Any 2012 Resolutions from Orange Group Forum?

biodoc's picture
Submitted by biodoc on Sat, 12/31/2011 - 09:35

For many of us, New Year’s Eve is a time for rebirth and redirection for the coming year. Vis “What will I do differently and better in 2012?”
I have learned a great deal from reading the articles and comments posted in this forum over the past 2 months. My decision to leave AA has been validated in numerous ways, but now I feel like an arm-chair quarterback on a Monday morning discussing what should have been done in the NFL during Sunday’s games.
While the forum information is useful, I am wondering what I am going to DO with it in 2012?
Any suggestions for 2012 Resolutions to impede the current AA movement in our local communities? What can I be doing specifically to obstruct the continued AA religious movement growth in 2012 besides posting to this blog which, as far as I can see, accomplishes little to stop anything?
(PS: This is a legitimate question. Please save the person attacks…or else I’d be better off going to a meeting and discussing Bill’s Ouija board and LSD use. )
Happy New Year to All!

Comments

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 09:49

Well, if I were you, I'd try to use your medical degree or relationships with other docs to spread information. I suspect your state licensing board has some type of physician's assistance or physicians helping physicians program. Most likely that board is dominated by 12 step philosophy. I would check it out and see if you could do anything there to spread the message. Maybe you could even volunteer to sit on some board. Also, I was only half joking last week when I suggested you pursue the addictionologist certificate. I'm totally ignorant about how much time and money it would cost, and obviously I don't know the details of your work schedule. But I think you should definitely look into it to see what it entails. If you got that certificate, you'd be in a more powerful position to spread the word. Those are just a few of my thoughts.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 06:36

I DID look into it Pennywise and I wanted to puke! Talk about a sham to get insurance reimbursement for non-physicians. This addition certification brings 12 step programs to a new low (and fully explains why the "doctor" at Life House needed it to practice)

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 11:37

Sorry for the language, I use it to make a point.

So I could get certified in addictionology?

Do doctors still abide by the Hippocratic oath?

Just kidding about the oath thing, there are unethical folks all around us, unfortunately.

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

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 11:50

I'm not sure. I think you have to be a MD for what I was thinking. But I'm sure you could take some classes and get some type of professional substance abuse licence. As an accountant, I assume you have a BA or its equivalent. But you probably need at least a master's in counseling or some shit. I think for an addictionologist certificate you need an MD, but I don't know.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 12:13

Damn, ruined my resolution. Anyway it was a joke about getting certified as an addictionologist.

Yes, I have BSBA in accounting. I also have a Ph.D. in substance abuse, however, that honor was not bestowed upon me by an accredited university if you know what I mean.

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

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 15:40

"HEALTH PROFESSION ANALYSIS:
THE ADDICTIONOLOGIST
Understanding Addictionology
Addictionology is a self-recognized sub-specialty requiring matriculation through specific certification-based Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses. As the concept of addiction as a social plague is a 20th century phenomenon, the history, research and literature on this field of healthcare is historically limited but expanding rapidly. Addictionology has been spurred by new scientific and socio-cultural research, the development of scientifically based treatment modalities, the medicalization of addiction, a growing global anti-prohibition stance, and modernized public healthcare policies. These events have allowed for new paradigms to improve the treatment of addiction in the 21st century. Still, both the profession and the disease carry an intractable historical stigma and conflicting government interests. In addition few physicians are willing to work in this "risky business," and the patients who are in the most need are also demographically less likely to gain treatment access. "

Read more: http://www.helium.com/items/111189-the-addictionologist-a-career-analysis

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 10:14

Gotcha. Perhaps you might want to contact Dr. Stanton Peele about suggestions. Let him know you are a M.D. interested in perhaps doing something to help. I'm sure he'd respond. He's very anti AA. Just Google him and you'll see. What would be really badass is if you could help start a "Silkworthless Society" composed of physicians opposed to the 12 Step industry. The name is derived from Dr. W.D. Silkworth, who was the doc who gave Bill W. the hallucinogenic drugs that helped Bill see God. He also wrote "The Doctor's Opinion" in the Big Book.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 10:21

My resolution of 2011 for 2012 is to expose the asset depletion experts of Hazelden trained Interventionists in their quest to make people hit bottom and transfer all of their assets to Hazelden trained prospect hunters for Alcoholics Anonymous.

http://www.rewritables.net/cybriety/bills_desk.htm

"Tradition 10 - Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy." Please follow orders from the Interchurch Center if you are an AA member and don't comment.

