I have been a sober member of AA for 7 years. AA was there for me when I wanted desperately to get sober and could NOT. I took it very seriously, listened, took suggestions, worked the steps and sponsored people. I continue to do so.

Now--in addition to being an alcoholic I also suffer from severe major depressive disorder. It did not go away when I got sober--if I am not medicated I continue to have extremely bad, suicidal depressions. Thankfully that is not currently a problem as I am on a cocktail of medications that help very much. I am also blessed to have an excellent p-doc and t-doc.

I believe that one should not bring outside issues into AA. Despite my mental difficulties I have never been one of the “my therapist says” folks. Everyone in the room can relate to alcoholism but not everyone can relate to mental illness. I believe it; I follow it. When some bleeding deacon expresses his opinion that one cannot be sober if one takes psych meds I try to not say anything--sometimes I am even succesfull….;-). I resent the hell out of this however. It pisses me off to an incredible degree. It also makes me feel “less than”.

I would love to hear from anyone who has some some sober time. What are your feelings? How do you deal with this?