It’s the Book, Not the Drunks.
If you judge A.A. by the people in the room, you’re very misinformed.
But you’re not alone.
Most people confuse the A.A. fellowship with the A.A. book, when they pass judgement on the program. As a result, newbies don’t stay long. In fact, there’s even quite a bit of criticism on Medium and elsewhere, regarding A.A. These ‘who needs it’ essays are often written by (somewhat resentful) persons who have left the fellowship for greener, less foreign pastures.
Some have gone on to other recovery programs, some have said they’re well enough, thank you. My guess is there are others who have crashed and burned, never to write again.
Regardless of your choice in recovery programs, if you are alcoholic the odds are not in your favor if you decide you can get sober on your own.
That said, I’m happy for those who have achieved long-term sobriety, regardless of how or where. If you’re a drunk, and you find another means of getting — and staying — sober, go for it.
Hang on to it like your life depends on it because it probably does.
Of course, you could be just a hard drinker, and all you need is a really, really bad experience to convince you to stop. There is no definitive test to prove you’re alcoholic.
