To AA or Not to AA. That is the Questions

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I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the AA program.  I know I’ve probably written about some of this before, but it’s back on my mind.  Plus, maybe some of my new followers (if there are any) haven’t read the past posts yet.  So, for you folks that have read it all before, you just get a refresher course this post.

Let me preface, though, by just letting you know, I’m not an expert on AA by any means.  Don’t claim to be nor do I want to come across that way.

As I wrote this, it became obvious that I have too many thoughts on this to make it a one poster.  Consider this part 1 of “To AA or Not  to AA.  That is the Questions.”

I’m torn between going back to “the rooms” or not.  I haven’t been to an AA meeting since May of 2008.  I find myself missing those that I met while traveling around the area AA meetings.  I went to one every night for about 3 months. One gets to know people in that amount of time.

These weren’t  just “people” though.  These were guys and gals who are, or have, or will have, the same issues that I’m facing while on the path of recovery.  It’s comforting to know that I am not the only person in the world that is having a problem with cravings.  It’s comforting to know that dreams of drinking are not just held in my mind.  You get the gist of what I’m talking about I hope.

I don’t just miss the people though.

AA meetings were also great in that here was a bunch of alcoholics believing in a Higher Power that can lead them to victory over alcohol.  It was a room full of spirit, good-will, family, and love.  It was the way church should be.  Everyone knew everyone had problems and no-one was afraid to admit their problems as they sought help.

“So, why leave?”

Good question.

Some folks leave the groups because the disease tells them too. They walk out the door one night and think that they are cured and can do this on their own.  It’s a dangerous proposition that the disease presents to them.  They succumb to doing nothing.  They go back to hanging with the old crowd.  Being exposed over and over to the very thing that controls them.  Soon, they are right back in the middle of it.

Some may end up again living on the streets.  Some may end up dead.  The lucky ones?  They end up back in the rooms, starting over.  Can you imagine how much courage it would take to go back to your alcoholic friends and admitting that you’re back at your old habits?  I’ve seen it happen.  There isn’t any more love in a room than there is at that point.

Sure there are the few who can walk out and be just fine.  Never go back.  It happens.  It’s a rarity, though, from what I remember hearing and reading.

“Well, Scott, why did you stop going if you got what you needed?”

I’ll continue that next post.  I’ve exhausted you for tonight.

Hey, you have any questions related to AA that you would like for me to share, please let me know.  Your questions help me, a lot.

Because of HIM

SC