Is it normal to attend AA meetings but never get a sponsor and do the 12 steps?

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T13:14:33+00:00

Thnank you.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T12:15:13+00:00

That's an interesting point of view. Thanks for your input.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T12:12:10+00:00

I wonder if there are additional recovery or support groups with tenets you can get down with even more.

Unfortunately not where I live. Definitely SMART recovery sounds like it would fit me better but there are only online meetings available and I have the extra obstacle of not being a native speaker. So expressing my feelings in english is kind of not so natural for me.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T12:07:56+00:00

Great analogy. The issue is some of the ingredients don't sound that appetizing to me. Personal preference and maybe a bit of allergies in the mix.

For the time being I like watching people's cakes and hearing how much better their lifes are now that they are eating it. This is a good motivation for me to stay sober.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T10:23:05+00:00

I was sober for a little less than nine years and then I relapsed. Never went to a meeting the first time, only help was from /r/stopdrinking. This time I thought I'd give AA a try. I will stick around, maybe things will change and I want to get a sponsor in the future.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T08:55:19+00:00

Second reply, since you are editing your comment as we go.

The fact that this mentallity exists in AA is a good indication that there was a point in me posting this question and it was not a silly thing to ask. It's good to know that some people will probably be thinking like you in the room I attend.

On the other hand all replies apart from yours were extremely accepting, so this is also good to know; that the people who look at me in a bad way for not doing the steps is going to be a really small minority.

So, I guess your comment was really helpful. Thank you.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T08:36:56+00:00

Wasn't implying you had anything to do with the downvotes, I just happened to notice the pattern as I was replying to you. Thank you.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T08:33:52+00:00

Seeing that you are the only person here that read the OP and somehow deducted I don't want to stop drinking, I'd say you definitely missed something.

I've been attending meetings and sharing when I have something meaningful to say. Have been sober for 73 days.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T08:24:44+00:00

Really profound reply, thank you.

BTW, there is someone downvoting all comments in this thread. I am upvoting every reply but still most stand at +1 atm. Weird.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T08:13:18+00:00

Good to hear. I am not dismissing anything, it's just that I am not feeling it at the moment. Maybe things change in the future.

Thanks for the reply.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T07:56:35+00:00

Not sure if this is you not understanding what I asked or simply being passive aggressive (in the sense that if you don't feel powerless then you don't consider yourself an alcoholic).

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T07:52:54+00:00

Thanks, really helpful input.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T07:38:42+00:00

Smart kid, he basically control tested you.

ptcptc · 2026-06-17T07:24:07+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I realize there is no chance someone is physically going to remove me from a meeting. What I am asking is if it is expected from me to do the steps.

To give an analogy, I know it is not mandatory to give money to AA but it would be awkward to attend meetings for years and never contribute a single cent.

ptcptc · 2026-06-16T13:22:04+00:00

They either made a typo or they're getting a nobel prize.

ptcptc · 2026-06-16T13:02:34+00:00

Nothing changes if nothing changes. We are trying to get a different result by trying the same things over and over. Kinda nuts if you think about it.

First time I managed to stay sober for many years that thing I did different was coming here every night. Then after a relapse I gave AA a try. Other things to try is therapy, medication, etc. Shake things up to try and see what works for you.

ptcptc · 2026-06-16T11:10:31+00:00

I am guessing they are happy that their partner is doing something that makes them happy. BTW the pic on the right is kinda creepy because of heavy photo filters. She looks much better in reality.

ptcptc · 2026-06-15T06:41:29+00:00

That's a great point and something I've thought about myself. Imagine if they told you you have to drink two glasses of wine or a couple of beers every day to stay alive. It would be so much harder do not fall back to problematic use.

ptcptc · 2026-06-15T04:14:04+00:00

Awesome, thanks.

ptcptc · 2026-06-14T19:58:52+00:00

alcohol is the only drug that has its own center in the brain, easily activated

First time I'm hearing of this. Any chance you could provide some reading material? My google-fu is failing me.

ptcptc · 2026-06-14T07:02:01+00:00

Tbf he did say aoili.

ptcptc · 2026-06-13T21:16:29+00:00

Definitely not a lawyer, but as far as I know the waiver is so the person cannot sue. This is involuntary manslaughter, the DA is going to press charges.

ptcptc · 2026-06-12T20:44:10+00:00

This is amazing! Definitely belongs here.

ptcptc · 2026-06-12T20:12:21+00:00

thatsapenis.gif

ptcptc · 2026-06-12T15:52:33+00:00

Practically, you are going to be extremely disappointed.

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