Friday, August 15, 2008

A.A. Survival Tips for Pigeons (updated)

Introductory note: though the title specifies Alcoholics Anonymous, the survival tips can be applied to any other 12-step group. I have attended other 12-step groups (Narcotics, Cocaine, Overeaters, and S.L.A.A.-Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, as well as Adult Children of Alcoholics), but 99% of my program experience comes solely from A.A.

You have a drinking problem, and you are seeking a face-to-face support group. Or you have been ordered by the court to attend Alcoholics Anonymous as a condition of your probation. Or you may be an uninsured citizen who suffers from psychological disorders, and have decided that the support of a 12-step group is better than no support at all.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

South Park: A Brief Description of Abstinence Violation Effect

Stan's father Randy has been arrested for driving while intoxicated, and attends a court-mandated A.A. meeting:





This causes problems for Randy. Angered by this, Stan confronts the group:





Undaunted, the group members confront Randy at the bar. The intervention goes awry: