I was in Straight from October 1987 to January 1989. I have just today started looking over all the things posted on the web. This sounds so melodramatic, but I'll say it anyway: I can't stop shaking. It's 12:30 in the morning and I can't stop looking at all this stuff.
I went on initially to see if I could find lists of people who may have registered somewhere for people to get in touch with them. I was thinking about someone in particular.
I see all this stuff about brainwashing and cults and am totally stunned by what I am reading. So many people had similar experiences. I have never been able to talk to anyone about this place. I am ashamed that I was there and have always hated myself for ever sounding like a victim of anything.
I hope not to sink in to that. The words I am reading are surreal.
One guy talking about getting on with life without a program at all. What a concept!!I have been out of AA for many years but still feel guilty that I didn't finish Straight (my mom finally let me withdraw after 3 cop outs) and am not longer attending meetings.
I am constantly amazed that I have a good paying job and a family and haven't screwed it up yet. If anyone would like to chat with me even if you weren't specifically in Springfield, please email me at
[email protected].
Thanks so much for having this site up.