AntiDenial

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 10:52

I really like the tone of your blog post. Even though there is benefit to vent for xAA members. I think many of us are beginning to realize that they would be really helpful is to be active in making a difference. Even though there are those like Stanton Peele that write a lot on the topic. When I e-mailed him I did not get a response as far as activism went in dealing with the courts and constitutional issues.
But it is still worth a try to light a fire under him to be even more active.I firmly believe there is so much we can do to make a difference. Contacting are Representatives, Drug Courts and their Associations,Department of Corrections, helping in starting more SMART meetings or being online facilitators. SMART is looking for more volunteers interested in researching, administrative etc. They need help to grow even more. Get the word out to prisoners or others in the criminal justice system they have rights to choice. There is much we can do. One thing I have learned in my short couple of years into this research and activism is that there is allot of apathy out there. I have lost count of how many people both in the public and in government are clueless to these matters. I think even picketing in front of court houses etc and getting TV coverage would be great. There really is so much we could do.

People can e-mail judges, Drug Court Managers,Probation Officers and heads of Department of Corrections and contacting child advocacy groups to notify the mixing of sex offenders and minors in the same meetings. We might even look at making legislative changes as well.

Writing on the Blogs about these matters inform people coming to them is helpful. We have the power to expose the governments that are against working with alternatives. Gosh I could go on and on.

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 11:58

First, just a quick nod to the fact that the AA ThinkSpeak is quite prevalent. We all know that. In discussing these matters with peers I would keep that fact in mind. I intend to discuss some of these matters with my licensing board, but I will tread lightly at first.

If one is in the medical profession, it might be helpful to have a dialogue with Dr. Marlowe at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Dr. Marlowe's bio and contact info is at the National Drug Court blogspot.

Happy New Year!

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

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 12:53

Based on what I've read so far, I can think of two things that I can do in 2012. I'm going to wait a bit more and see who else chimes in with some ideas.
This "addictionology" BS is a way for chiropractors, yes, chiropractors, to practice addiction counseling and get insurance reimbursement. The MD at New Life I assume needed a way to bill for his services and get reimbursed as his medical license had been yanked. Worst part of this deal is that my State recognizes this sham training for insurance reimbursement purposes.
$2,600 gringo, two days in Vegas, and 150 hours in distance learning qualifies ANYONE for the certification in addiction for alcohol, food, gambling, etc. There is not ONE MD or DO in the listed academic staff.

The advertisement reads:

"Insurance reimbursement for services not covered before are now being considered for those having the C.Ad. designation. The Hallmark of managed care is credentialing."

Hallmark for credentialing? How about legitimate med schools or graduate schools?

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 15:38

So............$2,600 that might be reimbursed by an employer, at worst a tax write off if self-employed, two days in sin city and a month in your pajamas and presto, a C.Ad certificate to hang on the Ego Wall. This IS a great country.

I'm back to my original question of can I get certified. This covers all addictions? Hmmmm.

I recently saw really nice 2012 Maserati at the mall.

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

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:53

Goggle
http://www.acacd.com/
Then get ready for emesis!

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 19:31

My word for the day. Thanks.

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

DeConstructor's picture

DeConstructor

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 08:36

We expect medicine practice in the US to be legit. The deafening silence of the medical, scientific, and academic community regarding the actions of the recovery industry is inexcusable.

People are dying because of the misinformation and disinformation that the AA faith and the recovery industry promotes as medical fact. Information that is neither medical nor fact.

I have read reports that up to 80% of emergency room visits are drug and alcohol related. I place a lot of the blame for this, and the continuing substance abuse problem in the US, on the AA faith and the recovery industry. Other countries that do not promote the faulty disease model of addiction do not have the substance abuse problem the US does.

According to Baldwin Research, there are more recovering alcoholics in Los Angeles than in the continent of Europe. I think this entire problem can be traced to how the medical community has handled it, by the systematic dumping of people, many with comorbid mental conditions into AA.

The deaths that have been caused by the unquestionable AA faith and recovery industry in the US should more rightly be called the American Holocaust.

AntiDenial

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 10:37

It is good you point out that many that are dumped unto AA having comorbid mental conditions. Some are quite serious like schizophrenics and sociopaths. This bothers bothers me a great deal for those that are victims of this practice - the government and GSO AA to blame.

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 12:02

This may be old data at 80%. While I do not doubt that a significant percentage of ER visits today are alcohol and drug related (at least in my day they were), today's ER is full of people with no insurance and requesting treatment for colds and URTI's.

stephanienc's picture

stephanienc

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 14:00

...come back to the orange sandbox and join in the fun and mayhem contained herein after an inexcusably long absence (various reasons, too boring to mention). I look forward to catching up, meeting new folks, and updating you on my recent adventures...as well as my current thoughts about aa, recovery, and life in general. I know you can hardly wait. ;-)

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 15:40

yea, I can read between the lines.

