Oh and I vote to change this topic to "Danny B's attitudes on AA border on the absurd...."
:shamrock:
Femanon do you think you can keep yourself from regressing to your adolescence time and have a big girl conversation. Now you said you were in college, please act like it.
:shamrock:
Danny
First things first, I am neither 23 nor in college any longer and I haven't "lived at home" since I was 17 years old. For the most part it has been in practice that I have studied this subject both in my personal life and career. I have worked for many years as a caretaker and family mediator/ counselor for special needs kids ages 4 to 18 as well worked with adults of many ages, most of which is volunteered time for various women and children's shelters, and yes, even a few drug rehabs and group homes for teens. This isn't just a class for me, it's a passion. I am fortunate enough to have a work schedule that allows me time to have such a rewarding hobby, I don't claim to be professional yet, but I consider this a great way to continue studying the human condition.
I will agree with you, I have definitely generalized my statements and I will be the first to tell you that there is no such thing as black and white... I have plenty of friends currently in AA and I enjoy their presence just as much as I do those who are not in the program. My problem is not necessarily with the people of AA, its mostly with the doctrine and the way certain practices are common place, when in a professional therapeutic setting, these practices would be avoided at all costs.
Please forgive my tendency to use my education as a comparison to the experiences I have had with different treatment methods... In my opinion that is just how one would better themselves and god forbid challenge the current policies in hopes that a more successful technique be created. I think it takes people standing up and asking questions (even generalized ones) in order to break the mode and make some progress. It's only those who are so deeply rooted in their beliefs that don't give people a chance to step in and make any suggestions. Truth be told I would still be going to AA if it were more like a support group and a lot less like a cult.
I do not generalize out of ignorance, simply put, I already ramble on and on and I don't really have the time or patience to dive into the specifics of my issues with AA, maybe I'll make an effort next time but at this point I just don't see what good it would do to attach a disclaimer to every statement I make about it not being applicable to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. You'd think it would be common sense but can we just go ahead and make that assumption in the future?... thanks.
As far as me actually being an expert, I guess I must clarify that that was me just being facetious... in no way would I EVER claim to be an expert in AA... I'm just saying I had my fair share of an experience, and that is what has lead me to the qualms I have. Sure, you could say I was forced... but truth be told at that point in my life I was actually convinced that I was an addict and if I didn't go to those meetings I would fall back into that whole "druggie lifestyle" we talked about... well it took me some time but I came to a realization, I'm not going to perpetrate that what I believe is "right" in my case is "right" for all, but I believe I now have a more logical, less program/AA influenced opinion. I have shared this opinion with you and you may not agree, but what troubles me is that you infer I am being illogical, when ironically it is the nonsensical nature of AA/NA that I am attempting to point out. You say my "broad interpretations of AA are comical"... Well, that's good to hear because some of the things I say are meant to be comical, some things are just not meant to be taken literally or assumed to be absolute. Again, just another thing I like to leave up to common sense.
Like I said, I don't really have time to get into the specifics... another time perhaps... but hey, don't get so bent outta shape about what I think... you can take it or leave it I'm not forcing my beliefs on anyone.
