Good news about speaking @ Hospitals and Institutions

avogadno's picture
Submitted by avogadno on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 13:01

I have good news.

Since the only requirement alcoholics anonymous is a desire to stop drinking (and the only requirement for narcotics anonymous is a desire to stop using drugs), I've decided to do H&I service work and speak at these institutions to share my experience strength and hope as a recovering person with substantial clean time.

My first speak will be next Thursday evening :=)

There is a women's sober living home in my area and they host daily meetings AA meetings. I've been attending the open meeting for 4 weeks now, mainly to support a friend. Although she has "problems" with the program she does find some of the support helpful. She knows exactly how I feel it and it doesn't pose a problem for either in our friendship. Although I've shared only once at this meeting, I realized that I had sufficient clean time to give a lead at a nearby hospital that has a rehab program. I explained my willingness to the GSR and this got the ball rolling.

I thought that this would be the perfect time to respectively share my feelings about the 12 step model of recovery and explain in detail what works for me. My focus will not be what doesn't work (besides a brief explanation about how I wasted 5 years in XA) but other options that I have found useful.

I'm a bit nervous because I thought I'd be "lying", and I don't want to fuck with people's heads. We all know that AA/NA doesn't give a crap but I didn't find that a good reason to do it myself. I've discussed this with my sober buddy and my husband and found that as long as I speak the truth - "all will be well".
I'm just going to speak my mind and hope that if there are people listening that have the same issues with the program as I do then my speak will be helpful to them.

Comments

avogadno's picture

avogadno

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 17:38

TY :=) EEk, I'm nervous as heck already though. I don't like speaking in front of large groups. But this is the first time that I'll be talking openly about how I recovered from substance abuse and I actually feel as if I might be helping someone else. Before, I always felt that I had to be careful and say the "right" thing. The whole truth comes out this time.

I'll be sure to let you all know and thanks for your support!

Pro Empowerment!
Truth about AA: http://orange-papers.org/menu1.html
Expose AA: http://www.expaa.org/

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 17:42

Make them work for you. The only thing you have to do is tell the truth. Be honest and your strength will grow as the talk progresses.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 17:44

Going out and talking in front of people. It's always the quiet ones you've got to watch...lol Whatever happens, enjoy it.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 14:52

I don't mind if they know that. If they are reading the BB, they know it already. The fact is she is duplicitious and it is wrong, regardless of what program she likes or dislikes. This isn't about program. I was all for it at first until I had a second look. It is about motive. She wouldn't have asked the GSR about it at all if it weren't AA volunteers doing service work. If it was just to go talk about alternatives, she could do that one her own by simply calling the facility, speaking to the Director and offering up her services. This is sleazy.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 14:55

You mean like paying a recently widowed woman $0.25 on the dollar for her home and then bragging and laughing about it? You mean that kind of sleazy?

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 14:57

Aren't you the one that talks about ad homs? She's just wrong, but these kinds of people and circumstances tend to take care of themselves.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:01

....aren't true. Please answer, just this once. Was the example I gave sleazy? It's not a difficult question. It's one of those yes/no ones - the ones steppers always hate...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:12

I don't know anything about your example. I never have.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

causeandeffect's picture

causeandeffect

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:00

How exactly is she being duplicitous? Pushing ineffective quack faith healing on sick people is what sleazy is.

Troll free AA critical forum
http://www.expaa.org/

"The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:02

.... how agitated the hive gets at the slightest threat to the collective?...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:41

I agree, btnben! The Orange Cult gets positively lathered at any sign of disagreement!

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

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:01

The BB is cult propaganda Clara, it means nothing to anyone here except the AA trolls who come here to defend the failure called Alcoholics Anonymous.

It you want cult literature to quote with something new, try Dianetics. The cult of Narconon is heavily into niacin therapy, which the cult of Alcoholics Anonymous with the help of Bill Wilson was also looking in to.

"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.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:03

The cheap thick paper is a far superior firelighter to newspaper.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

dandammit's picture

dandammit

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:16

Speaking of thick paper- The first Big Book printing was on thick paper to deceive people to think it was worth the money.
Sleazy.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:21

Believe it or not, that is why it is called the big book. The printers called it that taking the piss. Bill W wanted to charge the equivalent of $55-60 today for it. The problem was, he ran out of Billshit to fill it up with. You look at it. The margins are wider than normal, the typeface is larger than normal. And thick paper is the cheapest as well as the bulkiest.

If you think about it, why would anyone call it the big book? Blue book, i can understand. Big book was a joke from the printers - AA was a joke from day 1...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

alkieanon's picture

alkieanon

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 00:20

No kidding, not Mao.

Clara's picture

Clara

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 08:03

I am glad for that as I have vision problems. Large print doesn't bother me.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

btnben

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 08:12

It's great when you finally throw them away. You can never understand why you had them on for so long. You feel a little foolish, but, hey, you can see everything so much more clearly.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

Clara's picture

Clara

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 11:59

I don't think so, Ben. It's worked well for me but should it stop working, that's a thought for a different day.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

avogadno's picture

avogadno

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:03

Thanks C&E and everyone that supports my decision :=)

You are right, I am doing this because I do care. It's one of the reasons that I blog and research and fight for other options.

I've put a lot of thought into this and have discussed it at length. I don't want to hurt anyone. These trolls think that they know exactly how, and what, and why I'm doing this. No clue really, none. I suppose it's because they love AA and the message and don't want me or anyone else "interferring" with recruits for the cult. Whatever. These are people's lives. They will hear the compassionate truth from me.

