Credibility

Submitted by Ink on Sun, 07/29/2012 - 19:24

Forums:

I see that some proponents of AA here do not support coerced or involuntary involvement with the program and I think that some of the controversy here would be lessened if the coercion element wasn't an issue. However, there are others that aren't simply interested in changing the 12 step system as the default go to for treatment while equally offering other options; there are some very fundamental disparities that some just cannot not ignore. I believe in freedom of speech and assembly but am concerned about (from my own experience) the coercion that takes place in the legal and social service systems.

I have overcome some addiction issues and while I did pray, made amends where appropriate and looked and the best and worst of me, at the end of the day (or beginning sometimes), no matter who I talked to or what I read and dwelt on, I had to confront the fact that I wanted to get high and ultimately had to make the decision on my own. My step one was deciding that I have the power of choice. Now, dealing with all my other issues doesn't seem so simple but I'm much more comfortable talking with trusted friends and family than any group situation I've been in.

My question is, what explanations (as concise as possible) support the credibility and usefulness (or not) of the 12 step system for you personally?

I found a lot of clarity and support with the route I have been taking recently but due to some legal issues, I'm finding myself again with limited options that are rather intrusive and at least seemingly, not very helpful, adept or empathetic.

alkieanon's picture

alkieanon

Sun, 07/29/2012 - 21:24

Git-r-done.

Ink

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 04:20

What exactly I need to get done hasn't been settled with my current situation.

I do know that I'm much more trustful of the constructive critics in my life than the cynics.

An old family friend invited me out to lunch recently and knew I was struggling with some issues. On the ride out, he said that he felt that there were things he was concerned about with me and allowed me to tell him what was actually going on rather than settling for the rumors or buying my downplaying of my dysfunction. I trust him and felt that he actually cared. He told me the main reason he addressed what he did was that he wanted to encourage me. Good intentions don't make up for everything but I sometimes wonder why the family friends can be closer than family.

alkieanon's picture

alkieanon

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 13:13

Keep your eye on the prize and don't slip up. The OPF AA haters wouldn't hesitate to use your predicament as a source of ridicule. Don't let this happen to you:
http://www.orange-papers.org/forum/comment/50049#comment-50049

becket's picture

becket

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 12:37

Have you ever wondered why the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas, are so difficult for adult children if they choose to return to the place where the good, the bad and the ugly all developed - the family home? All around are planted fun-house mirrors which give skewed and distorted reflections of who we think we are and who we would like to be. Family friends don't have that familial investment. They are one or two or ten generations away from the compulsion to judge. They can make it easier to endure holidays, actually. If you have one or more good family friends, keep them on speed dial.

What exactly is it that you "need to get done"? Are you looking for shared experiences here or advice or what? Exercise caution; this can be a cruel place to open up.

“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Ink

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 04:41

Allow me some time so I may share a thoughtful answer.

I am a 32 year old male and have dealt with various abuse issues and fortunately have some options.

I really want to get this right. I don't want to spout off some crazy diatribe or be petty and pedantic.

The heads up on the vindictive nature of some of the members here ties right in with the introduction that Orange presents. It's good to know what we're getting involved with and a good honest look is a good start.

LisaMarie's picture

LisaMarie

Mon, 07/30/2012 - 14:35

Cruel World Lyrics
Burning Point

Silent place of emptiness
Like through eyes of a drunken man
Quiet thoughts, peaceful mind
It's so strange, feels like I'm fine

I can't hear that noisy world
Can't see the smoke of my inner burn
Feels like I'm a reborn again
Like my soul is almost unbroken

Cold darkness of night
Why can't I stay in the light
When I finally can
Continue my journey to the unholy land

I this world I cannot stay
Soon I have to go away
I wish I could open the door
And make this cruel world
Exist no more

Song of sorrow, song of my life
I can see tears in the drunken men's eyes
There are so many destinies
So many broken hearted stories

Through the silence I found a way
To drown sorrow and make pain go away
Finally I can set myself free
Of this sadness and misery

Cold darkness of night
Why can't I stay in the light
When I finally can
Continue my journey to the unholy land

I this world I cannot stay
Soon I have to go away
I wish I could open the door
And make this cruel world
Exist no more

No one can take this pain away from me
Flames of my life burned too fast
My spirit climbs high and now it flies free

I this world I cannot stay
Soon I have to go away
I wish I could open the door
And make this cruel world
Exist no more.

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 10:34

"My question is, what explanations (as concise as possible) support the credibility and usefulness (or not) of the 12 step system for you personally?"

Alcoholics Anonymous: MyNotGodHasItCovered®
http://www.expaa.org/
http://bereanresearch.com/
http://badrecovery.blogspot.com/
NOT AA:
Rational Recovery, SOS, HAMS
http://alcoholabusesolutions.com/