Every so often I return to a subject that I am
passionate about – educating the public on the disease of addiction to get rid
of the stigma its sufferers face. Recently in a recovery Facebook group I read
a lot of negativity aimed towards people who do testimonials for treatment
centres that helped them in their recovery. There was lots of ignorance
surrounding the topic. This ignorance stems from a total misunderstanding of 12
Step fellowships’ tradition of anonymity.
Many people seem to think if you do a testimonial
for a treatment centre then you are breaking your anonymity. We are allowed to
tell people we are in recovery. Nowhere in the 12 Traditions of Alcoholics
Anonymous (or other Fellowships) does it say you are not allowed to tell people
you are in recovery. The tradition states you are to remain anonymous on the
level of press, radio, film and Internet regarding your membership in a
specific fellowship. I can go online right now (as I often do) and tell
whomever I want that I have, “recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind
and body” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 1939) without breaking any tradition of
anonymity. Anonymity does not mean secrecy. If we keep the fact that there is a
solution to addiction secret then those in need of help will remain ill.
Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson went
public on July 24, 1969 about his recovery when he testified in front of a
Congressional subcommittee on the impact
of alcoholism. This testimony occurred 19 years after AA adopted the 12
Traditions. Bill began his testimony by saying:
Mr. Chairman, Senators, we of AA, it is already apparent; we are
going to have reason for great gratitude on account of your invitation to put
in an appearance here. For me this is an extremely moving and significant
occasion. It may well mark the advent of the new era in this old business of
alcoholism.
I think that the activities of this committee and what they may
lead to may be a turning point historically. This is splashdown day for Apollo 1.
The impossible is happening. Like my dear friend Marty [Marty Mann], who has
just spoken to you, I share with her the opinion that in this field of
alcoholism we are now seeing the beginning of the achievement of the
impossible.
Because of my appearance here as an AA member, I have to limit
myself pretty much to statements about AA. But you must remember that as time
passes in these hearings a great many AA's will be testifying as citizens, and
they will be far more free to express opinions on the general field and their
activities in it than I am.
So I take it that my mission here today will be to acquaint you
with the resources that AA may reveal for treatment, for education and so on.
Bill
makes mention of Marty Mann (the first woman of AA and outreach person) as well
as other AA’s who spoke in the public arena. Bill, et al knew that the
tradition of anonymity is one of spirituality and not meant to stop the message
of hope from being spread. If the 12 Step Movement’s co-founder did not have an
aversion to talking about his own recovery then I don’t see how anyone else can
find fault when others do it as well.
Some
12 Steppers also seem to hold a real antipathy towards treatment centres. I
can’t count the times I’ve heard someone share in a meeting something negative
regarding going to treatment. This negativity is often spread by those who have
no experience going to treatment thus they are offering their opinion - going
against our policy of experience, strength and hope. I’m not saying all
treatment centres are good (see previous blogs) but one can’t lump them all
together. I went to three centres and the final one helped solidify my 12 Step
foundation. It helped me a great deal and I am proud to say I went there. As
I’ve heard, and said many times, it doesn’t matter how you get to the 12 Step
rooms but, rather, that you are here now.
When
someone recovers from cancer they are not ashamed and are encouraged to share
their message of hope. Yet many 12 Steppers shame those in recovery who try to
spread their message of hope. Rather than shame these people should be
applauded. Every year there are Recovery Day celebrations in Canada and the
United States. While many of these celebrations in the U.S. are attended by
thousands the one held in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is barely attended at
all. In fact, from what I saw in the summer of 2016 there were less than a
couple hundred (if that) there. I know that this lack of attendance is garnered
by the misunderstanding 12 Steppers have in the Greater Toronto Area of
anonymity. Alcoholics Anonymous won’t even put a booth up at Toronto’s Recovery
Day to hand out information. I wonder what Bill Wilson would think of that? With such low numbers turning out to
celebrate recovery is it little wonder the government spends very little money on
addiction programs such as residential treatment centres? If the people who
should care don’t then why should others care? If large numbers did turn up,
advocating for those who suffer from addiction, the government would take
notice. The reason: they want your vote.
Dave
the Dude
