Posted by Brenda on May 8, 2000, at 10:30:07
In reply to Re: Friends of Bill W. - Cass/Medlib/Anyone, posted by Greg on May 8, 2000, at 7:39:01
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> >
> > Cass--
> >
> > May I answer for Shar? (I don't mean to butt in, but am afraid she might be reluctant to reply.) Bill W. cofounded Alcoholics Anonymous. Members have traditions of not using their last names and not revealing their membership in the organization to others (lest it become an unintended source of pride that sabotages sobriety, I think). Because I am not a member, I am free to tell you that "Friends of Bill W." is a kind of shorthand some use to refer to AA without naming it.
> >
> > I believe that the same traditions are a part of most, if not all, Anonymous programs that have grown out of AA's remarkably successful 12-step program. I don't know what shorthand references they use, if any.
> >
> > Best wishes--medlib
>
> Cass & Medlib,
> Medlib, you are correct that Bill W. is a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The reason why we only use the initial of our last names is protect our anonymity. I have never been reluctant to tell anyone who asks me what my last name is (White), I'm very proud of the 12 years of sobriety I've worked very hard for. I am who I am, a recovering alcoholic. We have many sayings in AA, "a friend of Bill W." is one of them, no secret codes intended, just hard and fast rules that help us stay sober. I use the same principals to get thru my depression that I do with my alcoholism, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, whatever it takes to survive.
>
> If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.
>
> GregGreg, I also have many many years of sobriety. I use the twelve steps for help with my depression. The hardest for me with the depression has been the acceptance. After years of therapy and 7 years of AD's, I'm getting closer. It's still so hard sometimes. The slogans of the 12-step programs do help with my depression though. Especially "act as if ... and the feelings will follow." When I joined AA many years ago, AD's were taboo. The program has come a long way. I remember severely depressed people and even schizophrenics going without meds. Thank God that's all changed. I'll also help to answer any questions about the Steps or whatever.
Brenda
poster:Brenda
thread:32335
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/32766.html