard as entirely meaningless. I have no difficulty whatsoever
in accepting the fact that I am powerless over alcohol, nor that
there are (innumerable) Powers greater than myself. In fact, and in
my occasional moments of honesty, I would be hard pressed to find
much which would constitute a lesser power, and, furthermore, would
regard it as nothing short of insane that I should believe the
universe (and its component phenomena) should organise itself
according to my will rather than the precise reverse. I have had no
“spiritual experience” which could in any way be described as of
the “sudden” type, nor am I (and necessarily following on from my
statement above) aware of any kind of “God consciousness”, nor
possess any sense whatsoever that such an entity exists in my
particular universe. I would not even use the term “spiritual”
other than according to its present currency within the Fellowship, a
term which is so vague as to be almost useless as a means of
communicating a concept. A more apt expression would be “holistic”
in that my progress within AA has necessitated a complete revaluation
of every area of my life, this process having taken place quite
naturally but utilising the structure and concepts presented by the
programme, and leading, quite “educationally”, to some rather
drastic realisations. None of these would I characterise as
“spiritual” nor in any way were these insights associated with
any form of “mysticism”. I am by nature a sceptic, and
disinclined towards such tendencies unless it be in the form of
fiction, which largely I believe to be its proper province. Moreover,
and to utilise the categories so imaginatively employed by the author
of GLAA, I would place myself in the “weak” to “medium” class
of alcoholic, although I would baulk somewhat at applying the “COWD
AA” brand to my back. As for the “quality” of my sobriety (the
alternative mode) I have remained serenely “unrocketed” into any
dimension, fourth or otherwise, being quite sure that an individual
of my temperament would suffer greatly from the experience.
(Interestingly, at least from my point of view, I am directly
acquainted with three individuals – two still alive – all of whom
have had what can only be described as dramatic shifts within their
psyche – none of these are alcoholic, none are members of AA, and
not one of them has any belief in a supreme deity). Otherwise my own
life varies according to circumstance (both inner and outer, and
therefore entirely as I conceive,and perceive, it), and is replete
with such profound questions as those which relate to the nature of
existence, purpose, meaning, and, indeed, whether I should have a
toasted cheese sandwich now, or go for the easier softer way, and
just slap a couple of slices between some bread and to hell with the
grill! To put it another way, my sobriety, the quality of my life, is
largely my business – it suits me!!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheerio</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS Our thanks
again to this contributor</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-36562834184483117622018-10-12T08:39:00.002+01:002018-10-16T06:21:37.093+01:00Brick Lane Big Book Study Saturday<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We quote:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Hello there,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your site is invaluable
and I'm so relieved I've found it. The development of cult-like
behaviour and practices in AA is deeply concerning and I've seen the
effects on vulnerable newcomer members first hand. I have a new
meeting for your list, it's the 6pm Brick Lane Big Book Study
Saturday meeting, in London.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5g6YrqFrxiIE8q7pyAizzyeAoIFyNYvbHWemy3ZxaVsFjijDKclleVrvXDvcAZP5QucM-Ts84r15d66lQQYEyiw8un7hSgP8ACVbhiTs3njUxKsiDs_zW126DBi3qT43BsB9i5SgxqpM/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5g6YrqFrxiIE8q7pyAizzyeAoIFyNYvbHWemy3ZxaVsFjijDKclleVrvXDvcAZP5QucM-Ts84r15d66lQQYEyiw8un7hSgP8ACVbhiTs3njUxKsiDs_zW126DBi3qT43BsB9i5SgxqpM/s1600/Untitled.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sponsorship and
ideology that happens there is fundamentally cult, not AA. Newcomers
are asked to find their part in things such as childhood abuse or
domestic violence, told to cut off from old friends and family
completely, mandated to attend certain meetings and if they don't,
they're dumped as sponsees, and mandated to street step very early in
the morning. They are made to work from a computer on worksheets and
if they don't have Internet access or word processing programs
they're told they don't want recovery enough. They're told to come
off all their medications, and if seeking work, they have to run the
jobs they're applying for past their sponsors first, as well as all
other life changes. They have to check in with their sponsors
multiple times a day, which again for destitute newcomers is
impossible, as that requires phone credit. They're discouraged from
attending meetings viewed as not strict enough or not carrying the AA
message (in other words, all meetings apart from their meetings).
