Most true alcoholics do not die from alcohol abuse, they die from the complication of years of nicotine addiction. If these alcoholics can use 12 step programs to quit drinking alcohol, why cannot they also use that same AA doctrine for smoking cessation? It makes sense to me that while addressing the area of the brain that is responsible for addiction, and truly claim to have arrested their disposition for addiction, they would also quit smoking as well? What is the ultimate goal in abstaining from addictions to deadly substances like alcohol? Could it be to save their life? Why do 12 step programs brag about success in addiction, and ultimately die from smoking cigarettes, like their founder Bill Wilson? How effective are 12 step programs? Could this be AAers deadly self-will at work?
2007-01-13 01:55:53 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Actually most true alcoholics, if they don't stop drinking, will kill their liver and their health generally due to not taking care of themselves properly. While most alcoholics are also smokers, the two addictions are physiologically and psychologically distinct. One important difference is that an active alcoholic is generally unable to take care of themselves and their daily responsibilities, while tobacco does not generally interfere with these things - and that is a big reason why alcohol abuse is the more serious problem, and is the sole problem that AA seeks to help its members treat.
The fact that many former alcoholics die from smoking is actually a measure of success - they didn't die from drinking, and they managed to live productive lives after their recovery from active alcohol dependency.
2007-01-13 03:37:45 · answer #1 · answered by dst3313 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
AA is AA the A's stand for Alcoholics and Anonymous. Get it? There may be a 12 step group for smokers - I'm not sure. I am sure that the 12 steps could be applied to nicotine if one so desired. But AA is for ALCOHOLICS.
I do know this. Alcoholics are capable of ruining their lives and the lives of everyone around them on a daily basis. Their behavior changes - and they cannot funtion. While nicotene IS an addictive substance, cabable of killing humans, it does not have NEARLY the negative effect on a daily life as alcohol does.
I don't think most people go to AA to avoid DYING from alcohol abuse. They go to turn their lives around.
What would you rather be/have in your life - a smoker or an alcoholic smoker??? These people are taking it one step at a time. One day at a time. Today they have quit drinking alcohol. Perhaps tomorrow they will quit smoking cigarettes. What a blessing that the 12 step program is there to help them!
If you have proof that AA PROMOTES nicotine addiction (other than allowing it) and TELLS people to smoke because it is good for them. I would like to hear all about it.
2007-01-13 02:10:46 · answer #2 · answered by liddabet 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
And would you perform two life-threatening surgeries on your patient at the same time?
It makes sense, about the brain, but geez, I think you have no idea the level of stress!
I hardly drink, personally, but each time I've quit smoking even a third of a pack a day I get depressed for a while.
Do youreally want these people to be fighting alcohol addiction and be depressed by lack of nicotine on top of it?
Have some compassion. It beats out logic by a mile on this one.
2007-01-13 02:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by starryeyed 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some alcoholics are able to stop addictions one at a time. Some continue smoking and later begin to see that smoking is another self destructive addiction. Then thru the stages of change, become willing to love themselves a bit more, by moving away from placing themselves in area of self harm or danger. All is a process in which a person makes a decision to love themselves and be open to change.
2014-09-17 01:58:20 · answer #4 · answered by artwilliamsjr2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, lets take a look at reality. Has your way worked for you? If not, you might consider a change. One of the things that detain many people from moving forward in their lives is the term. Open mindedness. Are you open to the possibility that I don't have the answer, or the answer I have has not worked in my favor (of course you will have to look at where your previous thinking to you-^Honesty^ then be willing to listen for other an answer to the problem that my old way of thing go me into.
2016-03-14 05:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
all I know is that a liqour store opened next to a bug aa meeting site in my town and they have been doing great buisness
AA makes alcoholics feel non responsible foer thier drinking,,which is ridiculous becuase alcohol isn't even very physically addicting
2007-01-13 03:31:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