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Lately I have been reading a lot of other website forums where AA is debated. Most of the folks seem to be radical anti-AA, at least where I am reading. I was wondering if perhaps I am making this blog appear to be equally completely anti-AA? I was wondering if it appeared as if I was against AA as a whole and wanted it shut down. And that’s not the case so I thought I should get a post in here ensuring my position was clear.

So for clarity’s sake these are the things I believe .

Let me type that slower so you remember it as you read this list: these are the things THAT I **BELIEVE** (meaning they might be false but I don’t think they are;-)

1. I believe that there is a condition called alcoholism. It might be a true genetic disease or it might just be a mental disorder. Which ever it is, isn’t important to me; that its there is what matters.

2. The fellowship of AA can and does help people who suffer from alcoholism. People who considers themselves alcoholics or addicts can turn their lives around by attending meetings and becoming an active part of the fellowship. This applies to any 12 step fellowship.

3. Here’s where the AA faithful and I differ - MOST alcoholics and addicts DO turn their lives completely around just by the act of not drinking or using. Whether or not they try or finish the steps doesn’t matter. Most will get their lives back on the right track just by not drinking. And that is why I believe point number two above. Group support is a big factor for alcoholics and many would not be able to abstain from drinking and using unless they were actively involved with their fellowship.

4. The 12 steps will produce great results for some people but for most its really nothing more than a rite of passage in becoming a “full member” of alcoholics anonymous.

5. For some people the 12 step program can have disastrous effects on their lives. I am one example where this proved to be true.

6. Most people who claim the 12 steps are why their lives are better now actually believe that even though it is not true. They are taught from day one that you cant get better from just meetings and only the 12 steps will make it better. So that is what they say.

7. Some people who claim the 12 steps are the reason for their better lives are knowingly lying to the fellowship. These people are consciously aware that members are rewarded and cherished for giving all credit to the 12 steps.

8. Because points 6 and 7 are true, its hard to know exactly what percentage of the fellowship falls into which category. But that’s a moot point. What’s important and the point of this blog is getting the word out on points 3 and 5 is what will help alcoholics like me.

9. It is AA heresy to say what I am saying. In AA, if doing the steps didn’t work, then you did them wrong. If praying made no difference then you are praying incorrectly.

Look to existing posts and future posts for my expansion on these beliefs.

type at you folks later. Spread the word and send money. Ok so that’s asking a lot - then just spread the word to those who will send money!

Harry A.