I’m directing this post towards those “experienced AAs” who practice this sick kind of tolerance/intolerance towards newcomers, specifically those newcomers who have problems in addition to alcohol.
From pg. 142 in the 12 and 12. A newcomer shows up with an additional problem and in turn, poses a problem for the membership of the group.
“But,” he asked, “will you let me join your group? Since I am the victim of another addiction even worse stigmatized than alcoholism, you may not want me among you?”

Who Is A Member of Alcoholics Anonymous?
“The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.”
I’ve seen many opposing viewpoints, generally from those with a resentment towards A.A., on this topic. I’d like to refer to the book “The Language Of The Heart” for this one.
On pgs. 37-39 of “The Language Of The Heart” Bill W. discussed some of the experiences A.A. had in the early days with groups deriving their own sets of rules for who could become an A.A. member. Quite an interesting read, for me, since I’m sure somewhere along the way I would have …read more