They are silenced from sharing about depression or suicidal thinking
as it is viewed as 'carrying the mess, not the message'. The people
who have talked to me and other concerned members have found it
incredibly hard to disclose, as the gaslighting and guilt tripping
that goes on is deep and pervasive, such as being told they'll make
people ill, destroy AA due to self will run riot, deny recovery to
newcomers, and/or relapse and die, etc. Most members in East London
who have been around long enough are aware of the practices in this
group, and they even have a nickname. We suggest alternatives that
occur at the same time, if newcomers express an interest in attending
this meeting. Luckily, in London, we have 700+ meetings a week to
choose from, but I feel extremely sad for members in other parts of
the country who don't have as much of a choice, and just need a
meeting.</span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This group frequents
and run the service board for at least another two meetings in the
East London area, and recruit from there too. I have only been to one
of those meetings, in my early days, and I do not remember the
message carried, but I do remember being denied a service position -
it has since become clear that they fill service positions in their
cult groups from within their sponsorship structure, and I already
had a sponsor, therefore was more than likely viewed as not being one
of the group (which I am now very grateful for). I have attended the
Brick Lane one several times, however, and it seems evident that this
is the mothership meeting for their practices.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hope this meeting can
go onto your list. I am happy to send the other two meetings as well
if you think this is appropriate.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A grateful and
concerned AA member”</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Comment: The above
pretty much summarises the activities of cult groups in AA. They come
in a number of shapes and sizes ranging from the local 'guru'
(usually self appointed) who's set up shop peddling his/her profound
(?) insights into the AA programme based more often than not on an
entirely idiosyncratic, overly literalistic, highly selective (cf.
Tom and Jerry's …. sorry …. <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Joe+and+Charlie" target="_blank">Joe and Charlie</a>'s daft series of lectures on the subject .. whatever
did happen to <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Chapter+8" target="_blank">Chapter 8 Working with Others</a> ???) reading of the tome …. to complete
franchise operations like the <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=road+to+recovery" target="_blank">Road to Recovery</a>, <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Primary+Purpose" target="_blank">Primary Purpose</a> and not forgetting of course (who could) <a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Back+to+Basics" target="_blank">Back to Basics</a> (which is a nice little earner for its chief proponent
<a href="https://aacultwatch.blogspot.com/search?q=Wally+P" target="_blank">Wally P</a>)
These aberrations are usually personality driven (see Tradition 12)
propped up by an abusive 'sponsorship' hierarchy and entirely fear
based. Should a new 'prospect' fail to comply with their new
'sponsor's' “suggestions” (?) the ultimate sanction is invoked
ie. you'll drink again!! This is usually sufficient to bring them
back 'into line'. Of course there's nothing mysterious at all about
how AA works. Belief in any kind of divinity is entirely optional.
The fundamental driving force behind AA is quite simply the
fellowship, and the most evident example of AA's efficacy is the fact
that people not only get sober but REMAIN sober for their entire
lifetimes. This is an empirical and undeniable fact. The real power
behind AA is the power of EXAMPLE... and preferably good example.
Stick around people who stay drink free and who conduct themselves in
a reasonably civilised fashion (ie. don't spend their time throwing
their weight around and lecturing everyone in sight) and the chances
are pretty good that you'll stay off the sauce as well. It really is
that simple. How you practice the program or even which version you
adopt is pretty much irrelevant. Being able to recite bits out of the
Big Book really impresses nobody. It's a nice party trick perhaps but
slightly boring after a while. Just put the drink down and get on
with your life the best you can.. that's it!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cheers</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Fellas (<b>Friends
of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">PS Thanks to our
correspondent</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-7167529721035921492018-05-12T15:44:00.000+01:002018-05-12T15:45:11.759+01:00Road to Recovery (Plymouth cult group): spreading the 'disease'<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
quote:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;">“<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm
an NA member in the Devon Fellowship.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
just read your article about NA and DAA in Plymouth and thought you
might value an update.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
your article accurately states, up until about 9 years ago 'Roads to
Recovery' AA was trying to infiltrate NA with the same agenda and
tactics of aggressive recruitment and controlling sponsorship they
still use in AA. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They
set up NA groups titled 'Into Action' (chapter from AA's Big Book),
and no one was allowed to sponsor using NA literature, and everyone
had to be part of the same sponsorship chain that was rooted in Roads
to Recovery in Plymouth.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
you might imagine, this caused huge disunity in NA in what I assume
is a similar way to what AA is still experiencing, and also caused a
