The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Every group has their own group concience so there is no one right answer to this question... But acceptance and tolerance is our code and as long as they're not causing a commotion and disrupting the meeting then I think they should be welcomed with open arms. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking... not to be sober. If someone shows up drunk to a meeting then that's probably the best place they could be and the smartest choice they've made all day.Where else better to get the help they need, right?
I don't know the answer either. I have been told by exABF it's common and he even did it early on in his quest for recovery. I know that I attended a couple of open meetings with him and saw a few who were, they were treated kindly and not made to feel like they did something wrong. They were as welcome as anyone else, including me an "guest".
I had to remember that the only requirement for AA was a DESIRE to quit drinking . Most are treated with respect they are not fooling anyone as my AA friend says you can't con a con . Eventually someone will take them aside and suggest they attend sober out of respect for those working the program at which point they will do as asked or leave . Louise
It is mentioned in the opening of some of our meetings (AA) that if the person has been drinking please refrain from sharing and wait until the meeting is over to talk with another person.
Thanks for the answers! AH didn't know, and never witnessed it. He did say that someone would probably offer to stay until they sober up and take them home if necessary. Thanks again for responding to my randomness!
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~Kat
Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats. ~Voltaire