As I've noted before, my take is the 'Higher Power' thing is it's a necessary fiction for how the majority of addiction addled minds work.
Obviously, if AA works on a Catholic, a Lutheran, a Mormon, a Jew (it happens), and a Moslem, the 'Higher Power' is blasphemously ecumenical in doling out sobriety. (Religion 101 being a total mystery to the AA founders)
IIRC, Penn and Teller (among other things) were very put out over AA not keeping any records of their efficacy. After 28+ years of sobriety, I have no idea how that could possibly be done. For starters, it's Alcoholics Anonymous. Service and leadership positions will have individuals with names attached, but regulars and newcomers alike are not registered, tracked, or have to submit ID for either attendance or success.
(some meetings do take precautions regarding attendance by registered sex offenders and underage individuals simultaneously. It is entirely possible for someone to be required to attend by the court, and also required to leave if someone under 18 turns up)
The 'Bloody Mary' episode of South Park (which I love!!) ends with Randy growing a pair and being able (apparently) to control his drinking. This seems not to occur in real life very often. I think Penn and Teller went there too.
There is also quite a bit of leeway in AA doctrine. Folks quitting drinking and then developing over time the habits and the compunction to live life without alcohol vs. those having a sudden 'change of heart' (FLOABW) and
getting to 'serenity' in a short or instantaneous time.
There is also the effect of keeping the newcomers busy. 90 meetings in 90 days, for instance. You can burn up a couple hours a day on that, more in the groups that are highly social. For folks working, that time cuts right into their former drinking and drugging time.
There is also 'segregated' meetings in some regards. Some meetings are for actual alcoholics only (closed) or open to all (open). Some meetings go out of their way to accommodate the handicapped (not always possible for an organization that relies on church basements, BTW) there are women only meetings and men only meetings. Gay only meetings happens, latino, black, etc. And then smoking and non-smoking. (I've attended a meeting that is almost smoking required. It's a good meeting, but attendance can shave years off your life)
There are also meetings not listed in the Where and When (a guide to meetings in whatever city you're in). Some companies sponsor an in-house meeting for employees, some churches will have something similar available for their members. Some professions will meetings for themselves, like doctors, or lawyers.
I'm not aware of any Aryan/NAZI only meetings, LOL, but I guess it is possible.
Obviously, if AA works on a Catholic, a Lutheran, a Mormon, a Jew (it happens), and a Moslem, the 'Higher Power' is blasphemously ecumenical in doling out sobriety. (Religion 101 being a total mystery to the AA founders)
IIRC, Penn and Teller (among other things) were very put out over AA not keeping any records of their efficacy. After 28+ years of sobriety, I have no idea how that could possibly be done. For starters, it's Alcoholics Anonymous. Service and leadership positions will have individuals with names attached, but regulars and newcomers alike are not registered, tracked, or have to submit ID for either attendance or success.
(some meetings do take precautions regarding attendance by registered sex offenders and underage individuals simultaneously. It is entirely possible for someone to be required to attend by the court, and also required to leave if someone under 18 turns up)
The 'Bloody Mary' episode of South Park (which I love!!) ends with Randy growing a pair and being able (apparently) to control his drinking. This seems not to occur in real life very often. I think Penn and Teller went there too.
There is also quite a bit of leeway in AA doctrine. Folks quitting drinking and then developing over time the habits and the compunction to live life without alcohol vs. those having a sudden 'change of heart' (FLOABW) and
getting to 'serenity' in a short or instantaneous time.
There is also the effect of keeping the newcomers busy. 90 meetings in 90 days, for instance. You can burn up a couple hours a day on that, more in the groups that are highly social. For folks working, that time cuts right into their former drinking and drugging time.
There is also 'segregated' meetings in some regards. Some meetings are for actual alcoholics only (closed) or open to all (open). Some meetings go out of their way to accommodate the handicapped (not always possible for an organization that relies on church basements, BTW) there are women only meetings and men only meetings. Gay only meetings happens, latino, black, etc. And then smoking and non-smoking. (I've attended a meeting that is almost smoking required. It's a good meeting, but attendance can shave years off your life)
There are also meetings not listed in the Where and When (a guide to meetings in whatever city you're in). Some companies sponsor an in-house meeting for employees, some churches will have something similar available for their members. Some professions will meetings for themselves, like doctors, or lawyers.
I'm not aware of any Aryan/NAZI only meetings, LOL, but I guess it is possible.