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

steve cochrane's picture

steve cochrane

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 02:24

Hello All, I haven't posted here in awhile. I applaud the people on this post. I can sense from alot of the info that you guys offer is done with alot of zeal and thorough research. I find it very helpful for myself. It reaffirms alot of the thoughts that I have had trying to figure out what to do when I was still in AA. Approx. 16 years of that shit!! It damn near killed me and I can state my case quite effectively now,as to how it did. I won't go into all of the details but most of you know,because here we are!! The clarity is just incredible and I want to thank all of you in helping me get a foothold again. It's amazing how refreshing common sense is ya? The facts are we are dealing with a monster with very powerful talons dug firmly into the flesh of our society. This monster prays upon people at their most vulnerable times. Another fact is that society in general doesn't want to deal with people that are having problems with addictive behaviors for very long. Patience wears thin very quickly. So in order to get us out of the way the question is asked what do we do with these folks? " Hey I know!! Lets send them to AA they will take anyone"!! It's like that cereal commercial " Hey let's get Mikey he'll eat anything". So off we go. It works for awhile. It feels good just to stop drinking or using agreed? So the assumption is made that hey this AA thing really works. Atta boy keep going to meetings and everything will be just fine. All of us here know what comes next. Once the real AA exposes itself it can and is for many, quite devastating, even deadly. But trying to explain this to someone or a group is often met with dismissal. The true victories will come with "The quiet work". One person at a time. No preachy bullshit,just a demonstration of a life reclaimed. We all have circle of friends that maybe could benefit from our experience. But we must be very careful not to become the zealots ourselves. I know that there is a sense of urgency. I feel it too. I will email some people in the media who promote 12 step programs and when circumstances dictate I will respond with my real life experience,not just data. I am experiencing some of the most joyful times of my life now. Clear concise thinking. Ready for the show everyday!! Happy New Year Everyone!!

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 06:35

Now THAT's a worthwhile resolution!

live_free_or_die's picture

live_free_or_die

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 05:58

Yours is an excellent post as well.

Yes, Welcome Back to the Show That Never Ends (ELP). An it IS quite a show.

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

DeConstructor's picture

DeConstructor

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 04:43

Does anyone know if he was certified by a weekend in Vegas?

That may be a fact worth publicizing, particularly to the families of two of the people he killed on national television, Mike Starr and Jeff Conaway.

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 11:04

Drew is a legit MD. He doesn't need to have a sham C.Ad. behind his name to bill insurance companies and get reimbursed for his services. And since when does chiropractic manipulation have anything to do with addiction (alcohol, gambling, sex, etc.)?????
Just when I start to have respect for chiropractors (a good one can do amazing things), they pull this garbage. But remember, ANYONE can get the C.Ad. and not just chiropractors.

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 11:25

Aren't there different types of programs though? I really don't know. I assume the deal in Vegas is not the only program of its kind. Aren't there any that require an MD?

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 11:52

No requirement to be an MD/DO for the C.Ad. There isn't an MD or DO on the faculty of this goofy organization. It's Doctor of Chiropractic based. Why in the world would any MD/DO need this certification if they can bill an insurance company for a legitimate office visit? Answer: They don't need it unless the circumstances are like the MD at Life House who had his medical license pulled. You might be able to practice medicine with a suspended license (though risky), but you can't be reimbursed by insurance for your services. E-mail me if you have any other questions.
Glad you are interested.

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 12:19

Here are my thoughts:

I'm no doctor, but it seems addictionology is worthless when it comes to purely behavioral counseling. The only way a person will voluntarily stop using is if they want it bad enough. That is both a necessary and sufficent condition. If they really want it, it's simple enough. Just stop poising yourself. If they don't want it, they'll pick up again. All a doc can do from that standpoint is tell the patient what the booze/drugs are doing to the body.

Now, there is also a medical aspect, as distinguished from the behavioral (although the two are probably related). From the purely medical standpoint, a doc can help the patient detox safely. Moreover, a doc can write prescriptions for drugs such as Naltrexone, Suboxone, etc. I don't think a non-MD can do any of that. Moreover, I think chemical dependency is probably related to certain aspects of brain chemistry, physiology, and genetics. For example, deficient dopamine might have something to do with it. I realize the forgoing might not be the exact medical terms, but that is the general idea of what I'm talking about. I think valuable research can be done in this regard. However, I don't see non-MD chiropractors doing anything in that respect. I'm sure they are not even qualified to read brain scans and interpret the type of data such studies entail. Thus, I do think there might be something to be said for addictionology, but most certainly not as practiced by chiros or other practitioners of alternative medicine. Does that make sense?

