...seek a more comfortable atmosphere.
I just skimmed your post but honestly if I had issues with AA I would move myself to a dry county in Alaska if I had to. Sometimes we can’t help ourselves and need to be removed from temptation and opportunity.
Thank God we live in a country where we choose where to live and how to live.
That was really long and I faded in and out while reading it. Welcome to sobriety and conservatism, not that the two always go hand in hand but it takes strength to admit the errors of our ways and work to change for the better.
If I were you I’d swallow my political beliefs for the sake of my health and go to the meetings with the Obama supporters. If you don’t have your health, you have nothing. Besides that, you might be able to bring a few with you.
See if there are some political volunteer jobs you can do, so you can hang out with some NON-AA folks who have interests up your alley and share your world view.
No answers for you, just wanted you to know somebody read your post. Good luck.
You are amazing and strong.
You do not need ANY member of the group to be conservative for you to benefit from a program that you know works.
Find the other two or three conservatives and befriend them if it helps.
Lastly...I give way to much advice, lol !
I am very impressed with your story and wish you all the best! I hope others here who have gone through the amazing program will respond to you either in freep mail or here on the forum! God Bless ya zzeeman!
Just had a thought, when I lived in a blue state I found that some of the local large churches had their own programs. You don’t have to be a member of their church to go in many cases.
The program is based on spiritual principles whereas the traditional addict/alkie resembles your core liberal type, expects things done for them, someone owes them something, not self sufficient etc.
There are meetings and groups that you can go to where the work is on recovery. Big Book Step study is fairly no BS. Men only meetings are more hard core recovery as well. Avoid the meetings with women and especially college age and twenty-somethings.
Another thing to consider is that when a liberal speaks it is really just another symptom of the disease talking. Say a prayer for them and perhaps they will “get it” some day.
Jan 1989 was my last drink.
The other issue that I have with AA in more general terms is this: does anyone else see a problem with people being so indoctrinated to “keeping out of the debating society” and being so deadly afraid of their “stinking thinking” that they are so unwilling to even spend a few hours looking outside of their “comfort zone” politically? I’ve spent some time searching the Web to see if there is anything available along the lines of “how does a Conservative function happily in AA?” and haven’t come across anything
My brother was in AA for a year, He had been a practicing alcoholic for over a decade. He left AA after one year of sobriety. He’s never been back and never had another drop to drink (his kids would tell on him if he did)......but he doesn’t think too highly of AA. He cannot figure out why people feel the need to continue going for years on end.
I told him that people are just different and some need that brotherhood or fellowship, whatever you call it.
My brother in law went through something similar with AA and his sponsor.
He ended his relationship with his sponsor. Continued sporadically with AA, and has remained sober and recovering.
It has now been 5 years ago he had to sever ties with his sponsor.
It could be, the stronger more recovered you are, and clear thinking, less dependant, you need less?
I would recommend an AA group that is “close” (figuratively speaking) to a conservative Church. This may be difficult for you to find in your area but keep looking. You are more likely to find conservatives among the Churches.
Politics won't matter if your personal life is destroyed.
Keep educating yourself, get books on Amazon and Ebay. Prepare to defend your views and then simply be passive.
Think of it as going among the heathen. Teach through example and reason, give no offense and don't lose your temper. When they get angry you don't.
Regardless of AA or a church group, work on yourself always. If you can help or educate someone else, that is good. But you carry the weight of your own actions and the first thing to do is to ensure your own actions are right.
Good luck and God Bless you.
“I feel more sober than I ever have been in my life. “
My impression after reading your post is, you are growing.
Growth means change.
I hesitate to advise a person with your history of alcoholism to just abandon a system (AA) that has apparently worked for him.
However, is it always the case that an alcoholic has to go to 4 meetings a week, have a sponsor, etc., or is their normally a time when that ends?
The advice above that says “move” may or may not be practical. Certainly, if your life depends upon it, move, whether that is practical or not.
Is there perhaps an online AA type forum where you can get support that doesn’t involve politics, or that involves more conservative politics?
It seems to me that what you are doing is no longer working, because it is causing you a lot of anxiety and stress. That is not what a sponsor or an AA meeting is supposed to be about! It does not seem to be your fault.
My first reaction would be to wear conservative t-shirts to meetings and stuff, just to get in their face, but truly, that will probably not help your sobriety along. They are the ones breaking the rules about politics.
I also think your insight about the folks at your meeting ascribing to feel-good liberal statements instead of actual d0-good conservative action is correct. That is human nature. It is easier to salve your conscience talking about taking down the Man than it is to work hard and provide for your own.
Are there any AA FReepers who can sponsor zzeeman out there? If anyone reading this is a Friend of Bill, or, knows a good Friend of Bill who can step up, send him a private message!
The best AA meeting meets every sunday at about 11 all over the counrty.
I enjoyed the story. My son has substance abuse problems and attends AA from time to time. My opinion is that FR is a good place to consort and converse with like minded persons, and strong doses of conservatism goes a long way toward keeping your focus on the right lifestyle. Immerse yourself in political activism and let that be your drug of choice. I also bet you will find a more like minded sponsor that way. Welcome and good luck with your journey, you are now on the right path.
Is there some method by which they determine discussion topics for the meetings? Can you suggest that there be set topics determined in advance? Talk about lawn care, healthy cooking, TV shows, laundry issues, how to change your oil... there must be a zillion topics that would avoid politics. I have been to one meeting only (Al-Anon), so I am not too knowledgeable about the protocols.
Good luck!
Don’t drink. Find another sponsor TODAY! It’s your life, the only thing God gave you that is really yours. Don’t waste it.
I’m so impressed with your courage. You need to forgive yourself for the mistakes you’ve made in the past. Seems like the mistakes have made you stronger and a better man.
As to AA, I’d suggest checking out local churches, if they have programs available. Get another sponsor.
I believe all people are doing the best they can with what they have, basically. My view of the “liberal” people are that they are either lazy, afraid, or beguiled by the lies. I have to accept people for what they are, and see the good in them. It’s so easy to see the bad. We’re all in this human experience together. Gotta love them anyway...
Don’t hate people because they are wrong. Just be aware of your own thoughts, actions and be prepared to step in a conversation, give voice to your views in a civil, kind manner, and don’t get angry.
Keep thinking, praying and doing the best you can.
Warmest Regards,
YR