outside issues

[badgolferman]

Last night at the meeting one of the topics was “grave emotional and mental
disorders”. Of course this is one of the favorite topics of those people
who justify their unwillingness to actually go through the Twelve Steps and
instead rely on therapy and medication as their treatment program. There’s
no doubt there are people with mental disorders or trauma who need such
outside help, but these are all outside issues which don’t need to be
discussed in detail at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Even though the Big
Book makes reference to such issues, it directs people to outside help and
reiterates our common purpose as recovery from alcoholism.

One guy who obviously has mental disorders and freely admits it, started
discussing his membership in Marijuana Anonymous and how weed has a
therapeutic effect on mental disorders. He then went on to announce
locations of those meetings in the area during his talk. This really
bothered me that he had brought outside issues and other fellowships into
an A.A. meeting and I wanted to call him out during the meeting, but I kept
my mouth shut. I’ve known the guy for 20 years or so and he’s a nice guy
despite being kooky.

After the meeting I approached him privately and explained the concept of
our common problem and common solution. I pointed out how the group
conscience asks for A.A. related announcements and not those of other
recovery programs. He surprisingly took it well and seemed to understand,
promising not to do it again. We’ll see if there’s any fallout from
confronting him in the future.

[Sharx335]

Post by badgolferman
Last night at the meeting one of the topics was “grave emotional and mental
disorders”. Of course this is one of the favorite topics of those people
who justify their unwillingness to actually go through the Twelve Steps and
instead rely on therapy and medication as their treatment program. There’s
no doubt there are people with mental disorders or trauma who need such
outside help, but these are all outside issues which don’t need to be
discussed in detail at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Even though the Big
Book makes reference to such issues, it directs people to outside help and
reiterates our common purpose as recovery from alcoholism.
One guy who obviously has mental disorders and freely admits it, started
discussing his membership in Marijuana Anonymous and how weed has a
therapeutic effect on mental disorders. He then went on to announce
locations of those meetings in the area during his talk. This really
bothered me that he had brought outside issues and other fellowships into
an A.A. meeting and I wanted to call him out during the meeting, but I kept
my mouth shut. I’ve known the guy for 20 years or so and he’s a nice guy
despite being kooky.
After the meeting I approached him privately and explained the concept of
our common problem and common solution. I pointed out how the group
conscience asks for A.A. related announcements and not those of other
recovery programs. He surprisingly took it well and seemed to understand,
promising not to do it again. We’ll see if there’s any fallout from
confronting him in the future.

Sounds good, BUT, I sense some temblors emanating from Australia!

[Pluted Pup]

Last night at the meeting one of the topics was "grave emotional and mental
disorders". Of course this is one of the favorite topics of those people
who justify their unwillingness to actually go through the Twelve Steps and
instead rely on therapy and medication as their treatment program. There´s
no doubt there are people with mental disorders or trauma who need such
outside help, but these are all outside issues which don´t need to be
discussed in detail at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Even though the Big
Book makes reference to such issues, it directs people to outside help and
reiterates our common purpose as recovery from alcoholism.
One guy who obviously has mental disorders and freely admits it, started
discussing his membership in Marijuana Anonymous and how weed has a
therapeutic effect on mental disorders.

I bought a copy of the book Marijuana Anonymous and looked through it
and I didn't find anything "pro-pot". It is akin to AA as
is "avoid the first hit" with "avoid the first drink".

He then went on to announce
locations of those meetings in the area during his talk. This really
bothered me that he had brought outside issues and other fellowships into
an A.A. meeting and I wanted to call him out during the meeting, but I kept
my mouth shut. I´ve known the guy for 20 years or so and he´s a nice guy
despite being kooky.

You can challenge him to buy Marijuana Anonymous or buy the book yourself.

After the meeting I approached him privately and explained the concept of
our common problem and common solution. I pointed out how the group
conscience asks for A.A. related announcements and not those of other
recovery programs. He surprisingly took it well and seemed to understand,
promising not to do it again. We´ll see if there´s any fallout from
confronting him in the future.

Is he advocating weed, or give a reason why others should visit
MA?

[badgolferman]

Post by Pluted Pup

Last night at the meeting one of the topics was "grave emotional and mental
disorders". Of course this is one of the favorite topics of those people
who justify their unwillingness to actually go through the Twelve Steps and
instead rely on therapy and medication as their treatment program. There´s
no doubt there are people with mental disorders or trauma who need such
outside help, but these are all outside issues which don´t need to be
discussed in detail at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Even though the Big
Book makes reference to such issues, it directs people to outside help and
reiterates our common purpose as recovery from alcoholism.
One guy who obviously has mental disorders and freely admits it, started
discussing his membership in Marijuana Anonymous and how weed has a
therapeutic effect on mental disorders.

I bought a copy of the book Marijuana Anonymous and looked through it
and I didn't find anything "pro-pot". It is akin to AA as
is "avoid the first hit" with "avoid the first drink".

He then went on to announce
locations of those meetings in the area during his talk. This really
bothered me that he had brought outside issues and other fellowships into
an A.A. meeting and I wanted to call him out during the meeting, but I kept
my mouth shut. I´ve known the guy for 20 years or so and he´s a nice guy
despite being kooky.

You can challenge him to buy Marijuana Anonymous or buy the book yourself.

After the meeting I approached him privately and explained the concept of
our common problem and common solution. I pointed out how the group
conscience asks for A.A. related announcements and not those of other
recovery programs. He surprisingly took it well and seemed to understand,
promising not to do it again. We´ll see if there´s any fallout from
confronting him in the future.

Is he advocating weed, or give a reason why others should visit
MA?

I don’t know and I don’t care. I can’t relate to that issue because I’m a
garden variety alcoholic.