See here
Comment:
It all sounds great doesn't it? But it doesn't really deal with the
more subtle, less overt bullying that goes on in AA under the guise
of 'sponsorship' ….... cult style that is..... We reckon telling
newcomers that they'll drink if they don't get a sponsor (the
implication being that a human power is the deciding factor as to
whether you get sober or not), or slapping someone across the face
for failing to complete their Step Four on time, or interfering
generally in their relationships, work life, religious (or not)
beliefs etc ie. generally micromanaging their lives, is all bullying
as far as we're concerned. These guidelines don't deal with these
issues at all. So here are a few suggestions of our own. If you
meet someone who seems to think they have the right to run your life
point out to them they are being offensive and would they kindly take
a hike! If anyone 'suggests' to you that you're incapable of making
your own decisions or exercising your own judgement politely point
out to them they're being a prat and 'suggest' ….... they take a
hike. If indeed you should have the misfortune to encounter any kind
of recovery 'expert', Big Book aficionado or guru (you know the type
– the super sobers!) run for it .... or if they persist politely
'insist'..... they take a hike. It saves a lot of trouble all round!
Cheers
The Fellas
(Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
I agree with you, problem is such bully sponsors seek out vulnerable new comers who are often quite desperate. How do we protect them?
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