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.

[bethelgrad]

I think this is a good idea. A problem we (me) conservatives have sometimes is that we can be too prideful to get help when we legitimately need it.

[goodnesswins]

I think your idea has merit....and congratulations on your strength in kicking YOUR habit.

My one question (so far) is a what if.....what if some person joins the thread and talks about their CURRENT addiction.....the ONLY way you will be able to help them (likely) is through the thread....what if they're threatening suicide? or some such thing (I know this could be far fetched, but you're getting the gist of my concern, aren't you?) I suppose it could happen on ANY thread, but I'm wondering if it's a concern to think about in a non-face-to-face situation when dealing with addictions?

On the other had....lots of family/friends might get a lot of help from a thread such as you've suggested.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

That is an interesting point.

Come to think of it, I have never had a woman tell me she has had an abortion. But, given the statistics, I must know more than one woman who has.

Airing this personal info might open people of for attacks.

[Lazamataz]

Some seem concerned about confidentiality though. Could you set it up where they could have a different screen name when posting there?

I don't think so. It could be held by invitation only, but that would defeat the concept of the lurker who would peek in because he/she was afraid they had a problem, only to join eventually.

[GeronL]

don't assume I was all joking about being addicted to DP... for most of my life I drank it like water..

Thank goodness the company now sells Deja Blue!

[Lazamataz]

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

Very few of our real names are known on FR.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"I myself admitted that I am a recovering cocaine addict with almost one year of sobriety (Thank G-d and Narcotics Anonymous for that)."

Did the "Scarface nose dive on the table" thing from 87-89, been clean since. I thank G_d, and an Atlanta City police officer named Gil Fernandez.

After arresting me for a bench warrant for unpaid traffic fines and listening to my story, he made some arrangements to get me out of jail.

I've been clean since.

In 1994, I walked out on the front porch of my just purchased 90 year old farm house to get my AJC. Inside was an article about Atlanta police officer named Officer Gil Fernandez and the wreck that killed him near the I-285 exit on Bolton road.

I wrote his precinct a letter telling them how Officer Fernandez, through his going out of his way to help someone down, helped turn that person's life around.

To be completely honest, and it really surprises me thinking back to how much coke I did before I quit, I haven't had the first thought of doing coke. Not once.

Oh and Laz, thanks for posting this. I think it's a good idea. Frank and honest discussion of any subject is a good thing.

[dennisw]

We have a lot of drug legalization threads here where I contend that we will have more addicts if we make drugs legal, thus cheaper and more readily available. Do you think you would have a harder time dumping your cocaine habit if cocaine were legal?

[Right_in_Virginia]

Godspeed friend...and well done!

[Lazamataz]

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

Excellent point. What if we were to hold it in this fashion: That people are advised not to reveal the subject of their addiction? That way, the rest of the forum wouldn't know if they were a caffiene addict or a intravenous heroin user.

[mo4bush]

"I thought there was personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and film."

True, that's tradition 11, however Laz has not given out his last name (that I'm aware of) hence he has maintained his anonymity. It's o.k. for him to state that he is a recovering addict but he should refrain from giving his first and last name to the press, tv, film, etc.

Take Care,
Mo4Bush

[mo4bush]

Hey Laz, Congrats on your first year! I have mixed feelings about your idea. Have you run this by your 12 Step sponsor? Maybe he can give you some suggestions.

Mo4Bush

[kanawa]

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

"Very few of our real names are known on FR."

If anonymity of our Freeper identity is an issue couldn't we log in under a different name for this forum?

[Lazamataz]

Do you think you would have a harder time dumping your cocaine habit if cocaine were legal?

Absolutely not. I do not like who I am on drugs. I lie. I cheat. I justify. I make excuses. I let things go. I slack off my responsibities. I'd have quit if there was free government drugs available.

In fact, I might have gone through the cycle of addiction and the desire to quit much more quickly.

Recovering alcoholics are here to attest to you that legality of a substance and recovery from that substance are not mutually exclusive whatsoever.

[stylin19a]

no

[Pan_Yans Wife]

It will make it difficult to rail against heroine druggies, if heroine is equated to tobacco!

But, that might be your intention.

Halts the hyprocrisy.

[exit82]

Laz, I think this idea has merit. Some of the nicest people I've met were members of FreeRepublic. I think the goodwill and generosity that is routinely shown on this site could be channeled to help those who have been in someone else's shoes.

Let's try it and give it a fair shot. I think the benefits will outweigh any negatives.

I didn't know the depth of what you were dealing with. You are to be commended for overcoming a devastating, and many times, lethal addiction. Perhaps part of the reason that G-d has given you this victory is that you will encourage others to beat addiction by your example.

As I have told you before, I will gladly say again, with even more reason to:

Laz, you're a good man.

[Lazamataz]

Amazing story. Would you come if I held the thread?

[Vigilantcitizen]

IMHO...My G_d, family, soon to be wife, and my friends all know and have forgiven me for my former problems.

If there are those here that want to stand in judgement, that's their issue, not mine.

[DB]

I drank two 44 oz. DrPeppers a day for years.

One day I decided I had enough.

I stopped cold.

I haven't had one for several years now. I'm definitely better off for doing it. It's funny, it takes awhile to use to water again but once you do, it's much better.