Living Sober Sucks (but living drunk sucks more) By: Mark A. Tuschel   

"R.A."

Reinvented Alcoholics

Reinvented Alcoholics is a completely different way to approach alcohol misuse. Instead of living a life of "recovery," let's reinvent ourselves and how we view alcohol.

The concept behind R.A. is to have a meeting place for people to discuss and get feedback about controlling alcohol misuse and living a normal life - sober. Participants are invited to ask questions, speak freely, to share ideas, share stories of success and failure among each other.

Cross-talk is allowed and participants can openly express their thoughts and opinions. There is a moderator who has authority to interrupt; direct or even stop any exchange which they believe is not productive or relevant to alcoholism. Common courtesies will be extended to allow members to discuss and interact with one another.

There are no STEPS to follow. In essence, you have to “Find your own damn keys.” But there are rules.

The R.A. meeting concept is still in the development stages. Your feedback, ideas and involvement is welcome. If you are interested in starting a R.A. group in your area, or hosting a meeting, please email Mark. Privacy is guaranteed.

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THE R.A. RULES

1. You can NOT show up drunk. If you do, you will be forced to leave.
2. You don’t have to admit to being anything if you don’t want to. Simply say, “Hi, I’m Bob and I’m here.”
3. Questions about your own personal issues or problems with regard to alcohol are welcome. Ask the question, and then allow others to respond. Listen – do not argue or defend. You are not obligated to agree with someone else’s opinions or ideas.
4. Other meeting participants are encouraged to give feedback, as in: “Well here’s what I would do...” Or, “Here’s how I handle situations like this...”
5. This is an open discussion. Some of the things a person hears might hurt. But nothing is intended to harm another person.
6. Respect must be shown regarding an individual’s personal beliefs, be they political, theological or otherwise. You do not have to agree, you can state your own opinion, but the other person cannot be attacked.
7. A moderator runs the meeting. This person keeps things on track and has the authority to say, “Hey shut up and let somebody else talk.”
8. Confidentiality is agreed upon by all participants. Whatever is said, discussed or concluded at a gathering stays at the gathering.
9. Meetings can be held at; Bars, Restaurants, Private homes, anywhere.
10. Meetings will last 60-90 minutes, allowing for full discussion of questions.

Meeting will begin with the moderator reading the rules, then requesting topic suggestions. Moderator will ask the group to collectively decide what questions to discuss first. Moderator has authority to decide who, or which topic will be talked about first. Once a topics has been clearly stated, the floor is opened for free discussion. If you don’t like the rules – leave. If you don’t like the moderator – leave. If you don’t like how the discussion is going – leave. Colorful language is allowed, if it bothers you – don't attend.

Mark A. Tuschel

Mark@livingsobersucks.com

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