tecomsin, there are all types wherever you go. It is a shame that no one spoke up (or felt they could because of a silly cross talk rule), because I am sure you were not the only person bothered by the ignorant statement.

I went to AA almost every day for almost five years. Despite that effort, it was not for me so I eventually quit. But it is a great place for many, including many with major mental health issues. I, personally, knew five AA members with bipolar type 1 in the meetings I attended. There were likely others, and some with other bipolar types, and many with major anxiety, unipolar depression, and other challenges.

I encountered one woman who said I should quit meds. I blew her off and deliberately avoided her from that point on. It's not always worth it trying to make people understand. Some people won't regardless of how much they are educated.

Some of what is read in AA and Al-Anon you may disagree with. I did. In fact, some of it pissed me off. A lot is based on mind frames of the 1950s. Plenty of people even still have such mind frames. Some is still quite good and applicable, but a lot is in dire need of moving into the 21st century. To some, AA and other 12 step programs are like a religion in and of themselves.