It's scary to me when I agree with downsolong But, while I KNOW that AA has helped many, many people, I have concerns about the program, personally.

I know they say you only need a belief in a higher power (than you as a human) but then they limit that higher power. I feel that the negative aspect of you becoming/owning the alcoholism is sad. Believing that you are an alcoholic and will always be one, while I do understand what's behind this, IMO it's very pessimistic.

For example, I have allergies. One of my allergies is to molasses..and if I drink Rum, I become quite ill and have reactions. Because I would like to drink rum and cannot because of the results isn't something I need to "own" as a fault. It just is. I don't like the idea that "once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic." While it might basically explain a truth, it doesn't need to be pasted on someone. Plenty of people live quite well without having to drink. It doesn't mean they don't wish to have a drink, and will have negative results if they drink, but that doesn't make them an alcoholic.

I guess I have problems with the labeling? Only with the labeling.

Sorry for the highjacking