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IbetitsBen t1_j142dyn wrote

Reply to comment by TheK0ntrarian in It's obvious that I need to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, does anyone have advice on how to get started? by [deleted]

You earned your name..😉

I respect your opinion. But I disagree, AA is not another religion. I know Satanists and atheists that attend meetings. What religion would be cool with that? It can definitely seem a bit cult like at times, but it does work.

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No_Recognition2795 t1_j14z8jz wrote

It works for 5-10% of people long term.

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IbetitsBen t1_j1502g7 wrote

Those numbers are generally for people who stay sober their first time. The statistics when dealing with addiction are never good, unfortunately, and for lots of people it takes multiple attempts. By no means am i saying that AA is the only way to stay sober... Some people go to church and it helps, some people see a psychiatrist.. Etc. Im just talking about what works for me, and my personal experiences. 5-10% is still better then the alternative, in my opinion.

Edit: Spelling

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No_Recognition2795 t1_j151wuz wrote

It's my opinion that those groups do more harm than good. Gives people false hope. Also, don't think it's healthy to be listening to others tell their war stories. If I'm trying to stop drinking or doing drugs, I don't need to hear the same stories I've experienced. I already understand the consequences. Those groups like to focus on the past instead of helping you build a future. If you're cool with going to meetings for the rest of your life, then more power to you, l personally don't want to be dependent on anything external from myself that isn't necessary.

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IbetitsBen t1_j15ahc8 wrote

I respect your opinion. However, in my experience war stories are generally used as a way to qualify, and are typically reserved between a sponsor and sponsee. It's typically frowned upon to JUST focus on war stories in meetings. Generally the focus is on "What happened, and what its like now". I've never attended an AA meeting that just focuses on the past. Though all meetings are different.

I don't think it's false hope. People are speaking from their own experiences, and their own sobriety is proof to back it up. Sobriety is definitely possible. It can be tough at times, but again, its possible. I personally am cool with going to meetings for the rest of my life if it means that I have a chance at staying sober. An hour a day a few times a week is a small price to pay, in my opinion.

AA isn't perfect, because people are not perfect. I've seen many meetings derailed because of human drama. However, ive seen some legit miracles in my time. The transformations people have made are truly inspiring. For me that's enough. Be well.

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No_Recognition2795 t1_j15fw92 wrote

If it keeps you sober, then I'm happy for you. I was just pointing out that meetings can be a detriment to some people. I always see people automatically recommend AA/NA when someone is looking to get sober, and from experience, that's not always the best option. I also will admit that I don't know what the better option would be because it's a deeply personal journey. Whatever works for the individual is what's best. I was just offering a different perspective.

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IbetitsBen t1_j15x1ax wrote

Thank you, I respect your opinion and take on things. I agree with you that there are other options that may work for people. It's good to have a well rounded approach to something as monumental as getting sober. I appreciate your perspective, and hope the OP does what's best for them. Have a good night

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