– note the use of the AA logo which is in breach of AA guidelines) publicising their group (this together with a map of its location) and which has formed a central part of this group's self-promotional campaign.
The article itself begins with a brief introduction relating to the death of a local man which is attributed to “his alcoholism and drug-taking”. We then go on to another account given by a “member of the Tankerton group of Alcoholics Anonymous” who outlines his own story (which in itself is fairly typical). However all of this seems merely a prelude to the 'advertisement' for the Tankerton group which then follows. Here it is explicitly acknowledged that this group pursued (and quite probably is still pursuing) a leafleting campaign publicising itself in local businesses. There is mention of the fact that there are actually other meetings in Kent (AA meetings that is) but of this there is no indication on the flier itself (perhaps they forgot). We are even treated here to a summary of the Tankerton group's meeting format before the article continues with a brief history of Alcoholics Anonymous. And now the coup de grace – and after such an authoritative rendition - we have the Tankerton group's very own version of the AA recovery programme! So impressed are we (NOT!) by this masterpiece that we simply couldn't resist reproducing it in full here. So for your edification (if not elucidation) - Voila!
“The Twelve Steps
1. Admit you are powerless to beat alcohol by yourself.
2. Recognise need for help from something bigger than you - a higher power.
3. Make a decision to seek help from your higher power.
4. Draw up an honest appraisal of yourself and things you have done in your life.
5. Admit to yourself and someone you trust what is in your appraisal.
6. Became willing to have your higher power remove your defects of character.
7. Ask this higher power of yours to remove your shortcomings.
8. List persons you have harmed.
9. Make amends where possible.
10. Continue to monitor self.
11. Seek help and direction in your life through prayer and meditation of your style and choosing.
12. Carry this message of recovery to other alcoholics.”
And there you have it! Now for our part we've got to admit (and contrary to our previously expressed negative attitude) that this is a blinding version and should be adopted post haste by Alcoholics Anonymous in place of its own rather timid 'interpretation' of the recovery programme. There really is no need for all that “God rot” anyway – and of course the main advantage of this particular formulation is that you can quite easily substitute the word “sponsor” for where it refers to “higher power” and Bob's your uncle – you've got the whole cult package nicely wrapped up! Genius! Pure genius! … Well maybe not.
What do you reckon?
Cheerio
The Fellas