I said before, it's about choice. I will mention that those that are choosing to work the steps that I wish them luck and I hope it works for them. I'm not going to bash, lol. I agree that would be rude.

Pro Empowerment!
Truth about AA: http://orange-papers.org/menu1.html
Expose AA: http://www.expaa.org/

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:10

Avo, i've seen this before and it played out badly. Person angry with AA decides to take on ______________ with the truth. Fill in the blank with whatever you want. You sound self-serving and self rightous, all because you didn't like it and feel that AA "stole" 5 years of your life. This is just a way of acting out toward AA and you went through AA to do it. You aren't going to be honest with whatever fallout you have, so I am glad to have seen it before.

If your true motive is to be helpful in offering alternatives to others, something that you've tried and that did work for you, do it through the front door. Otherwise, that's just what it is, sleazy back door behavior.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:14

.... see Danny...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

causeandeffect's picture

causeandeffect

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:29

Yeah and bill wilson with his bimbo.

Troll free AA critical forum
http://www.expaa.org/

"The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson

causeandeffect's picture

causeandeffect

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:16

You're welcome. I know of nobody better for the job. You are articulate and fair when you speak. There is nothing steppers fear more than the truth. It threatens them tremendously. We can so clearly see the lies. They are coming out now and showing themselves for what the program really is.

Troll free AA critical forum
http://www.expaa.org/

"The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson

alkieanon's picture

alkieanon

Fri, 03/09/2012 - 00:29

That makes perfect sense.

becket's picture

becket

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 14:55

avogadno: you should audio tape your presentation and bring it back here for applause and scourging.

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

avogadno's picture

avogadno

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:04

Yes, you would suggest that.

Pro Empowerment!
Truth about AA: http://orange-papers.org/menu1.html
Expose AA: http://www.expaa.org/

becket's picture

becket

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:12

Now wait a minute. I'd be interested to hear an audio tape of this event. Most people here would applaud, some others would disapprove. Do you disagree? I am not inviting character assassination by stating the truth. Why do you find it appropriate to stoop to such a thing?

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

btnben's picture

btnben

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:14

Don't make me laugh.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

causeandeffect's picture

causeandeffect

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 14:57

What's dishonest is pushing ineffective faith healing nonsense (devised by a narcissistic, lying, cheating thief stock swindler) off on people who are vulnerable and desperately in need of real help. YOU GO GIRL! If even one person finds their way to sobriety because of you telling the truth, that will be much better odds than they have in AA.

Troll free AA critical forum
http://www.expaa.org/

"The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson

Trisha K.'s picture

Trisha K.

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:08

I am convinced you really don't care who you trample on so long as your agenda is fed.

“The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.”
Shirley MacLaine

JR Harris's picture

JR Harris

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:43

Or are you saying the cult of Alcoholics Anonymous is the only thing that works?

"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.

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:11

I'll be interested in knowing what the Director of the facility says. Of course, Avo won't tell the truth about it.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:16

That's not the AA way Clara. Have you even read the BB of Billshit?

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 16:28

Of course it is.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

AntiDenial

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 17:21

Unlike you Clara, I would believe AVO. You keep lying on this blog. I have not seen that with AVO.

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

Clara's picture

Clara

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:17

I haven't lied at all. We simply disagree. I believe that Avo has the right to say her piece and I supported that right out of the gate until I realized that it was AA service work. That is the only part of it I disagree with. All I can think of is that it must be hard as hell to get participation that a GSR would even permit a non-group member to do it. But absolutely do I support a person's right to speak her truth. I just question the way it is happening.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:26

Making assumptions!!!!. You're saying Avo's not a member? What are the membership criteria?

"But absolutely do I support a person's right to speak her truth. I just question the way it is happening." - Open your mouth and let the words come out is the accepted method.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

AntiDenial

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:30

I think we have figured out on this blog that you dont approve. You can still stop lying.

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

becket's picture

becket

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:15

I'm not seeing lies. I'm just reading a difference of opinion. If you have a counter to these posts, and you can respond without accusations of lying, then let's read them. Otherwise you are merely calling her a liar. Where is the justification for that? Is it just in your mind because she does not share your entire viewpoint?

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

btnben's picture

btnben

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:16

So where's the problem? All you have to do is say you are NOT Marietta and that will be it...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

becket's picture

becket

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:46

Perhaps you misconstrued the intent of my post, btnben. I was speaking about Clara. She had been unfairly termed "a liar". I haven't seen lies in her posts. A difference of opinion, yes, but no lies.

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

AntiDenial

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:31

No it is not a difference of opinion. It is stating lies. Marietta/Clara will make statements that you know are totally false, BECKET/CLARA/MARIETTA you are LYING.

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

becket's picture

becket

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 13:47

Would you be good enough to identify some of the lies you claim Clara has dropped on the forum?

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

Pogue Mahone

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:03

Way to go Avo!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un0s0NSsWNY&feature=related

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:09

That's going to get used again...lol

Have you heard this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDjDKwgoyUc

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

Pogue Mahone

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:21

that is a first for me Ben..thanks for the link.

avogadno's picture

avogadno

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 21:04

Going to go for it!

Pro Empowerment!
Truth about AA: http://orange-papers.org/menu1.html
Expose AA: http://www.expaa.org/

Pogue Mahone

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:29

Lets the slogans roll!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyTrSXoB0J8

btnben's picture

btnben

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:35

That is so funny. Where's my phone...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?source=patrick.net&v=Sdn3O6aaMNc

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