Is there a need for a Free Republic daily 12-step thread?

Oct 12, 2003 | Lazamataz

[Lazamataz]

I want to know if there is a need for a 12-step thread on Free Republic, every day (like Word for the Day)?

Many people, myself included, were emboldened by Rush Limbaugh's public confession of addiction. I myself admitted that I am a recovering cocaine addict with almost one year of sobriety (Thank G-d and Narcotics Anonymous for that). There are many others who I feel might benefit from such an ongoing, daily thread.

I'd be willing to host it daily, like RikaStrom hosts Word-For-The-Day. It would necessarily be located in General Interest (chat). Some days when I was rather busy, I might not be able to do more than start this thread, but other days I'd be involved in it closely.

Moderators, could you leave this up in News for a while? I want maximum exposure to the largest possible FR public.

[rface]

actually, not to be funny - I have also been addicted (physically) to nose spray. I now pay attention to were it says "do not use for more than 3 day"

If the 12 step thread devolved into whining - crying threads then I might not want to be part of it, but I have been to many "meetings" where it did NOT turn into self pity parties. Those types of meetings are the exception and not the rule (in my experience)

[Robert A Cook PE]

(Said with a grin .... and tongue only slightly in cheek...)

Of course we need a 12 step program .... Since this FR addiction is a series problem.

[Cathryn Crawford]

I think it's a great idea, Laz.

Good job. :-)

[P.O.E.]

Sincere congratulations!

[Lazamataz]

Your entire post that I am responding to reeks of meanness.

Perhaps it is best if we go back to ignoring one another.

But thank you for your opinion about the daily 12 step thread. I do need to hear both types of opinions about it.

[bonfire]

Great idea, Laz. Good luck to you and congrats on your "almost" year!!! I have a relative who has the same addiction...it's a rough one. One year will certainly be cause for rejoicing for you and your family.

[ndafill]

First thing I don"t want is someone like you calling himself a padre.
The next thing I don't want is someone like you saying Army in your sentence.
Next thing is clown.
I have a problem with you.

[proud American in Canada]

Wow, I am inspired by your courage. :)

I think this thread is a great idea. I hope to have the guts to jump into it for the "substance."

Let me read the rest of the posts before I write more. :)

*pats Lazmataz on the back* great idea...

Hey, over ten years ago, well even more than that, yikes!, my sister (at the time she'd moved back home from a brief time in California) received a rather weird little envelope from a buddy in CA. I flushed it down the toilet.

To this day she thanks me. :)

[TonyInOhio]

I like the idea, Laz.

Sounds like you've got the tiger by the tail. Glad to hear it, keep it up!

[proud American in Canada]

"You are demonstrating the downside of such a thread. If people are intending to come in there and mock people's sincere attempt to get and stay clean, then I'll fold before we even start it."

Exactly. I suppose it's because FR is huge, but people here seem to feel no hesitation at all in making fun of other freepers.

This is the only message board I've ever belonged to where people feel that way.

[Nov3]

Sincere congratulations!

Thank You!

[sweetliberty]

Not a bad idea Laz, now that I realize you were not suggesting a 12-step program for FReepaholics! I dare say THAT is an addiction I refuse to give up!

[pollywog]

How about "Toot for the day" thread?

and

Pinging Druggies

Totally uncalled for comments. I agree with you Lazamataz that this would be a great place to share progress on the journey to " wholeness".....

I vote for the daily thread. BTW, I am glad I can agree with you on something. I certainly did NOT agree with you during the re-call!!*grin*

[Keith in Iowa]

I think one particular person on Liberty Post who will remain nameless needs a FR 12-step obsession-cessation program :)

[truth_seeker]

"Okay now I am going for real."

With nearly a year, you would probably agree that recovered/recovering folks consider their sobriety a matter of life and death. In other words, they take the twelve steps and their programs seriously .

If, at a year, you have studied the twelve traditions of AA, you'll know that such a forum would need to be focused on recovery; eg. not debates over drug legalization, over the twelve steps, politics, cults, other recovery methods, etc.

You will also know there are open and closed meetings. I have nearly ten years sober in AA, and any time someone has tried to disrupt an AA meeting (very seldom) we asked them to be quiet, or leave.

So to conduct "online meetings" in a wide open forum, like FR, is pretty tricky.

Anonymity would be not much of a big deal, for most folks. However the "discipline" may turn out to have challenges.

Having said the foregoing, count me in, and let's see how it goes. You should get the owners permission, to use his resources, should be prepared to check traditions, if problems arise.

Where two or more are gathered...maybe a life will be saved. It appears you are the first Secretary. A Liturature person could put some links on their FR pages, to 12 step resources (AA, NA, CA, MA etc.)

As Dr. Bob said: "Keep It Simple."

[proud American in Canada]

"Imagine if there was an "I had an abortion" thread. Any woman who admitted that would be attacked forever on the forum. JMHO"

OMG, that is very, very true. This is a tough crowd to introduce such a personal thread. For example, there was one very nice man who posted about his marital troubles; I answered (as others did) and never heard from him again. I wonder if people just laughed at him and he decided not to return. :(

Anyway, I think this is a good idea in principle. And I would like to nominate Lazamataz for some type of courage award. Cyber-courage, perhaps.

I mean, some Freepers stand out in the blazing California heat to freep Hillary or Gary Condit or whatever. And we thank them for their efforts to communicate the FR message.

But on the Internet, communication is different--it's more intense, more personal. Shyness is removed, pretty much, and it's far easier to bare your soul.

Lazamataz just told a whole group of people he doesn't know--but people who feel no shame in blasting him--something very personal. For that I think he deserves some type of FR courage award. :)

And also, you know what? Your admission just makes me think even more of you, Lazamataz. Good luck to you.

[Nov3]

One other thing we would have to eliminate is all discussion of the WOD

[cyborg]

I suggest a site off of FR that requires registration and will be moderated by someone... such as a FR 12 step yahoo group. 12 step issues are emotionally sensitive, and I've met too many insensitive a-hole FReepers to know this could get out of hand.

I could see a FR whining zone, where a conservative can whine about how life sux, but I'd be careful to post anything personal.

[Graybeard58]

"I personally would not post personal stuff like that, which could be turned against me."


...Last night a 16 year old kid asked what he meant to be a serious question, it didn't come out quite right and of the first 26 posts 24 of them were ridiculing him. He replied with a "all of you can kiss my arse, I'm outta here"
...So yeah, you better watch what you say here because there are certain people just waiting for you to screw up.