And I mean Alcoholics Anonymous, not American airlines.
2006-08-19 10:46:49 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
It's a wonderful program if implemented with correct leadership.
Al Anon is also great!!!
2006-08-19 10:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by yeller 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a way of life, it's great. My life has changed dramatically since I adopted it as a way of life.
As our friend above has pointed out, AA "success" rate is about 1%-5%. This includes all of the people coming voluntarily and people being sent by the various courts, treatment centers, employers, pissed wives, etc.
I would strongly suggest that you try quitting on your own first. Get some good books, don't hang around people who drink for a while and see if you can do it. If that doesn't work, seek medical attention. Don't let them "send you to AA". There are many good medical and psychological treatments that are very effective.
If none of that works and you're at your wits end, then and only then come to AA. At this point, we have a very good track record with the “medically incurable”.
Cheers!
2006-08-20 23:58:40 · answer #2 · answered by rkalch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AA helps people that's for sure. But I felt when I went to meetings 12 years ago that it was just another crutch for what I wasn't willing to look at. People in the meetings always seemed to be so focused on how bad *** they were when they were using. All the stories of all the booze they drank all the drugs they took. They seemed stuck in the problem and everyone was feeding each other their own sad country song.
I wanted solutions, insight into why the hell was I destroying my life with drugs and alcohol. What were my behaviors that lead me into the world of alcohol? I needed to know, what was it the moment I wanted to use? What was it that if I knew I used I wouldn't have to feel what I was feeling? Look at? Admit! AA never gave it to me. They were stuck in the problem and not looking for a solution.
When someone asked me in my 7th or so year of sobriety,are you still sober? I said Yeah. They asked if I was still going to meetings I said "No, haven't gone since my first year." At that moment this person (who is an AA'er) called me a dry drunk. Told me I would be drinking again in 4 years. I told her "see that's the problem I have with (some, not all) AA people, you judge, you don't support, you put your own fears on someone else." I told her I was in therapy once a week since I left AA, never missed a session, was also in a woman's therapy group and looking at my issues deeply so as to understand my need to numb and check out. She had nothing but criticism to share back. Needless to say I just walk away an have not thought of her till now.
Long answer- perhaps- but it may give you another persons perspective on the subject. Do what works for you. But don't forget to look at why you use. Be brave and get in there and discover yourself. You just may end up loving the person you are and were.
Still clean and sober-12 years
2006-08-19 22:36:37 · answer #3 · answered by Ayne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it does more harm than good.
AA has a 5% success rate, so does quitting on your own.
AA has a mortality rate for people in their first year of sobriety that is 4 times higher than for those attempting to quit on their own.
These numbers do not come from some obscure, anti-AA, bogus study, but one run by Harvard researcher and AA Board of Trustees member, George Valliant.
2006-08-19 23:40:07 · answer #4 · answered by raysny 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Double A Batteries?
2006-08-19 17:53:04 · answer #5 · answered by Shorti4u2envi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that some people do need help. I think it is good to go if you really are looking to solve a problem. I don't think it is right for people to go for other purposes and getting something out of it for them. For example DUI, Child support, or anything that has to deal with some one not looking to stop.
2006-08-19 17:52:43 · answer #6 · answered by drunken monkey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hated it, i think it's rediculous to 'believe' you got yourself into this mess and now need some higher power to get you out of it. I say take responsability for yourself and stop drinking get a hobby dont associate w/ drinkers etc.
2006-08-19 17:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by scarlet_bat 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Saved my life. And to those who snort at the idea of a Higher Power......remember that we are told to take what we need, and leave the rest.. You do not have to kowtow to a higher power (if you can stay sober without one.) I remember a fellow who said that he looked at the tree in front of his house and made IT his higher power.
2006-08-19 18:01:23 · answer #8 · answered by pessimoptimist 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's great.So may people need support groups to help them along for many reasons these days.It takes a strong person to admit they need help and are willing to do something to improve their lives and possably family and friends a round them.That's my personal opinion.
If it happens to be for you then I wish you luck.Try it and see what works best for you.
2006-08-19 18:06:20 · answer #9 · answered by tea cup 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When properly implemented the program can work. Yet I am told the shame and humility are not really required.
2006-08-19 17:53:49 · answer #10 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