>>>>Some of the people who are in it and have the affliction would surprise most people. There are some down and outers but most don't fit the stereotype. If anything they are probably smarter than average bear. One thing you learn pretty quickly is that alcohol is not too discriminating in who it picks. It seems almost random.
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>>Consider also there are a lot of alcoholics - but what you are seeing at AA are the ones who are smart enough to want to take control. I wouldn't be surprised you'd see some very exceptional people there. (remember in West Wing how the chief of staff went to a meeting that was all Washington top-siders?)
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>Something else members do: network.

Once in a while I do something intelligent. I just got off the phone for an hour or so with one of the sober guys back home. The best advice he gave me was get in the habit of talking to people every day even when you don't think you need to. Those are the easy times.