Hello to All,

I am posting this morning on an aa meeting and group that meets in a
north coastal community of san diego. I will not mention names, or
name the group, but I will speak of my experiences.

Approximately 3 months ago, I was asked by a woman attending meetings,
(who was seeing a therapist I had suggested, non-12 step), to help her
friend, (talk to her and offer encouragement).

I made the decision to attend these meetings for three weeks, share at
the meetings, and talk with this woman. Notably, my intent was also to
observe the behavior of the group, as well as individuals within the
group.

There were three people who consistently shared their ongoing
stuggles, absent of alcohol. Three oldtimer's, known as the group
guru/predator's sat in the rear of the room, ignoring the sharing,
sunglasses on, and post the meeting, gather to critisize those in the
room. I had heard of the Peyton Place activities, on the aa campus,
and now I was a witness to it. Women, new to sobriety, vulnerable,
being treated as a commodity to be shared among the men.

What I saw ..."Was a total disconnect of humanity."

This is an ongoing, and continual problem. I believe greater
awareness, media involvement, legal involvement, and superior
alternatives are the solutions.

Beth