# Douchbags in AA – EVERYONE isn’t a drunk just because you are! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 4, 2013, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271 "2013-02-04T00:16:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/21 "2013-02-04T02:22:29Z")
I knew a lady that considered her boyfriend an alchoholic because on occasion he would have a SECOND beer. I always wanted to give her hell for having a second potato chip or pistascio. Geez lady. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/22 "2013-02-04T02:22:46Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Same pharmacy was the first place I saw Fleet enema stuffed toys: [http://www.awmok.com/2009/09/18/not-your-average-superhero/](http://www.awmok.com/2009/09/18/not-your-average-superhero/) I wish I knew someone with a baby right now, so I could buy one of these and take pictures of her holding it. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/23 "2013-02-04T02:29:30Z")
Give him a drink and see if it calms him down. If that doesn’t work, give him a lot of drinks and see if he passes out. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/24 "2013-02-04T02:30:15Z")
Man, this is probably the only thing I miss about the midwest… a couple drinks a day there is perfectly fine. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/25 "2013-02-04T02:36:11Z")
I’m originally from Scotland, where alcohol is considered a food group. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/26 "2013-02-04T02:36:54Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Man, this is probably the only thing I miss about the midwest… a couple drinks a day there is perfectly fine. Well sure, in Wisconsin you’d be considered a tea-totaler if you didn’t drink a six pack every day. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/27 "2013-02-04T02:37:19Z")
So where the heck do you live now where it isn’t? ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/28 "2013-02-04T02:39:45Z")
The _amount_ you drink is not what makes you an alcoholic. It’s the addiction to any amount. If you just can’t make it several nights without having a beer, you’re an alcoholic, because you have an addiction. You may not be a drunk or be ruining your life, but it’s not a good place to be. If you drink on occasion but have no compulsive desire to drink then you’re not an alcoholic. If you enjoy having a beer every night but it doesn’t bother you if you run out for a few days, you’re not an alcoholic. It’s all about the addiction. There are probably a lot of alcoholics who never destroy their lives, or livers, or their family’s lives, because they are addicted to just having a few beers every night or every weekend and that’s as far as it goes. There’s nothing inherently _wrong_ with being an alcoholic, it’s just an addiction that needs to be managed like any other. For some people, the only way to manage it is to never allow themselves to drink ANY amount, because one drink leads to another and too many. But that’s not the solution for everyone, nor should it be. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/29 "2013-02-04T02:44:50Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > SHUT THE FUCK UP! Lecturing an entire room while we’re trying to watch the game does not make you a concerned friend - it makes you a raging asshole! Hear, hear! I know someone in Al Anon because her dad has a problem, and _every single time_ I order a drink, she has to make a fucking comment about it. SHUT THE FUCK UP already. I’m sorry that your dad has a problem, but the rest of us want to have a fucking drink without hearing any of your lip. I do not consume what other people are consuming ever unless I want some of it. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/30 "2013-02-04T02:50:50Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Same pharmacy was the first place I saw Fleet enema stuffed toys: [http://www.awmok.com/2009/09/18/not-your-average-superhero/](http://www.awmok.com/2009/09/18/not-your-average-superhero/) It needs unstuffing. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/31 "2013-02-04T02:53:34Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > There are probably a lot of alcoholics who never destroy their lives, or livers, or their family’s lives, because they are addicted to just having a few beers every night or every weekend and that’s as far as it goes. Continuing with a habit despite suffering negative personal, social, health and/or interpersonal consequences as a result of that habit; that is how I would define “addiction”. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/32 "2013-02-04T02:59:42Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Not to continue this hijack or anything, but I was at the pharmacy once where there was a sign advertising a contest by a brand of insulin where the first prize was a trip to Vienna. Why anybody who cannot eat desserts would want to go to Vienna is beyond me. Diabetics can eat desserts, same as anyone else. A “diabetic diet” nowadays is the same as a healthy diet for anyone - you can have a dessert just fine, just don’t have a dessert at the end of every meal. Eat your vegetables, have small portions, include lean proteins. The focus is on overall health, not just avoiding sugar. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/33 "2013-02-04T03:06:29Z")
And let’s cover the opposite side of the coin while we are at it. Just because I don’t drink does not mean that I am in AA. Nor does it mean that I am an anti-social jerk. It means, purely and simply, that I don’t want to drink. Period. And because I don’t drink, I am always the designated driver, which I am happy to be. That way, nobody gets killed or goes to jail. ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/34 "2013-02-04T03:29:49Z")
My dear spouse and I ran a transitional home for homeless men, women and children. During that time, I was exposed to AA. While I am certain that the camaraderie instilled by having a common goal has allowed many folks to return to a modicum of normality in their lives, AA is by no means a panacea. One of the problems I have always had with the program is that it is based upon _ **helplessness** _. This is antithetical to the message we tried to convey to our program’s participants. Being personally responsible for your actions is hard to teach when the concept that ‘you are powerless’ against the evils of demon rum is being promoted as the ONLY method of recovery. And, recovering addicts of all flavors are quite sanctimonious in general. It goes with the territory. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/35 "2013-02-04T03:46:55Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Why anybody who cannot eat desserts would want to go to Vienna is beyond me. For the schnitzengruben. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/36 "2013-02-04T04:09:29Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > And let’s cover the opposite side of the coin while we are at it. > > Just because I don’t drink does not mean that I am in AA. Nor does it mean that I am an anti-social jerk. It means, purely and simply, that I don’t want to drink. Period. And because I don’t drink, I am always the designated driver, which I am happy to be. That way, nobody gets killed or goes to jail. You come to any party of mine, and your food and soft drink tab is paid. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/37 "2013-02-04T04:17:04Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > Diabetics can eat desserts, same as anyone else. A “diabetic diet” nowadays is the same as a **healthy diet** for anyone - you can have a dessert just fine, just **don’t have a dessert at the end of every meal.** **Eat your vegetables, have small portions, include _lean_ proteins.** You are completely unfamiliar with Central European cuisine, aren’t you? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/38 "2013-02-04T04:23:42Z")
> [@Gagundathar](#): > > One of the problems I have always had with the program is that it is based upon _ **helplessness** _. This is antithetical to the message we tried to convey to our program’s participants. Being personally responsible for your actions is hard to teach when the concept that ‘you are powerless’ against the evils of demon rum is being promoted as the ONLY method of recovery. Amen to that. I can get past most of the God shit, but the “boo hoo, I’m helpless and can only stay sober because God’s carrying me” shit really pisses me off. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/39 "2013-02-04T04:28:23Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > And let’s cover the opposite side of the coin while we are at it. > > Just because I don’t drink does not mean that I am in AA. Nor does it mean that I am an anti-social jerk. It means, purely and simply, that I don’t want to drink. Period. And because I don’t drink, I am always the designated driver, which I am happy to be. That way, nobody gets killed or goes to jail. I wholeheartedly agree. > [@Czarcasm](#): > > You come to any party of mine, and your food and soft drink tab is paid. An excellent policy. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2013, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271/40 "2013-02-04T04:33:01Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > You come to any party of mine, and your food and soft drink tab is paid. And I suppose I have to pay for the hookers and blow myself? Good day sir. I SAID GOOD DAY!!! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/douchbags-in-aa-everyone-isn-t-a-drunk-just-because-you-are/649271.md?page=3)