lot of harm to the reputation of NA in all the services that engage
it. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fortunately,
In 2009, these groups finally accepted that the Devon NA fellowship
was never going to accept their processes, and they shut down their
'rogue meetings', and immediately reopened them as 'DAA' meetings.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They
continued to be being sponsored in chains rooted in the Roads to
Recovery AA group, and continued to aggressively recruit sponsees. NA
members never attend their meetings so they have enjoyed unity in
their own culture, though strangely, with regular splits where groups
form factions.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over
the last few years, NA in Devon has been free from these people and
has grown much stronger. Its meetings have trebled in size and
healthy, gentle, non-controlling sponsorship chains have flourished.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Devon
NA's service structure has become very strong and enjoys a peaceful
and loving group conscience, strongly committed to NA's spiritual
principles, and a unity in service that seemed impossible a few years
ago.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
DAA meetings split into two factions, and more recently some of their
members have left and started a CA group.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">NA
has recently had some DAA members again seeking to promote their
fellowship by recruiting newcomers from NA, but NA quickly put a stop
to this. NA has written clarity statements and developed practices
that make very clear that whilst NA respects that there are many
pathways to recovery, its meetings exist only for those people
wishing to recover through its processes.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My
personal favourite intervention is to ask the occasional DAA member I
see two simple questions:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1.
Are you here to receive the Narcotics Anonymous message of recovery
for application in your own recovery process?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.
Are you here to share the experience, strength and hope you've gained
through NA meetings, NA sponsorship, and NA literature?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
makes no judgment of them and honours the 3rd Tradition, but also
leaves them having to make a choice about facing their own motives
and communicating honesty.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's
never failed yet. They either leave immediately or don't return.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just
to be 100% clear; If any one of these people wanted my help, I would
very willingly be there for them. My experience is that they never
attend seeking help for themselves. They only attend seeking
recruits.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Local
drug services are now pretty much up to speed on these dynamics. I'm
not so sure about probation etc.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
speculate that there are some very distorted religious beliefs behind
these people's 'fundamentalist' behaviour that actually stem from the
same religion I am part of, just, from my perspective, from a
completely deluded misinterpretation of what the text of this
religion names.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What
ever my religious beliefs, I trust in NA's group conscience and am
coming up to 19 years complete abstinence clean time thanks to NA's
literature and culture of recovery, and am still very grateful for
this.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
have written this post to be of service to the AA fellowship. In NA
we call it 'The Mother Fellowship'. NA is not affiliated with AA and
has developed its own distinct recovery message and culture, but it
is also hugely grateful for what AA created and allowed it to benefit
from. In rural areas many NA members seek sponsorship from AA, and
attend both fellowships to maintain enough meeting attendance to
support their recoveries.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
The description above mirrors fairly accurately what is happening in
AA in those parts of the country contaminated by the Road to Recovery
'strong sponsorship' ethos (ie. bullying). The fellowship has
factionalised splitting between what we would term real AA and its
sick counterpart – the cult. It's a pity that AA seems less able to
deal with this phenomenon than its sister fellowship. Maybe there are
lessons to be learnt here. But on past performance it seems unlikely
that any effective action will be taken and this process will
continue accelerating the already established decline of AA until
yet another 'temperance' group is consigned to the dustbin of
history. For a fellowship that places such emphasis on the value of
experience we seem to be quite unwilling to learn from either our
past or our mistakes! The Traditions exist neither by accident nor as
a mere afterthought. They are crucial for our survival. The cult may
be entirely ready to pervert their meaning but we simply cannot
afford that luxury.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS
Thanks to our correspondent</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-73113230884781172652018-04-15T08:00:00.001+01:002018-04-15T08:01:47.677+01:00Court mandated atttendace<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #666666;">We
quote:<br /><br />"Fellas,<br /><br />In the past I have provided you
with information on the impact of "Sobriety Courts" and
their slavish addiction to the requirement that probationers return
to court with signed court slips to "prove" they have
attended AA. This practice has absolutely no basis in the methods of
the Big Book and breaks at least 6 Traditions. It has resulted in
near constant problems in Unity, Singleness of Purpose, anonymity,
sanctity of a Closed Meeting and definition of a member of AA.
