I think alcoholism/drug abuse is almost always a symptom of a larger problem, such as mental illness. I really do firmly believe that.

And that's what makes me so mad when people blame their disease -- chances are, they are blaming the wrong thing and should be in therapy, in addition to going to meetings. Meetings are not free therapy in any way.

But that's my opinion.

Working the steps is important. I don't disagree. But I think the steps need to be revised. For instance, the idea of "powerlessness" -- many people take that idea so literally. I don't believe I am powerless over alcohol, though. I can go to a bar and hang out with friends and not even be tempted to drink. But I am powerless over it once I start drinking (that's for damn sure!). If I decide to drink again, it's not because I was powerless before taking the first sip, it's because I said, "**** it, I'm gonna drink anyway." I'm still making the decision.

The steps kind of force you to shoulder the blame without telling you to understand why you've behaved the way you've behaved. "Inventory" sounds like just a log of what you've done wrong. You make amends with people you've wronged along the way -- but what if you already did that? What if you'd been practicing Step 10 the whole time you were drinking anyway? They don't believe you at all!

As for the whole "Some are sicker than others" comment about men saying inappropriate things -- that's a contradiction to taking them having to take personal inventory! And you shouldn't have to be in a room with people who are saying things that are offending you. It's counterproductive. You shouldn't have to be in an AA meeting, where you're supposed to feel safe and be focused on getting better and learning effective coping skills, with people who are making you feel uncomfortable.

Okay. I'm really sorry this was so ranty.