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.

[Akira]

I say go for it, and congrats on kicking the addiction and staying sober.

[FairOpinion]

Congratulations for being able to kick the habit.

I have never had the problem, but I always say, "but for the grace of God, go I".

I think if it may help people, and FR admins don't mind, it it probably a good idea, if it would help people.

It may even help people who aren't just recovering drug addicts, but people who may have or had other addictions, whether it's alcohol, tobacco, food or something else.

I understand the 12 steps are similar for all.

I suggest, just go and start it and see how it goes. Maybe you could also put it into announcements for a while (if AM-s don't mind, of course).

Rush's example shows how addiction can happen to even very sensible, highly successful individuals.

Trying and succeeding in beating addictions is great achievement.

That thread may also give hope and incentive to some who may still be addicted, to start breaking the distructive habits, and for those who may not themselves be addicted, but have friends of family members who are, and may help them understand them and perhaps help them to steer their loved ones on a positive course to beat their addiction.

In short, my personal opinion is that it would be a good idea, at least on a trial basis. If it degenerates to something other than what was meant to be, you can always stop it.

But hopefully it would actually get better and serve as help and inspiration.

Good luck.

I may visit, just to see how it's going. :)

[GeronL]

but there are lots of different kinds

[Lazamataz]

How about a "12 step way to not hang out on FR for 12 hours a day"? To me, FR is an addiction.

By the way, addictive people tend to be addictive in lots of ways other than substances. I exemplify this with my addiction to FR. I tend to get addicted to ANYthing. Women. Work. Education. Whatever. 'S part of my personality.

And congrats on your 1 year mark. Here's to another year!

We're not there yet, but thanks! :o)

[nothingnew]

Kicked my cocaine addiction about 14 years ago...any help is good, unless it's from foolish posters here who don't realize the danger and destruction such an addiction can cause to self and others...I applaude your recovery and your request...Count me in if anything materializes...I'm one who can say "Been there,...Done that".

Kudos, hope and prayers. As the song from Jethro Tull says, "Nothing's Easy"

FMCDH

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Congratulations on your recovery, Laz.

The thread sounds like a great idea.

[GeronL]

BTW= You've got a lot of heart getting sober and admitting it and now trying to help others. Thats the best!

[SamAdams76]

It might sound petty compared to the addiction you were saddled with but up until April of this year, I was addicted to sugar and carbs. I'd eat half a blueberry pie as a snack. And then eat the other half before going to bed. I'd pour a pound of peanuts into a bowl and not stop eating them until they were gone. Ditto for tortilla chips or chocolate covered raisins. I'd eat two plates of spaghetti with a half loaf of bread at one sitting. I'd buy a dozen bagels and eat half of them on the way home. I'd consume a "six-pack" of Pop-Tarts as a snack - total carbs = 220 grams. Yeah, I was a "carb addict" alright. Maybe not as devastating as a coke or painkiller habit but long-term, I was on my way to full-blown diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and an early death. Got to the point where I couldn't even climb a set of stairs without huffing and puffing. Pathetic. Now I walk 10 miles a day and fly up and down the stairs like a little kid.

On other threads, I try to help other Freepers in similar situations. Carb addiction can be beat as well!

I know so many people that are addicted to something. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, you name it and somebody out there is addicted (or was) addicted to it.

Good luck on your continued success in beating that drug habit.

[Lazamataz]

Oops, I just bought the last one...

Oh, you b*stard!!! You know how we crave sweets. There's always candy at the meetings. ;^)

[EggsAckley]

Laz, judging by some of the dumb responses to this idea, I'd think twice about it, were I you. I'm afraid revealing those "addictions" would just give some posters fodder with which to flame people. I personally would not post personal stuff like that, which could be turned against me. Imagine if there was an "I had an abortion" thread. Any woman who admitted that would be attacked forever on the forum. JMHO

[GeronL]

Sadly, I think I might be addicted to artificial sweeteners

... my heart belongs to...

[LibWhacker]

Congratulations on kicking a very destructive habit, Laz, and continued success to you. You're one of the best we have here at FR.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Sorry, thought you'd see the humor in it.
But would it be able to keep from becoming an anti-Ashcroft WOD thread? I know that is not your intent, but there are enough people on FR who have that as their main agenda and will sour your thread. But I'd be interested to see how it goes. I went thru the 12 step assisting a friend years ago.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Recipe of the week; soak baby back ribs in Dr. Pepper for a day before basting with brown sugar/molasses/BBQ mix.

[GeronL]

Sadly, My DrPepper addiction isn't just because of my sweet tooth... those all rotted off by the time I hit 30... I have been cutting back and drinking fruit punch and iced tea for a while... I did have a can of the stuff today.. but..

I am gonna sue them for making me fat, rotting my teeth and giving me halitosis!! Lawyers anyone??

just kidding.. well kidding about the lawsuit part

[chicagolady]

I thought there was personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and Free Republic?

[GeronL]

those ribs better come out really tender for my rotted teeth and bleeding gums.. hahaha

[CindyDawg]

HMM. I though this thread was about FR too at first. I had to raise my hand:') Congratulations on your sucess and courage. Some seem concerned about confidentiality though. Could you set it up where they could have a different screen name when posting there?

[Ditter]

I am sure it would be a good idea, for those who are fighting addictions. But the only thing I have ever been addicted to is Free Republic & I don't want to be cured. FR is too much fun! BTW, I am very proud of you for kicking the cocaine thing. You are a good boy!

[chicagolady]

You forgot Bill Clinton's favorite! Sex.
Does that mean Bill Clinton is gonna be a part of it?

I wonder if his screen name is Hillaryslovelylegs?