I don’t know. It seems like maybe the topic of sobriety, freedom from addictions, has lost its luster. Not too many people come searching for addictions recovery these days – or do they?

Where do you supposed they’re looking? In the 12-Step Programs? Good start.

In the “You don’t need anybody to get sober” alternatives to 12-Step Programs? (Speaking as one who has maintained nearly 29 years of continuous sobriety enjoying the fellowship of 12-Step communities, I can dismiss this as reactionary crap. Remember “no man/woman is an island?”)

Where else might people be looking for addictions recovery? The Church? Social Service agencies? TV? You-Tube? (You’re geting colder…..)

Well, okay, so maybe there might be some good things on YouTube…:-}

But seriously, one thing that I find totally refreshing about the 12-Step meetings is that wonderful code of conduct for the group collective, The 12 Traditions.

In this Election Year Frenzy, I especially appreciate the 10th Tradition, “A.A., as such, has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.”

Actually, that’s the short form. The “long form” which was the originaly language of the Founders states:

“No A.A. group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside controversial issues—particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.”

Now, consider that the Traditions were written in order to help members of Alcholics Anonymous focus on their primary purpose, “to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.”

The topic of politics does tend to surface in 12-Step discussion meetings around election time. One fellow introduced a topic the other day asking how to deal with all the opinionated people surrounding him outside of the meetings.

The consensus was to practice “Live and Let Live” and not try to enter into a debate with anyone.

To the uninitiated, that might sound a bit “sissy.” But to the experienced, it is a true piece of wisdom.

See, the problem for this gentleman wasn’t that he was afraid to discuss politics, or hear others’ opinions. The problem was that those who held opinions contrary to his so infuriated him that he worked himself into a real rage over it. That’s a danger zone for an alcoholic/addict. (It’s a danger zone for anyone, if they’re prone to act out that rage in a way that leads to harm of ones’ self, or another).

Most alcoholics think like this: “You pissed me off. I’ll show you. I’ll go hurt me.” Well, isn’t that what they’re doing when they get angry and go off and get drunk?

So the danger, then, lies in engaging in behaviours that place the recovered alcoholic/addict back into old habits and patterns that can lead to a spontaneous breaking of sobriety – “going back out” as we say.

The danger of talking politics or any other controversial subject inside of a 12-Step meeting is that the focus of the meeting gets lost in a more trivial superficial issue, rather than staying with the “primary purpose” or “prime directive,” if you will, of helping other alcoholics to stay sober.

I choose my arenas carefully. I respect the Traditions inside the rooms of recovery, and I use them as guidelines for conduct with other outside of the rooms.

I blog. So I can vent my political opinions via the world wide web! And I have the “power” to approve those comments that agree with my opinions and delete those who do not.

I generally avoid talking politics with my family, because it leads to discord. We like harmony at home. Talking politics does not breed harmony!

I generally listen to others while they’re expressing their views, then politely smile and say “uh-huh.” Thus they feel a) listened to, and b) validated. I never say “I agree” with them if I don’t, nor most often do I say so even if I do.

I just give them audience and then exit the conversation. I Let Go of the need to control others.

So far it’s worked. I’m still sober! (And there’s alot this time around that I could get pretty angry about. But I just can’t afford that luxury). Now, it isn’t that I don’t care. I have a definite belief in what’s best for my country, and I will exercize my right to express that belief in the voting booth.

But argue it on the streets? Not today. Just for today I’m going to let go of the conviction that my opinion is more important than anyone else’s and that I have to pursuade everyone to my way of thinking or all is lost. Because, as long as I have my sobriety, I can cope with whatever goes on around me. If I relinquish my sobriety, then I have nothing.  -Deb Adler

©2008 Deborah Adler. All rights reserved.