Talloola
I agree with you about the socialization aspect of AA for former drinkers and those who are still on the wobbly line.... and it is great you were able to participate as well with your dad.
I know for some drinkers they have to pass through some challenges - say going out to dinner with others who still drink and have no problem with alcohol - while they must get through dinner looking at the drinks.... some never seem to be able to get past the "withdrawal" stage and are forever dry drunks.
''''''I don't think any of them get through the "withdrawl" stage, I think it will always be there, it is not
like quitting smoking, and even smoking, which I can remember well, takes a long time to get over
the withdrawl stage, but it does go away. It would be "so easy" to just "have one drink" at a social
gathering, thinking that no harm will come from it, but with an alcoholic it "just' doesn't work that
way.'''''''
But some who remain in AA never learn for themselves they have separated from that habitual drinker into one who has made the choice to abstain because they don't get back into the world to test themselves.... perhaps it is too frightening and much safer to remain in AA.
'''''''''''''Yeah, I think it is very frightening, my dad had different stages of withdrawl, at first it was a stage
of uphoria, then settling into everyday living, then trying to fight off the "need" to drink, and at that
stage it was inevitable, he was going to drink. There would have had to be a "big" intervention at
that stage, but everyone in the family was so "paralized" by the problem we all just withdrew. It
is a huge family problem, if I knew then what I know now, (but, oh well, that is an old story, I guess)
I don't know and I shouldn't pass judgment.... but for the two family members I wrote about..... they have been sober for years and years and I feel AA keeps them "unsure" rather than "empowered".
I'''''''' really understand that, but that is the "lesser of the two evils" they will have to live with for the
rest of their lives. They have memories of their "drunk" days I would assume, and the thought of
ever weakening and going back there must be frightening.''''''''
I guess for some it is more comfortable to stay with the familiar rather than try exploring new things.
Which may be the root cause of their drinking in the first place... insecurity and shyness in social situations... and we know booze can help those two things along pretty well
Yeah, those two "problems" are definitely one main cause of drinking, well, I guess many many
people drink for those reasons, but don't turn into alcoholics.
