Hey, emgreen! It's good to hear from you ... I've miss you lately.

When I moved back to Florida in 1990, I had a devil of a time finding an AA group that fit with me. The ones I was used to in California were much more relaxed than the ones back here in the South.

The Lord's prayer is standard at all AA meetings I've ever been to. I take that in my stride but often don't say it ... I do hold hands to complete the circle. Back here, though, I faced questions that I never had in California, New Mexico, or Nevada: Have I been saved? Was Jesus Christ my personal savior? First time I just said I'm fine, don't worry about me. After that, I started asking, "Is this a Christians-only organization?" If they said they were, I left.

30 years ago, in the Western states, it wasn't just cute young things who got hit on--pretty much everybody at not repulsive was. Within the meetings themselves, that seems to be less of a problem here in Central Florida AA groups I attend.

I completely agree with you, emgreen, that court-ordered AA meetings are asinine. The focus is all wrong. California had DUI classes taught through the state's Highway Patrol. they hired me to teach a class one year! I have speakers from several support groups, including AA. They had the whole program well organized; I didn't have to deal with any paperwork to speak of, beyond attendance.

There is a tremendous variety among AA groups anywhere. It pays to investigate several of them, and talk with any longtime members you meet in one group about others. Groups take on the personality of their most passionate/charismatic member. I credit AAA with helping me get sober--that's was my way, but it wasn't the only thing to help me. Now I have other support that's even more important to me.

Since AA membership is free and the groups are in nearly every area, I would encourage people to consider searching for the right group for them. Invest some time if you don't have another resource.

Take care, y'all.

roads