PO Box 1980

Many, many thanks for the May issue and for addressing alcoholism. I personally know many members who are of a mind to make AA stand for "Anything Anonymous." I have been present at meetings (both open and closed) where nonalcoholics are even encouraged to share whatever they like, such as marital or financial problems, having nothing to do with the disease of alcoholism. It is very confusing to newcomers who are thus deprived of their time to share, and who leave a meeting with no more hope or understanding than when they entered. When these situations arise, I try to remind the secretary of Bill W.'s warning against our becoming all things to all people. The secretary usually tells me to "go to another meeting." But I still continue to risk displeasure, and I do so because I don't want to go to Anything Anonymous--I want and need Alcoholics Anonymous.