Yes, This One Got My Goat
April 22, 2008 by Mark
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
The sad part is that the originator of the comment believes he “got my hackles up” because of the content of his remark. Not true – my “hackles” were raised because I won’t sit back and allow you to force your will down my throat especially when you are talking out of your a**!
To paraphrase: “Alcoholics and addicts are different. Once an addict gets what they need they don’t need it anymore. When an alcoholic drinks their need is never satisfied.” I think that covers it…
My question to you is “Are you an addict?” Your answer – no. Oh, and btw – I put the word “drug” ahead of addict. What the hey difference does that make? The rationalization? An addict has a point where they are “satiated.” Satiated? What does that mean? (“Pleasantly satisfied or full, as with food”). Did you attempt to tell me the addict has had enough? I’ve never, never known an addict who was “pleasantly satisfied!” I.E., what you just did at an open meeting attended by mostly addicts and alcoholics is talk outchyer butt.
Before you say it – I passionately believe in the “sanctity” of singleness of purpose in AA and any other 12 Step program. The irony also includes the fact that the comment had no basis, i.e. nothing existed in the previous sharing that warranted the remark.
Sadly, I have a relatively honest idea of where this comes from. When people are influenced by those they’ve come to believe and respect, they’ll mimic them and pass along whatever they say including foolishness. The person who said this is a good man. Too bad he’s influenced by someone who doesn’t truly believe he’s good enough and has to sponsor half the county to appear that way. Who has to contradict solid, hard-earned experience to appear that way. Who has to “discover” new profundities with regularity to appear that way. Who has to separate himself from the rest of us by climbing to the top of the heap or hiding beneath it. Yet, many of you have been influenced yourselves and invite folks like this to speak at your conventions. Bad business…
