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WFS MEETINGS ENCOURAGE CONVERSATION BETWEEN WOMEN
I like that WFS permits a wide range of meeting topics. And one of
best aspects of WFS meeting format is that conversation is encouraged whereas AA has a strict "no cross-talk" rule during meetings.
Another difference between WFS and AA is that one-third of WFS members also attend AA meetings because they need more frequent meetings to stay sober and they like fellowship and support. Women for Sobriety is open to this approach and, in fact, states that their Program "can be used with or without AA."
AA, however, tends to discourage attendance at alternative programs. This can be seen through some of wording in introductory portion of meeting where it is stated, "rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path," and, later: "many of us thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not."
WOMEN'S REACTIONS AFTER ATTENDING THEIR FIRST WFS MEETING
Power comes from looking forward not back. It is very important for women to have a positive, proactive force supporting them when it comes to quitting drinking. This is different than AA approach of focusing on negative memories of past to prevent drinking in future.
A classic example of this is I have had many women come to my Women for Sobriety group and tell me that after hearing a person's drinking story at an AA speaker meeting, they felt so badly when leaving meeting that they just wanted to go out and drink. In contrast, many women share with me that they feel positive and hopeful for future when they get out of our WFS meeting.
WHERE YOU CAN LEARN MORE
If you are curious about learning more about Women for Sobriety Program, click on link I've provided below. There you will find some resources that I have put together for you. Some of these resources include:
- Statistics on reasons why women like or dislike WFS and AA
- Specific details about entire Women for Sobriety Program
- A revealing book describing AA Program from a woman's perspective
- Why Women for Sobriety Program may not be for you
http://www.ajpip.com/addictions/site_map.htm
AA has been responsible for helping women get and remain sober for many years and I applaud their efforts. However, I spent 3 years in and out of AA at beginning of my sobriety and I was never able to get my heart into program.
During that 3 years I purchased and read all WFS literature and finally engaged help of a private therapist. When I finally got empowered enough to start a WFS meeting in my area, my ability to stay sober became permanent.
I DID IT, YOU CAN DO IT TOO!
I have been sober for 8 years now. I attribute my continuous sobriety to several things that WFS Program revealed to me:
- The importance of getting to know myself and reasons why I drank
- How to develop a lasting positive self-image
- The power was within me to pursue my true interests
- That long-term sobriety is possible with support of like-minded women in my WFS group
Jeannie Long
Jeannie Long now enjoys 8 years of continuous sobriety. She leads a weekly support group for women using the Women for Sobriety Program. She helps women achieve better physical and mental health through her health related web sites and newsletters. To read about the subjects covered in Jeannie's Commit to Recovery newsletter, click on the following link: http://www.ajpip.com/addictions/anopi/dir/jncrb.htm
