“Sobriety—the freedom from alcohol—through the teaching and practicing of the twelve steps is the sole purpose of an AA group.”
The Sole Purpose of an A.A. Group
Sharing your troubles
On November 3rd, 2005 George says:
There's a time and place to share your personal problems; before or after the meeting with a sympathetic fellow.
The purpose of the meeting is for newcomers to learn the message of A.A., to see by the examples and behaviors of others that it works, and for those who have had good results from taking the steps to share the results of their experience with newcomers - the strength and hope that comes from recovering from alcoholism.
There is no other purpose; to waste time on anything else during the meeting is to rob others of valuable time and knowledge.
Tradition 5
On November 3rd, 2005 Anonymous (not verified) says:
"Each alcoholics Anonymous group ought to be a spiritual entity having but one primary purpose--that of carrying its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."
The message: We have had a spiritual awakening as a result of this course of action. As a result, we have recovered from alcoholism. Our problems were of our own making; bottles were only a symptom. When we overcome the spiritual malady, the obsession to drink is lifted from us. When we practice these principles in all our affairs, we achieve our lifelong goal; happiness.
What if something's troubling me? Can I share about it?
Does this meant that when I 'share' with the group that I shouldn't talk about things that bother me? What about the difficulties of my relationship with my significant other?