gonnamakit (March 15, 2008 at 2:50 pm)

When people object to having a doctrine imposed on them when they seek help, it doesn't have to be because they "don't get it".

prschuster (February 10, 2008 at 5:49 pm)

OK. Each person can decide on what works best for them. I have no objections to that.

rimshot2008 (February 10, 2008 at 5:15 pm)

I understand, and I hope you understand that unlike yourself, there are millions of other alcoholics who require an on-going effort to maintain their precious hard-earned sobriety. For the majority a profound personality/thinking/behavior change is required to stay sober and maintain an emotional equilibrium. Don't knock it. For those of us who are otherwise unable to stay sober - it works.

prschuster (February 10, 2008 at 4:30 pm)

Thank you. Actually, I am quite ordinary. There are countless others like me who need a little support at first, but who are perfectly capable of functioning as normal human beings, after kicking the habit, without being "in recovery" for the rest of their lives.

rimshot2008 (February 10, 2008 at 4:20 pm)

Good for you. You've made a complete recovery after your ordeal of countless rehabs and detoxes. My congratulations are sincere. Clearly, you are a person or exceptional character and the type of help AA offers is not necessary for you.

prschuster (February 10, 2008 at 2:03 pm)

I sense a bit of condescension in that remark. It's not the first time my words have been dismissed by veiled insults to my integrity. Of course I was filled with regrets gulit and remorse after sobering up. But I have no use for a program that encourages a person to drag themselves through this quasi religious guilt trip indefinitely 5, 10 or 20 years after sobering up. That's not recovery from addiction. So why are you trying to lay a guilt trip on me... or are you in denial about that too?

rimshot2008 (February 10, 2008 at 1:24 pm)

It seems you are an exceptional person - well adjusted, contented and comfortable in your own skin without alcohol. Most alcoholics are filled with regret, resentments, guilt and remorse after they sober up. Congratulations to you. Apparently you came through your "countless rehabs and detoxes" unscathed.

prschuster (February 10, 2008 at 3:22 am)

In other words, you are an egotistical, sinful ingrate, and that's why you drink. You can demean yourself all you want but leave me out of this self berating program. I stay sober by refraining from bending my elbow with a drink in my hand.

rimshot2008 (February 10, 2008 at 2:58 am)

You just don't get it. AA is easy.1. Stop drinking2. Clean House.3. Help othersIt's probably the "clean house' part you don't like. It's simple. 1. Identify the personal characteristics that are ego-based and self destructive.2. Be willing to change.3. Replace your destructive thoughts and behaviors with modesty, honesty gratitude and service to others.This is how you STAY SOBER!

prschuster (February 9, 2008 at 2:06 am)

I went to rehab & AA to get help & advice for my drinking problem. All I got in return was a lot of mumbo jumbo about how my character defects have caused me to be self centered, dihonest and full of resentment... as if that explains my alcoholism. Why doesn't AA get honest with itself and admit that it is basically a program for sinners?