Addictions Treatment: Online Conference Transcript - Anne Waymann Addictions Conference

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David: Here are a couple of more audience comments, then I'll post some audience questions for Anne.

bcain2001: Alcoholism is a self inflicted disease.

ddoubelD: I don't believe these are diseases in the classical term. They are character flaws and weaknesses.

bcain2001: My father attended the 12 -step program twice and went inpatient. He drank until the day he committed suicide last year and I know several more like him. I don't believe the 12-step program even works in today's society.

TexasCounselor: Applause for you! I did my clinicals working with a drug and alcohol counseling group and saw too many use that as an excuse and never really take responsibility for their actions.

David: Here's the next question, Anne.

MiracleMeGPC: Can you be 'recovered' and still in 'recovery' at the same time? Do we have to go to 12-step meetings for the rest of our life, until the day we die, in order to stay clean and sober?

Wayman: Miracle, I'm recovered and I'm still growing all the time. And I don't think you have to go to meetings forever - not at all - not to stay clean and sober.

David: I think one thing that's important to mention here, Anne, is that you consider yourself recovered. You have been clean and sober for 25 years. Do you feel in danger of a relapse at any moment or down the road if you don't go to 12 step meetings, etc.?

Wayman: No, that's the point. The Big Book promises we no longer need to be afraid. Could I relapse? Sure, but it's my spiritual life that keeps me sober/clean now. The meetings and working the 12 steps set the stage. Now I'm back in life and others can be too. There is no need for the fear.

David: And maybe one of the most important things you speak of is the concept of "recovery." Many of the guests we've had here talk about recovery as being some illusive thing. As long as you do this or that, you'll be okay. But, they say, relapse is just around the corner. What do you say to that?

Wayman: I say that if we do a good and honest and complete job with the steps, recovery is not illusive at all. Why should it be illusive?

David: One thing I thought was interesting in your book is that by identifying addictions as a disease, people start over-identifying themselves with the "disease." They are their addiction or dysfunction, rather than seeing themselves as being parents, computer programmers, etc. with an addiction.

Wayman: Yes, we are so very much more than our addictions. We are whole beings, discovering how to be the best beings we can be. My alcoholism is important but not as my ground of being. It's only a part of who I am.

David: Just a couple of site notes here and then we'll continue:

Here's the link to the HealthyPlace.com Addictions Community. You can click on this link and sign up for the mail list at the top of the page so you can keep up with events like this.

Here's a good question, Anne:

MiracleMeGPC: So the 12-step meetings are more for getting ourselves back on the right track? Do you still go to 12-step meetings?

Wayman: That's certainly one way to frame it, Miracle. I go occasionally, but not very often. You'll more often find me on online meetings - great for touching base.

David: And from your perspective, the reason for going to AA or other 12-step meetings is what?

Wayman: Now? To give back but sometimes that's really hard when the meeting is more focused on powerlessness, etc.

David: And what about in the beginning?

Wayman: I went to some 400 meetings my first year, and needed every one... but... if there had been more talk about becoming recovered, my recovery would have been quicker. David, I want the fellowship to shape up.

David: We've talked about some of the things that are wrong with 12-step programs. Why should someone participate in one or do you feel they shouldn't? Should they seek an alternative treatment program?

Wayman: I know people get sober in other ways, but my experience is in 12 Step groups. I'm all for them. I think the quality of recovery or becoming recovered is better or more likely because the 12 Steps are a spiritual discipline. Yes, send them all to 12 Steps, but let's quit pretending recovery is never ending.

David: You also maintain that 12-steppers have lost their sense of what "normal" really means. That it's not normal to practice an addiction and it turns people into "victims" to keep thinking that way.

Wayman: David, there's a huge difference between the program and fellowship. Yes, I refuse to consider myself or anyone else abnormal because they don't drink/use etc. It's the addiction, the practicing the addiction that's abnormal.

David: So, to clarify for everyone here tonight, you believe 12-step programs have a lot to offer. It's some of the people who run the programs and participate in them that makes it difficult to fully recover and believe in the concept of a full and complete recovery.

Wayman: Yes, but not deliberately. Myths have grown up in the fellowship over time.

David: Thank you, Anne, for being our guest tonight and for sharing this information with us. And to those in the audience, thank you for coming and participating. I hope you found it helpful. We have a very large and active community here at HealthyPlace.com. You will always find people in the chatrooms and interacting with various sites.

Also, if you found our site beneficial, I hope you'll pass our URL around to your friends, mail list buddies, and others. http://www.healthyplace.com

Wayman: My pleasure David and everyone else.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

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