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 13:40

Think about this for a minute: We don't know the exact content of the curriculum, but we can assume that since it is designed for non-physians that are wholistic, then there could be an element that involves metabolic issues and NOT issues of "sin" as in the Oxford Group.
Chiropractors may not have the respect of MD/DO, but they are far from idiots in most cases and I think 12-Step spiritualism and Wilsonism would be as unpalletable to them as it is to us.
Food for thought anyway.
Also, we need to be careful what we wish for is this forum....i.e., do we really want to see SMART recovery (a legitimate oganization) flooded with the misfits and felons that currently attend AA?????????

Pennywise's picture

Pennywise

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 15:17

Also, we need to be careful what we wish for is this forum....i.e., do we really want to see SMART recovery (a legitimate organization) flooded with the misfits and felons that currently attend AA?????????

That's a good point. Honestly, I don't care where people actually go to get their slips signed. I'm just concerned about protecting Constitutional rights. Moreover, I think those slip signers who would choose SMART over AA are probably more serious than many of their counterparts. The reason I say that is because going to SMART typically requires more effort. Mainly, there are AA meetings everywhere, and getting a slip signed is easy. So if all you care about is pleasing the courts, going to AA is probably the most convenient way to knock off the requirement. On the other hand, if someone is willing to go out of his way to attend a recovery meeting that is more congruent with his philosophy or that he finds more effective, then he's probably at least somewhat serious about getting something out of it besides documentation that he showed up. Those are the type of people I would want in my group. So I'm OK with it if someone has to drive a few extra miles to go to SMART rather than AA. It's probably a good thing in some respects. However, what a person should not have to do is fight with the court system in order to have the option.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."

AntiDenial

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 15:31

In our efforts to protect peoples constitutional rights , if we are successful it would be a nice problem to have more court attendees at SMART Meetings. I think in reality the courts are going to need to step up to the plate and actually have special 'SMART' meetings. They might have to train or pay to have alternatives available for their population. Also like Pennywise said,you would most likely see people who care about turning their life around. Also part of AA's security problem is that pretty much anything goes at meetings. Not so at SMART,very strict in comparison in dealing with poor behavior. Also SMART does not encourage people to exchange phone #'s and their are no sponsors. So people can go to a meeting and go home and that's that. Also I would like to see more courts allow online meetings instead of mandated face to face meetings. It has many positives!

Criminals In Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
www.nadaytona.org

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Tue, 01/03/2012 - 06:45

My first job for 2012 is to actually attend some SMART meetings. I will be curious to see if the usual "court paper people" are in attendance and whether or not they are finally paying attention and not just texting or gaming.
In my area there is only one per week on Monday night. I missed this week according to their schedule, but I WILL NOT miss next week.

grampahaas's picture

grampahaas

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 13:43

I wouldn't hurt to eat well,sleep well,quit running the rat race.Stay away from the party animals and so forth.Vitamins help me a lot.

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Tue, 01/03/2012 - 06:42

Vitamins are almost a necessity today. Our food supply isn't what it used to be. Try to buy a tomatoe that is grown in the US. Good luck.
Bill W may have been right about one thing: he did try megadoses of the B vitamins. If you drank like I did, then your store of the B's has probably been impaired. In the hospital, a good detox consists not just of a benzo, but the addition of vitamin B1 as well.
A good talk with your doctor is never a bad thing, and this IS the time to practice "rigorous honesty" and lay your cards on the table with him/her. We can deal with it once we really KNOW about it.
(This is NOT meant to be medical advice)

Banana's picture

Banana

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 23:57

Copy-paste from my post at leaving aa..

Off my list of resolutions…

Fear of trusting my own thoughts
Obsessively searching for character defects
Denying justifiable anger
Thinking everything is my fault
Believing that God will only help me if I follow a set list
Accepting what I know to not be true (for me)

On my list of resolutions…

Un-diagnosing myself
Looking at the positives
Accepting my imperfections
Taking care of myself
Trusting in God but not needing any promises as proof
Moving on!

I do want to "do something" that will help, just need ideas. I just jumped the AA ship recently.

biodoc's picture

biodoc

Tue, 01/03/2012 - 06:37

"Looking at the positives"
Banana, If you do nothing more than this in 2012 you will be far ahead of the game!
Welcome to the real way to deal with "life on life's terms."
Focusing on "negatives" (the steps) got me no where and AA was the last place to explore the things that I was capable of doing to lead a positive and productive life.