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[The following transcript is from debatesdebates, a nationally-broadcast public television show produced and directed by the late Warren Steibel at HBO studios in New York City. This show, entitled "Is Abstinence The Answer to Alcoholism," was taped on November 19, 1997. Show #219. Please contact debatesdebates for permission to reproduce this transcript. http://www.debatesdebates.com. See also several news items as follow-up on topics addressed in this debate.]

"Is Abstinence The Answer to Alcoholism?"

This video captures a presentation by Joseph Gerstein, M.D. to a large audience of addiction professionals at the Maine Medical Center in 1999.

More about Coercion

In most of today's state physician health programs, ―Regardless of setting or duration, essentially all treatment provided to these physicians (95%) was 12-step oriented. In these programs, ASAM practitioners routinely impose their spiritually-based 12-step abstinence recovery program. This system is imposed on medical professionals through threats to remove medical licenses or curtail practice or hospital privileges.

American Society of Addiction Medicine. A made up "specialty"

I have often thought, as time went on, that we in A.A. during the past fifteen years are just forming the nucleus of the brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of Cod we were all intended for from the beginning. It seems to me that this fellowship stems from God and goes back to God, because the trouble with us alcoholics and the trouble with the world today is Godlessness. We have work to do, and I say to you that it is a back-to-God movement, and is fundamentally Catholic throughout.

N.C.C.A. "BLUE BOOK©" AN ANTHOLOGY

Addiction: A Disorder of Choice - a book by Gene Heyman

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In a book sure to inspire controversy, Gene Heyman argues that conventional wisdom about addiction—that it is a disease, a compulsion beyond conscious control—is wrong.

BLUNT TRUTH: MA DPH DOCTORS MIGHT AS WELL BE SCIENTOLOGISTS

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http://digboston.com/think/2013/05/blunt-truth-ma-dph-doctors-might-as-wel...

THINK

We met at an AA meeting in 1952. She was 45 years old; I was 57. I remember the moment vividly. It was in New York City, the City that never sleeps, ya know? This was a few years before my wife had her heart attack. Anyway, I said to myself, “I have to hit that”. The Guys had not yet set up the Watch Committee. Those meetings, for me, were really carnivals of sin. In the spirit of anonymity I will not reveal her name.

Some use the Rosary for devotion to prayer. Yet others use the 12 Beads for prayer devotion.

A string of prayer beads? And they say AA ain't a religion!
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Twelve beads - twelve steps.

When repeating the steps, promises and traditions, beads may be used to enhance reflection.

Another AA theme song.

This guy is coming to Kansas City and is billed with Alice Cooper.

Marilyn Manson sings "Personal Jesus"

Thanks to thearmbarkid for posting this!

In commemoration of Memorial Day and remembering BillW®’s legacy, I dedicate a song to BillW®. This seems only appropriate since the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. and the General Service Conference all seem to be POWERLESS in stopping violent sexual predators in being mandated to AA meetings.

In fact, it seems that ever since BillW® 13th Stepped his first victim it has almost become a standard practice in AA.

Welcome to Pigs Anonymous - A 12 step meeting

Imagine yourself in an AA meeting, in New York City, around 1945. Also imagine that Bill W. joins in the meeting. If you had to pick one of the members of this Pigs Anonymous 12 step meeting, which would you say most closely exhibits the character defects of Bill W. ?

Jung's Insights Formed Basis of A. A.
Published: December 3, 1993

To the Editor:

I was surprised and delighted to see your Nov. 19 Op-Ed article by the great psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung. His thoughts are so pertinent despite the passage of 34 years.

Excellencies and Friends: My thanks to Father Ray for his introduction. He has us off to an appropriate start. This hour with you is most meaningful to me and I trust it will be to you and to A.A. as a whole. Every thoughtful A.A. realizes that the divine grace which has always flowed through the Church is the ultimate foundation on which A.A. rests. Our spiritual origins are Christian.

Here is an excerpt from a speech Bill W. gave at the closing of the 1952 General Service Conference.

Luxembourg appears to do it right!

The Plymouth House at 446 Main Street, Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264
http://www.theplymouthhouse.com/home.html

The Plymouth House is a retreat dedicated to teaching the life-changing principles and practices of the Twelve Steps while offering a safe and healthy environment for recovery from addiction. The Twelve Steps has helped millions to overcome their addictions, remain sober, and enjoy full, productive lives.