Just for the record - Frank or ANYONE belongs with us here if they eant to be here. This isn't AA and it's an open discussion.

Non-alcoholics (Not neccessarily Frank - he might be one) are prohibited from attending closed meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous.

(Which BTW begs the question - if there is no real "Our description of the alcoholic" then how can that be so?) :)

Peace,

Danny S

http://recoveredalcoholic.blogspot.com

--- In BBS_Open_Discussion@yahoogroups.com, "Danny S" <danny@...> wrote:
>
>
> The only way Frank can sound like he belongs with us would be to share
> some of what he was like and have it sound like alcoholism. So far he
> hasn't and it doesn't.
>
> That doesn't mean he isn't an alcoholic, but it sure means he
> hasn't yet qualified himself as one either.
>
> Be careful there Lori – "We do not like to pronounce any
> individual as alcoholic" but you just did.
>
> Usually not a good idea. It deprives a prospect of conceding to his
> innermost self that he is alcoholic – and when we tell people they
> belong, not knowing their history as they do, we rob them of that
> experience. Very harmful - deadly, in fact.
>
> Peace,
>
> Danny S
>
> http://recoveredalcoholic.blogspot.com
> <http://recoveredalcoholic.blogspot.com>
>
>
>
> --- In BBS_Open_Discussion@yahoogroups.com, "tolivinclean"
> tolivinclean@ wrote:
> >
> > Hi Frank,
> > Sounds to me like you belong in AA with us!!
> > I have learned not to compare my insides with other's outsides. If
> > someone feels I don't belong in AA but I know that I continue not to
> > drink while being connected to AA then I stay in AA. I have learned
> > to listen while people share their opinions with me and keep it
> > moving! No one else can decide but you if AA is working to keep you
> > sober.
> > Stay with us,
> > Lori
> >
> > --- In BBS_Open_Discussion@yahoogroups.com, fgvdew@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > Please allow me to ask a question, I am confused, I read that the
> > only requirement for joining AA was a desire to stop using alcohol.
> > Now I hear that perhaps that is not enough, that there only are a
> > few real alcoholics who qualify. Unless I am so confused, it seems a
> > lot like a good old boys club if that is true. I drank, wrecked a
> > car, destroyed peoples lives and was a miserable cheating fearful
> > person etc. About 30 years ago I went to a few AA meetings and got
> > just that feeling that I wasn't a good enough alcoholic, maybe it
> > had to do with my then unknown to me alcoholic thinking?? I quit
> > going,went back to drinking and 30 years later I returned. I have
> > been in the program 11 months this time and am following the
> > steps,now starting step 12. There has been a spiritual change in my
> > life, for starters i learned life is not all about me. Two years ago
> > I made my sisters dying all about poor me. Alcohol I know now short
> > changed my emotional, spiritual, moral growth. What I would like to
> > know is if alcohol did all those things, granted as a result of my
> > ultimate selfish thinking and I know and admit that I am powerless
> > over it and obvious my life had become a mess, where do I turn? I
> > hear people struggle with these issues when they first come to
> > meetings. When I came back after 30 years I knew I was beaten by
> > alcohol and wanted the program and I am learning to change my life ,
> > my thinking. To go back to my question, how does one qualify to be
> > an AA member.
> > >
> > > Thanks for listening,
> > >
> > > Frank D.
> > >
> > _____________________________________________________________________
> > ___
> > > Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures,
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> > >
> >
>