<br /><br />Recently associates of mine presented a document on the
entire system and the problems created to New York General Service
Office. The document made the following points:<br /><br />--Traditions
are being broken.<br /><br />--Existing members had no reasonable promise
that their anonymity would not be broken.<br /><br />--Groups and
meetings were folding.<br /><br />--Private invite meetings were being
formed to avoid the above reference problems.<br /><br />--The method of
coercing probationers was in direct contradiction to the methods
presented in the Big Book. Therefore, many were actually having their
potential recovery delayed or prevented by the practices. <br /><br />--The
majority of Probationers were not alcoholic and therefore did not
need the service provided in an AA meeting.<br /><br />--Having many
attendees without a need or a desire for sobriety had, over time,
changed the culture of AA.<br /><br />--After 3 decades of the Courts
sending in excess of 100,000 probationers per year to AA in North
America the overall census of AA remains stagnant in that same
geographic area. This would seem to confirm that few actual
recoveries were being created by the process. Certainly not at the
levels claimed by the courts and some AA members.<br /><br />--AA members
have misused the autonomy clause of the 4th Tradition to justify
Affiliation with an outside entity, while this was done with the best
of intentions it has been incredibly damaging none the less.<br /><br />The
purpose of the submission was to get the issue addressed at the next
Conference (end of April 2018). NY GSO saw great merit in the
findings we presented. They agree it is a complex situation that will
require thoughtful consideration prior to presentation at the
Conference. To accomplish that they formed a sub Committee to study
and make recommendations. We are hopeful that they will follow
through on their commitment and that real support for righting the
ship will be provided. Such support could come in the form of
"Conference Recommendation" or a complete over haul of the
existing Guideline on Cooperation with the Courts. That Guideline was
created in the mid sixties and has never had a major edit in spite of
the monumental changes to "Sobriety Courts" across the
land.<br /><br />As always I provide this information to assist my
brothers and sisters in addressing similar problems in real time. If
you allow these changes to occur in your groups and wait until the
problems manifest themselves; you will have a devil of time putting
the toothpaste back in the tube.<br /><br />Your correspondent from the
US<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />John"<br /><br />Comment: It's really quite
amazing how much trouble can be caused by those AA 'promoters' (ie.
the ego driven) whose activities are accelerating AA along a path to
terminal decline. No doubt at the latter stages (when it's too late)
they will raise the defence of 'good intentions' a well-known ploy of
the stupid and irresponsible, and of those who have never really
troubled themselves with AA tradition. You have been warned!
<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />The Fellas (</span><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Friends
of ALcoholics Anonymous</b></span><span style="color: #666666;">)<br /><br />PS
Thanks to our correspondent. Keep up the good work!</span> </span></span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-68010349298210926912017-12-16T11:44:00.002+00:002017-12-16T11:48:13.192+00:00Re: Surrey St Sunday meeting (Croydon)<div class="western">
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From our correspondent:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Dear AA cultwatch,......</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two months ago some male members from
the group began expressing concerns that during Sunday fellowship</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> a group claiming to be 'Back to
Basics' where using very assertive canvassing and recruitment
techniques to get</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">men on their program. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">...... this group discuss, for
example, that there is no need for a sponsor as it is not in the
Big Book. All this of course occurred outside of an AA setting.
Nevertheless I relayed my concerns, and those of the other men,
to the all (apart from me) female committee. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the last week, things have
progressed to the point that Back to Basics are now using the same
room that AA have their meetings in to host post meeting group sessions. My phone calls to GSO confirm that Back to
Basics is not endorsed by AA. B2B has crossed the line and is
becoming increasingly clear that men are no longer returning to
Surrey st meetings as they feel B2B is not 'in the spirit of AA'. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">B2B are subtle with their approach
and never mention B2B when they share at either meeting. Please
spread the word regarding Back to Basics and what is happening with
AA in Croydon....." (edits to preserve anonymity)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment: <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Back+to+Basics" target="_blank">Back to Basics</a> has
essentially been set up as Wally P's pension pot. It's a programme
rip off that makes all sorts of claims to success rates (as yet
unsubstantiated). It forms part of the Big Book recovery 'industry'
where 'experts' of all shapes and sizes peddle their wares in the
hope of making a few bucks (and massaging their already frail egos)
on the side. But if you don't fancy the text based (overnight success
'guaranteed') approach then you can always opt to join the sponsor
'fetishists' (Road to Recovery, Joys of Recovery, Clancy I blah blah
blah) club. Here you can happily dispense with the need to seek out
a Higher Power .. one will be provided for you ... in the shape of
yet another 'wise guy' (or gal .. let's not be sexist here!) who will
happily organise your life for you .. No need to think for yourself
or ask for God's guidance (if you're inclined that way). Just ring up
your sponsor and they'll tell you ALL you need to know and do ... Or
...... you could just go along to a bog standard AA meeting, sit
down, drink your beverage, munch on a biccie and listen to other
people as they share their experience of getting and staying sober in
the REAL world You might even chip in with a few thoughts yourself.
