Longtime coming...

[Norm914]

attend a couple meetings. I've seen a couple marriages destroyed by alcoholism and actually got involve in 1 enough to be the person who would "drag" my BIL to AA meetings. So, even though I'm a better puker than a drinker, I have sat through some. There will be people there from all walks of life. Some court mandated because of a DWI, some newbies, and some experienced people there who will be more than willing to talk and to help you out. They and Karen got the experience and are willing to share. listen.

Thanks Steve, I'm anxious about what to expect. I don't drink at all, as you say: a better puker. I should have asked more about the process when I called today. I do understand that there may be time after the meeting to talk to individuals that can guide me.

Awoken,

Just ran across your thread and I cannot help but offer my opinion. Take it as you will.

I had a drinking problem. It contributed to the problems in my marriage for a time.

I’m geeky sort. I actually like to do research. So, when I admitted to myself that I had a problem, I started doing research to find an answer. What I found was very surprising.

Alcoholics Anonymous doesn’t report much in the way of statistics. But other entities have done research on the effectiveness of different programs. At best estimate, AA has a 95% failure rate. That’s right. Know it’s hard to believe. How can that be?

AA is huge and has been around forever. It’s a household name and everyone identifies with it. About 1.5 million people pass through AA ever year. So, even at a 5% success rate, that’s about 80,000 people saying, “AA saved me!” That’s a big chunk of folks, eh? Enough to be very convincing and hide the fact that the other 95% failed using their methods.

Among others, there are two primary reasons why the AA method fails. The first is removal of individual responsibility; “We admit that we were powerless over alcohol”. This is a victim mentality. It says, “I can’t control myself”. If you don’t have control over yourself, who does? This is a recipe for failure.

Second, is that notion that “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. If you take one drink, you’re doomed”. The world isn’t perfect and no human being is perfect. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy; “Well, I slipped and had a drink. Guess I’m screwed. Bartender! Gimme a double!” A sure-fire recipe for failure. I could go on and on.

I would recommend Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) if there is a chapter in your area. Failing that, find a therapist who employs Cognitive Emotional Therapy (worked for me), which has proven to be very successful. But whatever you do, DON’T DRINK THE AA BREW! IT’S POISON!