Good news about speaking @ Hospitals and Institutions

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

Trisha K.'s picture

Post deleted because I realized this is stupid what I am doing.

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

btnben's picture

.... to teach you how to spell "repulsive"?

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

btnben's picture

I got the link from you, idiot. In one of your former incarnations. Danny - I've been a programmer for the last 30 years so don't be so stupid as to try and bullshit me about IP addresses. I tell you what though. There is some software out there that allows you to backtrack from proxy servers. I'll find it and see if it would be useful to Orange to verify people...lol.

I've never registered or posted on fornits, so my IP address won't be anywhere on the site. You say you know it? Give just the first 6 numbers, gobshite. Don't want people to think you're a lying idiot do you Danny or is it Tranny when you're Trisha...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Clara's picture

That's what I don't get, Ben. I have told people if Orange checked our IP address, you'd know for certain that I was just who I say I am and not any of the other personalities attributed to me. Thank you for verifying that it is a fairly simple thing to do.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

Trisha K.'s picture

I have said the same thing it is easy.

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

Trisha K.'s picture

Don't care!!!

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

btnben's picture

I've asked before - 1st 6 numbers you gobshite...,lol. You don't even know my name Danny Bennison...lol

Why would I want to find you? All I want is to see the back of you...lol I have no wish to know anything about you...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Trisha K.'s picture

ben you are a silly man.

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

This has got to be one of the worst sites I have ever visited for gender equality. Where are the women here and why are you so silent.
Clara darling you really are on your own. Because unlike other sites where the admin or at least the women would help you. No, here the women help the sick fat bastard abuse you.
There are some women groups that are going to have a field day with this.
I have read enough. I know they think you are this other woman. So what, that is no excuse for his behavior. This sick fat bastard enjoys verbally abusing you. It is a power thing with him.

btnben's picture

They're adding up...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Why is this behavior by the trolls being tolerated? Someone is asleep at the switch...........

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

btnben's picture

I got an e-mail from someone the other day about us all getting together and contacting Orange. I think the hour is nigh...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

For what it's worth I sent him one. But you could help and not feed them so much. Now they are fat and happy and on a Troll Roll.

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

causeandeffect's picture

I've been collecting posts and am currently working on sending it off. They show all the dannyisms. But it would help tremendously is we didn't let him know what his dannyisms are, BEN!

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

You can tell himm 100 times and he still does it...lol Too "stoopid" to change...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Clara's picture

I sent him one, too, Last week. There is no difference between the behavior your behavior and that you attribute to "trolls." I don't know why people here can't just agree to disagree. Instead the focus is on personalities verses principals, and there is a reason that in involved in AA stepwork and traditions. You care more about WHO you think a person is than what they have to say.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

What principles?...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

JR Harris's picture

The trolls are making this site noticed. Shhhh..... They don't realize what is going on, but every time they post they are sending identifying information to Google Analytics via what is called "clear text." Shhhh....

"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

Anti, opinions are welcomed, attacks are not. He's already been here to say so.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

becket's picture

I'm a woman, Calinda. I have defended Clara on several occasions. I don't think Orange would know how to defend a woman.

“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

Just so you know...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Yes you have supported Clara. Now that I know you are a woman I will watch out for you too.
I completely understand that most of the women here on this site can handle their own affairs, But it is nice to know too, that people have your back.
Right on becket and Clara.

btnben's picture

Flax - you frigging idiot...lol

Isn't that what Woody Harrelson makes his trousers out of?...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

causeandeffect's picture

danny, you're damsel in distress act isn't going to work. We can spot you in a nanosecond. Nano nano. You really never are going to get away with this for long.

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

avogadno's picture

Calinda, You have a hell of a mouth on for you for a woman.

How long have you been a member here? Were you invited? Just curious.

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

I am not here to be a part of your clique. Yes you are damn right I was invited here, I put it in the email I sent to you. Don't pussyfoot around my dear put it out there.
I came here to support Clara, If you have a problem with that to bad.
I have my opinions concerning AA and not all of them are in line with the AA members here. I say,"SO WHAT". I am here as a woman defending another womans right to be treated with respect.
So for all the other weak kneed women on this site who seemed to have lost their self respect and freely handed it over to JR, ben and whoever else asked for it. Grow up and realize you grew out of your training bras years ago. You are women now, act like it.
Clara and becket take care, I am sure you didn't need my big mouth, but hey, I had the time.
Calinda

Persephone In Exile's picture

WTH?!? Women's groups?

becket's picture

She mentioned nothing about "women's groups". Where do you see that?

