ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUSA NOTE OF THANKS - A REQUEST FOR COOPERATION
From time to time we write our public media friends to thank them for helping us observe our long-standing tradition of anonymity for members of Alcoholics Anonymous. First, let us express our deep gratitude to you. From the beginning of A.A. in 1935, its members have recognized that word-of-mouth is not sufficient by itself to carry the program's message of hope and recovery to the many people still suffering from alcoholism. The public media has been a vital part of this effort, and today we estimate that there are more than 2 million successfully recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous in more than 180 countries. Second, we respectfully request that you continue to cooperate with us in maintaining the anonymity of A.A. members. The principle of anonymity is a basic tenet of our fellowship. Those who are reluctant to seek our help may overcome their fear if they are confident that their anonymity will be respected. In addition, and perhaps less understood, our tradition of anonymity acts as a restraint on A.A. members, reminding us that we are a program of principles, not personalities, and that no individual A.A. member may presume to act as a spokesman or leader of our fellowship. If an A.A member is identified in the media, we ask that you please use first names only (e.g. Bob S. or Alice F.) and that you not use photographs or electronic images in which members’ faces may be recognized. (AA.com)
Above is a letter to the public about maintaining anonymity while seeking treatment in Alcoholics Anonymous. So why are all the requests above thrown aside when a celebrity is involved? Sure, they chose a career that put them in the public eye, but where should that line be drawn. Maybe it is seeing them in a vulnerable state that makes the average joe’s of the world feel better about themselves to see a person who is normally seen as perfect to fall. Personally, I think it is disgusting.
There are websites on the internet dedicated to following the association of celebrities with Alcoholics Anonymous. According to InfoaboutAlcoholism.com, Melanie Griffith was seen and video-taped outside of an AA meeting in West Hollywood on March 6, 2006. (Info About Alcoholism) Not only is it terrible that we know where she was, but the exact date. Alcoholism is a disease and the individual suffering from it has some serious mental problems. That being said, why is it justifiable to follow this sick person around while they are trying to better themselves. There is no anonymity for celebrites.
Another example is Lindsey Lohan. The young starlet was seen partying in clubs while underage and suffering the visible side affects of drug abuse. She tried to attend meetings but the paparazzi swarmed her while she was enroot. Even when Lindsey tried a more secluded facility the media stalked her from the trees outside. One of her fellow member, whom she briefly dated while in the facility even spoke to the media about Lindsey’s Demons. Society says we hope that these people get better, but if we do not provide them with that opportunity then there is no way they can succeed.
In class we talked about how the average person will relapse seven times before they become healthy again. More disturbing is that 94% of participants in AA meetins do no succeed. Results like that combined with the invasion of privacy make it almost impossible for celebrities to successfully fight off addiction. AA is known for treating the individual and not the group, but maybe in the case of celebrities this is the best solution because apparently the group situation is not working. The people we admire onscreen may not be long for this world and their death certificates should not say overdose or liver failure, it should day death by publicity.
Links:
Celebrites in AA: http://www.info-about-alcoholism.com/Alcoholics_Anonymous_Celebrities.html
Letter to the Public: http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=227
Above is a letter to the public about maintaining anonymity while seeking treatment in Alcoholics Anonymous. So why are all the requests above thrown aside when a celebrity is involved? Sure, they chose a career that put them in the public eye, but where should that line be drawn. Maybe it is seeing them in a vulnerable state that makes the average joe’s of the world feel better about themselves to see a person who is normally seen as perfect to fall. Personally, I think it is disgusting.
There are websites on the internet dedicated to following the association of celebrities with Alcoholics Anonymous. According to InfoaboutAlcoholism.com, Melanie Griffith was seen and video-taped outside of an AA meeting in West Hollywood on March 6, 2006. (Info About Alcoholism) Not only is it terrible that we know where she was, but the exact date. Alcoholism is a disease and the individual suffering from it has some serious mental problems. That being said, why is it justifiable to follow this sick person around while they are trying to better themselves. There is no anonymity for celebrites.
Another example is Lindsey Lohan. The young starlet was seen partying in clubs while underage and suffering the visible side affects of drug abuse. She tried to attend meetings but the paparazzi swarmed her while she was enroot. Even when Lindsey tried a more secluded facility the media stalked her from the trees outside. One of her fellow member, whom she briefly dated while in the facility even spoke to the media about Lindsey’s Demons. Society says we hope that these people get better, but if we do not provide them with that opportunity then there is no way they can succeed.
In class we talked about how the average person will relapse seven times before they become healthy again. More disturbing is that 94% of participants in AA meetins do no succeed. Results like that combined with the invasion of privacy make it almost impossible for celebrities to successfully fight off addiction. AA is known for treating the individual and not the group, but maybe in the case of celebrities this is the best solution because apparently the group situation is not working. The people we admire onscreen may not be long for this world and their death certificates should not say overdose or liver failure, it should day death by publicity.
Links:
Celebrites in AA: http://www.info-about-alcoholism.com/Alcoholics_Anonymous_Celebrities.html
Letter to the Public: http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=227
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