Committee
No. 6
“Question
2. Would the Fellowship discuss, share experience and
make recommendations on the question of how AA can best carry the
message to alcoholics with psychological disorders both inside and
outside of the Fellowship?
Background
“I
am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want
the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”
The Responsibility Pledge of Alcoholics Anonymous.
“There
are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders,
but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.”
Big Book, Chapter 5, Page 58.
Examples
of psychological disorders: Mood Disorders (clinical depression, bi
polar affective disorder); Neurodevelopment Disorders (autistic
spectrum disorder); Anxiety Disorders (post traumatic stress
disorder, generalised anxiety disorder); Schizophrenia, Personality
Disorders.”
Cheerio
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
PS See
also aacultwatch forum (section 4)
PPS
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People with mental health issues other than alcohol are again a special needs group within AA. They should NOT be discriminated against by being told to come off medication by any AA member. They should not face further discrimination by sponsors who tell them that AA and "God" is a cure for all conditions, or that depression is "just self-pity" and other suchlike abuse. There should perhaps be a pamphlet for people with these needs produced by the fellowship. What is available does not seem to be adequate, or is ignored. Also, as in the LGBT special needs issue, alcoholics with these issues within the fellowship should not have to endure patronizing lectures from those in the fellowship who do not have these problems. AA is based upon identification of the problem, so those who identify and have experience with these issues should be the ones helping, not those who think they know (via theory and dogma) what is best for everyone. They don't.
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