And then you just go out and DO it! And guess what! That works as
well! Who'd have thought it! It couldn't be that simple could it?
Yep. It's just that simple....</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics
Anonymous .. and big fans of Keeping It Simple</b>)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS Thanks to our correspondent</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-899914094120984552017-09-19T08:04:00.000+01:002017-12-16T11:46:09.120+00:00Update on Plymouth (cult) Intergroup<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our
contributor writes:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">IT'S
ROTTEN!!!!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If this
were an episode of <a href="http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/ramsays-kitchen-nightmares" target="_blank">Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares</a>, the above phrase would be ringing in your
ears - and there is no more appropriate phrase to describe- what is
left - of Plymouth Intergroup.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where do
we begin?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Facts and
figures -</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">85% of all
positions remain vacant, 10% of those in position are 'Caretaking'
the role until someone takes over (12th of Never, should you ask)
which leaves 5% elected and in position Treasurer and Where To Find
(absent from more meetings than he has attended).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Plymouth%20Road%20to%20Recovery" target="_blank">R-T-R</a>
contingent have all stepped out of their positions, and have done
this early - having achieved nothing in their time in position. And
their excuses boarder on hilarious - I've got a baby now
(hmmm.....this is an hour and a half meeting once every two months,
not a full time 40hr per week position) - I thought I needed to
rotate out at this time - oh well, I've missed the last meeting so
I'll just step down now - are amongst the best and most recent.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">R-T-R love
love love taking up service positions at Intergroup, and drop them
before they are due to rotate out - it's a form of control, I'm sure.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The number
of GSR's represented at Intergroup coup now be counted on one hand,
and would still give you fingers left over. It has become an
established fact that Plymouth Intergroup is a waste of time.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, shall
we look at who's left?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Treasurer - the ultimate control freak. The most recent meeting was
moved to accommodate her being there. Heaven forbid that she may not
be able to attend, hence we were given days of notice that the
meeting was moved, and this lead to an all time low attendance.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now, GSO
have told groups that they may keep a reserve of money to use for
local work, PI etc - this was discussed some 6 months ago, and
Plymouth Intergroup decided to hold back a portion of money to use.
You will see how this links in to the start of this letter, as there
is no one in position to do any additional work! So Plymouth, the
Intergroup that haemorrhaged money whilst <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=fraud" target="_blank">the previous Treasurer, a R-T-R member, gambled the lot away</a>! So an
Intergroup that cannot be trusted to manage its finances is allowed
to keep a higher surplus and not send it to GSO!!! </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It beggars
belief!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plymouth
Intergroup is, unfortunately, a non-functioning body.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nobody is
allowed to join and everybody leaves...it provides a platform for AA
members to be seen to be doing 'service' - service being sitting down
in a room for barely 90 minutes, 30 of those spent trying to avoid
the halitosis of the R-T-R GSR, who ALWAYS has to find a point from
the previous meetings minutes, no matter how small, to go over -
several times. Given the choice I feel that he would pull apart the
grammar, spelling, syntax and type font used - as long as it showed
that he was doing service.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So we
concluded our update - a rotten non-functioning Intergroup, that does
nothing to spread the message, nothing to enable members to take part
and nothing to send the correct sums of money to GSO (you never know,
someone, one day, might, just might use some money to spread the
message - but then again. No.) But we will see what happens at the
next meeting, once the Treasurer has decided a date convenient for
herself.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As always
- </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">InTheKnow”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
In reading this piece we are inevitably reminded of the <a href="https://youtu.be/4vuW6tQ0218" target="_blank">Dead Parrot</a> sketch c/o Monty Python. … and the <a href="https://youtu.be/i9SSOWORzw4" target="_blank">proper response</a> (suggested) to any cult member who offers to sponsor
you! </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to
our correspondent</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas<b> (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous …. and satire generally!)</b></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-86971611904007249352017-04-22T15:36:00.000+01:002017-04-22T15:42:03.144+01:00Lambeth Beginners Step (Monday)<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our
correspondent writes:</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“<span style="font-size: medium;">LAMBETH
BEGINNERS STEP CHIP 7pm St Anne's and All Saints Church, Miles
Street. Attendees at the Friday group you mention [See our <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/p/cult-where-to-find-gb.html" target="_blank">Cult Where to Find GB</a>] (South Lambeth Beginners Big Book Study 7pm St
Anne and All Saints) below have to attend the Monday group too - same
format (Vision), same sponsors ….. same 2 names (Nick and Lewis)
given as contacts. You can't mention one without the other! They go
hand in hand and attendees must attend both Monday AND Friday
meetings where the tiny group of sponsors hold great influence and
sway. Woe betide you if you share anything but joy - pain is most
definitely not allowed!”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They go on
to mention the “control and strange daily rituals” prevalent in
these groups (Miles Street and the Ashmole meeting) together with
the “daily torrent of phone calls starting early am and going on
till late … as they [newcomers] ticked off their duty to call 2
newcomers a day. It felt like harassment and I stopped going to AA”.
