First the 12 Steps – then the 6 Suggestions – now the 7 Questions....

What next! First we had the 12 Steps …. then the 6 Suggestions (c/o the cult) ...... now the 7 Questions (according to the Wizard of Oz .. the artist formerly known as Clancy I)......


We came across this listing fairly recently (together with a gushing tribute from one of his adherents). The formulation is in itself unremarkable (and we're not going to repeat it here for that reason) simply reflecting a restatement of what is already covered quite adequately in existing AA (conference approved) literature (the Steps, Just for Today card etc). However what is of interest are the accompanying comments.


According to the commentator at least this approach is particularly helpful for “hardcore cases” (?) some of whom it appears have even been “referred” to the aforementioned Wizard! Moreover it has been “discovered that they are very effective when dealing with rock-bottom newcomers and with the high-bottom intellectual types” (are there any other kind?) and even “oldtimers who were struggling through a difficult period” (that seems to cover pretty well everyone then!)


So far so good (if not demonstrating a rather overenthusiastic tendency towards placing people in categories … so much easier than relating to them directly!). The 'fan' then goes on to specify further conditions:


“I never give the newcomer the questions without also setting a time for them to complete their writing. Normally, I’ll give them the questions and expect them to be finished with their writing by the next day, and I’ll have them call me so that we can get together and discuss their answers and apply the solution to their problems.”


It is unclear whether this too forms part of the Wizard's method but we suspect so given his reputation. However the apparent contradiction to this accelerated process demonstrates itself clearly at this point especially if one takes into account the concluding comments (and yet more conditions!):


“If the newcomer procrastinates and doesn’t meet the deadline for the questions I usually consider that they are not yet serious enough to approach their problem and I move on to help someone else.”


Now of course it could be argued that given the nature of the questions themselves the proposed time schedule is far too optimistic. If in fact the newcomer is serious about their recovery then they would probably require a lot more time to consider fully the implications of the questions, introspect accordingly, and then formulate their responses in a considered and reflective fashion. In light of this an overnight “cramming session” hardly suffices. What seems to be more important, or at least from the perspective outlined above, is that they conform to some rather arbitrarily determined schedule set by the 'examiner' (as these appear to be). Moreover the issue as to whether the newcomer is procrastinating seems to revolve around whether they meet the “deadline” imposed on them or not, and where failure implies instant dismissal. This mechanistic approach should be contrasted with that exemplified in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” (Chapter 7, Working with Others) where there could not be discovered a greater antithesis. Throughout the text it is again and again emphasised that the “prospect” should not feel under any pressure, and be encouraged rather to take the lead than be treated as if they were some kind of errant school child. Unfortunately for the control freaks in our midst (and we include the above) this approach simply will not do! Whatever formulation you come across whether it be the Joe and Charlie so-called “Big Book Study” (where Chapter 7 is virtually ignored), the 'Dallas Cowboys' (aka Primary Purpose), the Back to Basics gang (see Primary Purpose link), the Visions mob (aka Road to Recovery, Joys of Recovery), all place the emphasis on 'control' by some kind of human authority rather than reliance on a Higher Power (one that is probably NOT human). The agenda is set by the 'controller', the outcome is 'dictated', and failure to 'comply' is punished with a range of sanctions. Finally the 'object' of their 'message' is generally treated thus rather than as a real human being - and disposed of accordingly!


For our part though we think we'll stick with the original method – a couple of alkies just trying to help each other! No deals.. no contract!


Cheers


The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)