Comments for Jensen: Drinking and driving, my story at http://lakeconews.com , comment 1 to 7 out of 7 comments http://lakeconews.com Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:02:26 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8661 it has been my experience in Lake County that many members and meetings do not honor or recognize the fact that AA is not allied with any sect,, demonation, politics, organization or institution. I have yet to find a meeting that does not close with the Lords Prayer! Religious based AA and NA meeting, in my opinion should not call themselves an AA or NA meeting for they do not follow the traditions set for these programs. There is but one ultimate authority, a loving God...and that can be whatever the individual chooses that to be. And yes, each group should be autonomous except in matter effecting other groups or AA as a whole. Again I believe that religious based AA meeting do effect AA and NA as a whole for they do not follow the basic principals of AA, for as we all know the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking, not an alignment agreement or acceptance with \"Our father that art in Heaven\"! For it is our common welfare that should come first...the individual seeking recovery should not be dominated by a group of religious fanatics....and in my opinion many of the AA and NA groups in this area are exactly that....they are not and do not represent AA and NA as a whole. Bottom line, this is a spiritual program not a religous one. - lenny Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:56:22 +0100 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8616 God can be a chair. There is a difference between spirituality and religion. - CobbMt Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:27:53 +0100 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8562 It is difficult for some in recovery to accept a \'higher power\' as the only way stay sober. It seems that AA and NA, faith based ideas, have a monopoly on recovery. How does one succeed in recovery if they truely have a hard time believing in a god? There are other programs, such as SMART recovery, but no programs that offer support groups, at least locally. I\'m not calling AA and NA religious cults, but I am pointing out that if you don\'t believe in a higher power (God)you can\'t make it in AA and NA. When the Lord\'s Prayer is said every meeting, it is safe to assume that \'higher power\' is the Christian God. - jmadison Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:39:44 +0100 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8558 Like CobbMt says "You can not do it alone." I haven\'t taken a drink in over 13 years and I have a great life that is alcohol free. Keep working your program "one day at a time". - CatfishEd Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:32:31 +0100 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8556 You can not do it alone. It says in the AA Big Book that we are recovered, when we do the work required. Get an AA sponsor, go to AA meetings, and work the AA 12 Steps. And do not drink or use daily, one day at a time. In time if one looks they will see that change comes gradually, and look for improvement and not perfection in our lives. Ans remember that 12 step programs are about attraction, not appostilizing. And that is my story. One day, sometimes one second at a time. - CobbMt Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:17:18 +0100 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8553 my dad was a strong man but booze was stronger, he never was able to do what you\'ve done, and it finally killed him a couple of months ago. Focus on your family and your own well-being, it sounds like even with your hardships and pain you have a lot going for you, good luck and God bless you! - smurf Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:49:05 +0100 http://lakeconews.com/content/view/6012/925/#comment-8545 Thank you for sharing your story- and for being a part of Team DUI where you can make a difference and possibly help someonelse turn their life around. It has been nearly 20 years for me and even my absolute worst days in sobriety are better than when I was out there, lost and without direction. My youngest daughter will be 30 next week and her dad has been sober for 2/3\'s of her life and that is a Gift- especially for dad. Your daughter is also lucky to have a fully-present mom. Keep on. Peace. Ken - socialworker Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:33:48 +0100