</span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fortunately
our correspondent reports that they subsequently discovered REAL AA,
found a “sensible sponsor” with some REAL experience of REAL
recovery and now participates in “very happy NORMAL [our emphasis]
step based recovery”.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
Of course you can't blame newcomers for their conduct. They don't
know any better. If all you were exposed to was fear based recovery
(which, after all, is what the cult is all about) then you'd start
doing weird stuff as well! With its never ending list of do's and
dont's (we're surprised the cult haven't added the prohibition 'don't
step on the cracks in the pavement or you'll drink' to their already
extensive list of mostly absurd rules) it's hardly surprising that
newcomers exist in a state of almost constant fear of relapse. The
fact is that your average alcoholic having once grasped the essential
truths that if you drink you're fucked EVERYTIME, that you'd better
stop FOR GOOD, and that if you think otherwise you're totally BONKERS
can stay sober EASILY... It's a piece of cake.... It doesn't require
ANY EFFORT at all .. you can do any damn thing you want as long as
you keep your shit together (with or without a god in your life) and
leave the sauce alone. You can practise any damn programme you feel
like (or none at all). You don't NEED a sponsor or HAVE to write
endless (very boring) gratitude lists, pester newcomers, <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=beards" target="_blank">shave every day</a> (we kid you not!) and all the rest of the stuff that
the cult parade as being the “essentials” of recovery.
Willingness, honesty and open mindedness are all that is required as
far as we know... and that's not too difficult is it! So lighten up!
Seize the carp (as in carpe diem), have fun, fuck up a few times and
enjoy the ride! (Ooooh! What terribly unsober language!!)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas
(<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous … and all round anarchists!</b>)</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS Thanks
to our correspondent</span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-42792771411913532612017-04-14T16:19:00.006+01:002017-04-14T16:19:52.016+01:00Purley (cult) meetings .. the medication issue …. again!<br />
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here
we go … <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=medication" target="_blank">again</a>!
Will they never learn?? </span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
were recently contacted by a member from the Wimbledon area who told
us that the Purley cult group is sending “out 'reps' to other
meetings telling members that they are not sober if they take
medication such as anti depressants.” Apparently the issue is
going to be raised at the local intergroup (London South West .. so
good luck with that!). </span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Our correspondent continues:</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
was a recent incident of one girl who was told to stop her anti
depressant by one of these 'reps'. As a result of coming off her
prescribed medication this girl tried to take her own life and is now
recovering in hospital and does not want to go to AA. In fact her
mother has contacted the General Service Office and seeking further
advice. This just cannot be allowed to happen and is NOT AA.</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1492181697152_44201"></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The[re] is a leaflet on
AA and medication which clearly states we do not give advice but
there is a growing number of people who are doing just that and not
adhering to the traditions and principles of AA. More worryingly they
are blaming others who have expressed concerns and spreading
malicious gossip. And as we know gossip is a killer. The yellow card
is being broken time and many people are not feeling safe in these
Wimbledon meetings.”</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Does
any of this sound familiar? .. 'Fraid so... The 'nutters' are still
out there carrying the 'disease'. For their edification (if no one
else's) here is the relevant (conference approved) leaflet: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0cW38yqky8ua1hNa1VnRmt2TWs/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">The A.A. Member—Medications and Other Drugs</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(You've got to wonder
if any of these jokers can actually read! Maybe sign language?? Two
fingered salute perhaps!) </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Fellas (</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Friends
