Alcoholics Anonymous...

jakethebake · #1 05-20-2005, 02:46 PM

Why is it called that?

They all start by standing up and saying, "Hi. My name is <insert name here> and I'm an alcoholic.

Anyway I saw this again in a movie last night, and I've always thought it was weird.

Shajen · #2 05-20-2005, 02:51 PM

should be called alcoholics semi-anonymous I guess.

Hi, I'm Phil, and I pound the bottle.

chaas4747 · #3 05-20-2005, 02:58 PM

I think the big reason was they do not keep roll of their membership. I watched some movie on Stars on day about it. I think it had James Woods in it.

ChoicestHops · #4 05-20-2005, 03:01 PM

No, they keep a roll of active members. I think it has to do with the fact that you can go to an open meeting and not say anything but still listen to what goes on.

MD2020 · #5 05-20-2005, 02:58 PM

My name is Otto, and I love to get blotto.

2planka · #6 05-20-2005, 02:58 PM

... not to mention the ridiculous god-squadding that occurs in AA (so I'm told... I don't have a problem... I can quit anytime... not actually anytime, but you know what I mean... wanna get soused?)

Pocket Trips · #7 05-20-2005, 03:05 PM

I swear the born again christians use AA as a recruiting ground... Every person I have known who has gone to AA (and unfortunately I know quite a few) has gone on to become a boern again christian. .. It is like they replace their addiction to alcohol with an addiction to God...I know that people who end up in AA obviously are vulnerable and are looking for answers to problems that alcohol did not solve but it is a little alarming to me that all 5 people I know who seriously attended AA meetings all ended up going to the same church... Just seems a little odd to me

InchoateHand · #8 05-20-2005, 03:11 PM

Yeah, AA was always too goddy--there are good groups/regions and bad ones, but it does seem common.

NA I'm a bigger fan of, even though its not for me (a gin and tonic is for me), chiefly because it is less goddy, though thats still a big part.

The born-again christian thing I'm not sure I get---I know a lot more AA/NA junkies who are all about the program all the time. That's fine, but I'd rather build my life and my relationships around mutual passions rather than mutual problems which is why I hang out at the bar instead of meetings.

ChoicestHops · #9 05-20-2005, 03:13 PM

The whole foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous is based on faith in a high power, so it's no surprise that the majority of members also have faith in religion.

kdog · #10 05-20-2005, 09:44 PM

[ QUOTE ]
The whole foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous is based on faith in a high power, so it's no surprise that the majority of members also have faith in religion.

[/ QUOTE ]

True, but your higher power can be whatever works for you, it does not have to have any religous conotations. For example, a higher power could be a committment to a better family life or better health. Or a tree in your back yard if you choose. Nobody pushes religion on you at any Anonymous meeting.