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

Clara's picture

I'm not intimidated. I look at them as the sick people they are and pray for them. They think every person that comes on the board is one particular woman when it could just be a shared opinion. Some people simply are not evolved. Ben himself said a thug is a thug when I dared suggest that in AA, you can change and life can change for you. I think you can be a FORMER thug, a FORMER bully... but not without change. After all, if you were a drunk horsethief but you don't change your behavior, all you are in a sober horsethief. All that people have shown is that they are just not physically drunk people, but they are spiritually sick. If you weren't, you wouldn't treat people that way, and I choose to treat them as such.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

becket's picture

If "a thug is a thug", then why is a drunk not still a drunk? Seems btnben is saying the thug life is a real phenomenon; why, then, is the alcoholic not still an alcoholic once drinking ceases?

“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

I'll try and make it a bit simpler for you. What I meant was, whatever you were like before the drink took hold, is what you'll be like when you stop. Just like the idea if you start drinking again you will pick up where you left off. Understand now, or do you need pictures?

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Trisha K.'s picture

Here we go!

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

Trisha K.'s picture

I would be careful here where it concerns ben.

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

btnben's picture

You're entertainment value has passed. Bye bye...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Trisha K.'s picture

Thank you!!

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

btnben's picture

There you go Orange - it's Danny...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Trisha K.'s picture

You call me Danny!!!

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

At this rate Trisha-I think you are aiming to get banned again.

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

Trisha K.'s picture

Anytime a women sticks up for herself around here you want her banned. Why don't you get off your lazy butt and defend Clara.

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

Clara's picture

I think it is funny as hell. A downlow AA member... Hey, if she wants to do service work, that is all well and good, but why not for a program that she supports? Why are these supporters of SMART and other alternatives not stepping up facililating?

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

.... and rude. Go and lie down, phone your sponsor, look for your part......oh I can't be bothered again...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Clara's picture

Who is angry? This saved my day. I am behind her message but not the method. Funny you would suggest calling my sponsor. I did and he thought the same as I did. There are some details being withheld. Either that or the GSR really has no idea just how much Avo hates AA and what it did to her life. And the only part of this I have had is attempting to show her a constructive way to achieve her goal of informing these women of options. And even my sponsor questioned why she would choose AA as her route.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

btnben's picture

.... that you were making wild, unfounded assumptions and then getting angry about them? Not being honest if you didn't...lol

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

avogadno's picture

Good point Gigi. I know that in a closed meetings with the Gurus that talking about how "I" did it doesn't go over well at all. They only want to hear how AA and/or a HP saved you. I'm very curious as to how people that haven't been brainwashed or scared into thinking it's necessary will respond.

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

causeandeffect's picture

Avo, I think it's fantastic you're doing that! Probably most of them have already been through the AA spin-dry and KNOW that it doesn't work for them personally, but are unaware that AA has no efficacy-period. They really need to know there are viable alternatives to choose from. And just look at the AA faithful trying to stop you from telling the truth. Absolutely disgraceful.

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

Agreed C&E. Also Avo, I applaud your courage. I'm just wondering how many people there know it's a pile of horseshit but haven't the courage to say anything. Steppers can be intimidating with their constant slogans. One person standing up and telling the truth may be the catalyst for many others to see the cult for what it is.

God damn it, get me a whiskey

Bill W, Deathbed

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

Clara's picture

Yes, let's hear about aftermath when it's over. Aren't you also the ones that say that people get shut out, shunned, the cliques ignore you if you do the wrong thing? I hope her girlfriend isn't too closely identified with her. Hiding bad motives under "good intentions..." Bill called out people like that long ago. Thank you for yet another worthy example in the Big Book.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

causeandeffect's picture

You were the one who keeps saying that AA says it's not the only way. You said it overandoverandover. So if that were really true (and it's not) then neither you nor the GSR should have any problem whatsoever with her simply saying AA didn't work for her, and telling these people what did work for her. You, my dear, have clearly exposed yourself as a hypocrite!!! You are far more concerned with pushing ineffective faith healing rather than being concerned that these people are able to actually recover through being educated that there are evidence based modalities

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

Clara's picture

I agree with her message and right to say it, but not her method. I am far from a hypocrite. I wouldn't sit in AA meetings, speak at them, take on service work that might benefit another AA... all the while claiming not to be one. That is bizarre. She was provided with an option to pull it off with class. We'll see how she does. And if these women are studying the BB, they already know the AA position that there are alternatives. They might have even tried some of them.

Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.

MOST AA people do not know of options. AA does not disclose them.
That is why we are spreading the word about options to 12 step dogma.

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

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