of Alcoholics Anonymous</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div class="western">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS Our
correspondent wanted to remain anonymous not only for the usual
reasons (ie. traditions)....but also concern about 'reprisals'. So
not only 'nutters' but thugs as well... business as usual!</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-16261782868034820312017-03-21T08:02:00.000+00:002017-03-21T08:03:01.613+00:00Cult meetings update: Beckenham and Notting Hill<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We've been
told that the Beckenham Wednesday night meeting has reverted to AA
(but we're going to leave it listed in our <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/p/cult-where-to-find-gb.html" target="_blank">Cult directory</a> for the UK anyway. Members will easily be able to tell
if it's AA or not ie. absence of dogma, nobody issuing orders etc
etc) </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the
other hand you'll find no end of 'suggestions<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'</span> at the Notting Hill
Vision for You venue on Friday night. Here you will be told what you
can and cannot share (even being interrupted in mid flow so we're
told! Spot the control freak!). Of course this approach has
absolutely nothing to do with AA. Pure cult!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas
(<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS Thanks
to our correspondent</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-85100603967654470272017-03-16T06:22:00.002+00:002018-10-12T08:50:53.365+01:00Cult meeting notice<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATtuVsm_V8zhis9gRv0EnS_vSD2JTFMNG3ImEXGZGInjrV6Vde3NzGovVtxjC7poVCHjMt8jU78EANahX9JgfvwTXPF9Abrp-RPO2PCFt1QhQBHbu8N8oua0eCXc3dQ4oPk-6BpM0RSfi/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATtuVsm_V8zhis9gRv0EnS_vSD2JTFMNG3ImEXGZGInjrV6Vde3NzGovVtxjC7poVCHjMt8jU78EANahX9JgfvwTXPF9Abrp-RPO2PCFt1QhQBHbu8N8oua0eCXc3dQ4oPk-6BpM0RSfi/s1600/Untitled.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">More
details (not mentioned on the AA website): the group is part of the
<a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Road+to+Recovery" target="_blank">Road to Recovery</a> franchise ... Sharing MUST centre on <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=sponsorship" target="_blank">sponsorship</a>
.. remember in the cult the Higher Power IS your sponsor ..oh! ...
nearly forgot! No FUCKING swearing permitted!<br /><br />What a load of
bollocks!<br /><br />The Fellas (<b>Frigging Friends of Alcoholics
Anonymous</b>)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PS For
other cults in AA check out <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0cW38yqky8uM2hmR0hKTmh5NzQ/view" target="_blank">Primary Purpose</a> and <a href="http://aacultwatch.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Back+to+Basics" target="_blank">Back to Basics</a> (the latter a nice little earner!) </span></span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491795507643674233.post-14409791786113476172017-01-14T06:37:00.002+00:002017-04-27T08:35:09.941+01:00Minority Report 2017 (Alcoholics Anonymous): "Synanon Cult influence on Alcoholics Anonymous, Addiction Treatment and the Criminal Justice System 1968-2017"<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
latest version of the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0cW38yqky8uMVZsaF9wYmMwYTQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Minority Report</a> s</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ubmitted:
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">12.01.17 to
GSO (Great Britain) for consideration as a topic for Conference 2018</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Authors:
Members of Alcoholics Anonymous resident in Great Britain</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Abstract: </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUJVr6GYgWJNhbEFTL7uzFbaXRO9nSJRU2Fr25OuTkMbg42UZ6bWXHZzOVLgsY_mmAbJyIqsTNoAzJ8oIGWGAsPVX-XJ5y73RasauuepqNPKZPyxRT67lFJG687raA9mKtwvu44Y2PV4k/s1600/Abstract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUJVr6GYgWJNhbEFTL7uzFbaXRO9nSJRU2Fr25OuTkMbg42UZ6bWXHZzOVLgsY_mmAbJyIqsTNoAzJ8oIGWGAsPVX-XJ5y73RasauuepqNPKZPyxRT67lFJG687raA9mKtwvu44Y2PV4k/s320/Abstract.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Comment:
In due course we will be disseminating this report via a number of
routes to other agencies throughout Great Britain (and the US) for their
consideration. This is a matter of substantial public interest.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fellas (<b>Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous</b>) </span></span>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0