Comments on: My Year in Alcoholics Anonymous

By: Dick B.

Dick B. — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:03:02 +0000

Congratulations from an ex-attorney who has weathered over 23 years of continuous sobriety and came in with all the seemingly hopeless baggage that some of us produce. You can find my story in audio and printed form on www.dickb.com It may buttress your own well-taken experience and convictions. God Bless, Dick B.

By: Cruise

Cruise — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:31:40 +0000

Nice story man! I always thought that those AA meetings are no good. I don't have this kind of problem, but nice reed and good stuff to know. Thanks!

By: bcuban

bcuban — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:20:54 +0000

I actually wrote that about 1 1/2 years ago. In any event at about 2/12 years sober I still find that one of the biggest hypocritical idiocies of AA are all the big book thumpers who constantly preach working their own program and staying on their own side of the street yet have no trouble crossing over to another members to preach their version of the world when they see something they dont like. Get back on your side of the street please. I am doing just fine.

By: sobere

sobere — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:13:49 +0000

I am certain you meant well in breaking your anonymity but at the media level it is an important tradition. The BB was written as a guide for new comers with information, stories and helpful directions. It’s a helpful guide, not a sacred text. Some people are new longer than others and we have to be patient with them. The directions in the BB are suggestions that can work. However, if you get right down to it Dr Bob himself practiced a six step version (page 263 in the BB) that also worked.

“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us.” It is that simple.

Being able to stay sober for a year or more does not disqualify you for membership. I have seen plenty of people with one, two, three, ten, twenty years of abstinence in the program of AA relapse. Does that mean they are not ‘real’ alcoholics? It is baffling and clearly we all have different paths. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Leave it at that.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:04:14 +0000

your story is like millions of others who have had the grace to be a member of the biggest family in the world and all we had to do is follow a few simple suggestions. Congradulations on 1 year! Although I do agree with Anon. our book says nothing will keep a man in everlasting ignorance as contempt prior to investigation.May I suggest you research AA's Tradition on anonymity. and good luck on your journey down the broad highway.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:11:03 +0000

This is based of my best friend's Dad who was an alcoholic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld4VKF5tcXM

By: bcuban

bcuban — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:02:29 +0000

Nadia

if it were me I would give AA a try. if it is not for you, there is nothing keeping you there. You may find that it is for you. You are going to have the cross section of people that commented here no matter where you go. Good luck!

By: Nadia

Nadia — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:47:59 +0000

Thanks for your post. I quit drinking one week ago and was looking for inspiration when I found it. Your post is very helpful to me. I find it unfortunate that other AA members have used this as a platform to “correct” you –rather than honoring and respecting your experiences. All this going back-and-forth is a real turn off. It comes off as dogmatic. I’m uneasy about attending an AA meeting now. The last thing I need is someone telling me I’m quitting drinking “the wrong way”. Ugh. I’ve heard Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS) might be a good alternative. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks, again, for sharing your story. Your original impulse to convey the significance of your experience for your own self-reflection and extend it to others is a very loving and generous act. I hope to be able to say I've been sober for a year too.

By: chuck

chuck — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:31:46 +0000

Never thought it would happen after 17 years.

That is the nature of this disease. Just not drinking, is not going to solve the isms. Hence they say its cunning baffling and powerful. its a subtle foe. one day, if we are not connected, it strikes. and its hard to wake up. all people can claim they are alcoholic and survive just going to meetings. but a few who are the real alcoholis need something more than meetings. they need a new thought process.

By: Cindy_H

Cindy_H — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:18:56 +0000

I am an alcoholic with 17 years of sobriety, but I have slipped. I never thought it would happen after 17 friggin years but it has.
I need help.

By: Ken

Ken — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:35:32 +0000

Thank 4 your testimony, I want again what u have Brian, I had a long road to get 15 months, now back to another impaired, back on E I, smashed each of my 3 vehicles in 3 months, feeling hopeless again. More Court, jail, fines, loss of property, $ and sick again.My litl town has nearly nothing to offer 4 help. I need God and AA.

By: Andrew H.

Andrew H. — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:16:34 +0000

I dont' recall how I came upon your blog. I haven't had a drink or done a drug since April 18th, 2007. I tried for years and years to control my addiction. I was unable to taper my drinking and drug use (cocaine), nor was I able to drink or use in moderation. The only thing that has ever worked for me is AA and the 12 steps. I saw on step 3 for quite a while. In fact, it took me about 18 months to complete the 12 steps with my sponsor. I don't know if AA or the steps is the solution for everyone, but I don't want to return to the life I had prior to getting sober. So, I'm going to stick with AA. As for all the AA haters out there…AA isn't for everyone! Take it or leave it. I did 90 in 90 and was extremely active in my first year of sobriety. Then, as my life started to come back I had more responsibilities at work, in my relationship, and with my family. I don't go to as many meetings as I did early in sobriety, but when I need a meeting I go. Some weeks I go to one meeting. Some weeks I go to three. I'm not a member of a cult…just a member of a group of people who were unable to stop drinking on our own.

Andrew H.'s Recent post…null

By: Robert Malone

Robert Malone — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:47:26 +0000

Brian.. I am honored by your words.. They are heartfelt..an I appreciate them to the utmost of my being…

Your friend…

Robert Malone

By: Jon R.

Jon R. — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:20:00 +0000

Brian,
I'm a fellow attorney/disco drunk who has been sober through AA for over 6 years. I just kind of bumped into God in my earlier sobriety. I did an accidental 3rd step. Stick around long enough and you'll find the folks who have reconciled rational thought with the wisdom of the program. However there are a lot more rational people than I thought there were in my drinking days and in my earlier sobriety — including some of the folks I wrote off as Big Book-thumpers and AA Nazis. I also recognize that I overestimate my own rationality.

It's always good to read someone else's story of experience, strength and hope. Keep coming back and passing it on.