Tag Archives: controversial

AA: Only by Changing and Growing Can You Help More Suffering Alcoholics

Code of HammurabiI am constantly frustrated by the compulsion on the part of AA members and groups to apply one single truth to all situations. The current calcification of AA culture into one of narrow Christian recovery dogma alienates and hurts many of exactly those for whom the program is intended. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with “Atlantic” type and “step-nazi” groups, except when they foster a culture that alienates and turns away those who need help. I wish the traditions included a declaration of gentle welcome for all new members and guests, as well as for members seeking help for similar and/or related addictions. I have often seen people make comments out of turn in meetings to clarify to a newcomer that the meeting is for alcoholics only, as described in the following article. It really puzzles me, particularly as the face of addiction has changed so much in the past twenty years. My meeting has a few atheists, a few addicts and even a person who comes each week in support of their partner. We are a strong, supportive group. We let people voice their opinions without responding or cross-talking. There are no prayers .The only requirement for membership is a desire to quit drinking. It works.

Nice article from the Washington Post by Chelsea Carmona: How AA fails to support young addicts

Alcoholics Anonymous doesn’t work for everyone — and that’s OK

For those of you interested in the Dr. Drew/Lindsay Lohan dust-up, and the larger question it opens up re AA’s status as the government-mandated treatment program of choice. Just to pre-empt an often true, but ultimately nonproductive line of reasoning, let’s try to move beyond the simplistic “if it doesn’t work, you’re not doing it right” tautology. Comments?

read the article

LA Times, Opinion
July 30, 2010
Amy Lee Coy

Cartoonist John Callahan Dies at 59

John Callahan CartoonThis quadriplegic, alcoholic artist, whose controversial cartoons pushed the boundaries of propriety with often shocking and offensive work, died yesterday at age 59.

read the Washington Post obituary

Washington Post
By T. Rees Shapiro
Thursday July 29, 2010

The cartoons live on at Callahan Online.