Subj : What can I do?
To   : Evan Thacker
From : Jacques Montagne
Date : Mon Dec 25 2000 02:31 pm

* On 12-24-00, EVAN THACKER  said... wrote to  All :

ET> Okay, here is the deal...I am about 99.9% sure that I am an
  > alcoholic, and I want to get help.  The problem is that I am an
  > Atheist, and AA, as I understand it, requires belief in God, which I
  > couldn't see myself ever doing.

  >  I'm not slamming those that do, it's just not for me.  So, my
  > question is, what other avenues can I pursue and is there some way to
  > be helped through AA as an atheist?  This message area seems to be
  > pretty much dead, but if anyone sees this, I'd appreciate your
  > input.  Thanks.


     Dear Evan,

     Thank you for daring to express yourself so honestly.  I personally
have been labelled by a good friend, a catholic monk, as agnostic and he
is quite right, so I am quite at ease to welcome an atheist to the 12
Steps program of AA.

     No, you do not need a belief in God to become a member in AA,
never.  All you need is the desire to stay sober and dare attend
meetings in your area.  Of course this computer area is pretty quiet, but
I keep it open just so a lurker like yourself will read and be able to
ask for help with his presumed alcoholism.  You can read more of my
postings on SIP_ACA or 12_STEPS, on this Fidonet network.

     You may find some AA meetings were they recite the lord's prayer;
you don't have to join.  Nobody will mind.  But mostly you will find
people who have gone through the same self-doubts as you have and have
chosen to try our simple but powerful program.

     Just check out the yellow pages in your area and call the number to
know where the nearest meeting is.  You don't have to be down and out in
the gutter to get help with alcoholism.  Most of the members I know have
rather reasonable lives, but they had to quit drinking because they
just could not drink socially or without excess.  That is the disease,
not whether you believe in God or not.

     You will be welcomed at any AA meeting without any questions being
asked.  Every one is there for himself and that's how we help each other.

Take care,

my name is Jacques and I am an alcoholic now sober for 9 years.


                                                      copyright 2000, JM
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