Did you listen to Clancy Martin discuss his views on AA with KCUR’s Steve Kraske? He thinks the group needs to open up to ideas like talking about and recognizing mental health therapies. How do you feel about him breaking his anonymity and talking openly about his alcohol problems and suggesting that it’s time for people to talk about the disease and lose their shame? Go to : http://www.kcur.org/PreviouslyOnUTD.html
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I do realize he broke AA tradition, and so does he...In many ways I found him a breath of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteThe anonymoty of 12-step groups is not an issue of shame, it's about protecting to program from the large, and at times egotistical personalities of its members from being labeled "poster-children" of recovery. I'm not sure what Clancy Martin's view of politics or religion are for example, but if people considering sobriety through a 12-step program were to hear him express views on either, it may drive people away from seeking help due to an issue that has nothing to do with getting sober, hence 12-step groups insistance on "singleness of purpose".
ReplyDeleteAs far as the groups opening up to discussing MH therapies, again, when 12-step groups lose their singleness of purpose, they lose their effetiveness. While many members have MI and benefit from MH therapies, not all members have MI and would therefore have no "experience, stregnth and hope", to share on the issue. This is an outside issue, not to be ashamed of, but not to be the focus of any topic at an AA or NA meeting. AA and NA have "no opinion on outside issues", including all MH therapies. Members are encouraged to seek professional help if they need to in the Big Book.
The problem I have with the interview is that Mr Martin clearly does not understand the Traditions that are encouraged as a guide for 12-step groups, and is most-likely pursuing a personal issue, which again, traditions are designed to protect the program from any of its members placing themselves ahead of the program itself. Remember, the Program is perfect, it's members however,...well, lets just say that we all fall well short of perfect. Just my thoughts
On Thu, Jan 27, 2011 at 4:25 PM, First Call Alcohol/Drug Prevention & Recovery