AA is a joke. And not a funny one.

In my futile attempts to quit drinking (of which I may be doing better), I of course turned to the lofty and much praised institution known as Alcoholics Anonymous. Now let me just say that I had some preconceived notions of what to expect. I expected a room full of sad men, stereotypical skid row alcoholics, a somber crowd that had lost everything to alcohol, a place so depressing it would literally drive me to drink more. My preconceived notions were 100% accurate. The first meeting I went to, I noticed that everyone goes through the motions like lifeless zombies. Saying prayers and all sorts of other ritualistic crap. Then you get to listen to some guy who of course lost everything to booze. He goes on and on about how his life crashed in around him, until at his low point he was doing butt stuff with hobos for swigs of malt liquor. I looked around and as this guy was rambling on (he had the stage and he knew it) most of the old timers were stone cold asleep. This was definitely not a meeting of motivated individuals. Anyways, after it was known that this was my first meeting, I was swarmed guys offering to help me. I was given phone number after phone number, and many took my phone number as well. Many men promised to call me the next day and make sure I was "OK". Well, as you could have guessed, I haven't heard from one of them since .The second AA meeting I went to was where they filmed the movie "Boyz in the Hood". The outside of the building (which is located next to a liquor store) looks like a cross between a meth den and a decrepit VFA. If I hadn't promised my wife I'd go, I would have fled for my life. I went in and before me was the oddest looking group of misfits I've ever seen. One man was clearly high from sniffing glue and another shook so bad he couldn't drink his coffee. While I didn't connect and couldn't relate to anyone there, I at least got a glimpse of what alcohol has in store for all those who are held tight in its grasp. I am incredibly lucky to realize my problem now and strive to take action before I have lost everything. As for AA, it's not for me. The religion aspect doesn't bother me; it's the genuine lack of enthusiasm I noticed during encounters. Honestly, if alcohol had no detrimental effects, I'm convinced everyone in those meetings immediately start chugging their lives away.