Are all 12-steppers welcome at Friends of Bill W. meetings?

[DesertPesce7751]

I'm a member of the Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 12-step program. Like AA, we follow the 12 steps and we use the same Big Book as our guide. My sponsor (yes, we have those too) said that it would be great to check out the meetings onboard but to be prepared to be told I can't stay if an alcoholic feels uncomfortable that I don't belong. The meetings really help me keep committed and I know they'd help while away from home.

 

Anyone have a thought on this?

[chengkp75]

On virtually every ship I've heard about, the meetings are self-directed. The ship provides the room, and the notification in the dailies, but do not provide anything else. If no one is interested, no one shows up. It is up to the participants to organize the meeting, so it would depend on your particular cruise as to whether you would be welcome or not.

[snowskier]

Every cruise I have ever been on has welcomed all 12 steppers in the Friends of Bill meetings. There often are members of OA and NA joining the group.

[DesertPesce7751]

Every cruise I have ever been on has welcomed all 12 steppers in the Friends of Bill meetings. There often are members of OA and NA joining the group.

 

Awesome! Thank you!

[cruzeluver]

Should not be an issue. We have been to one's with AA, NA, OE and Al-Anon members present.

[marshhawk]

I wouldnt throw you out of any meeting. I think in most of the Friends of Bill meetings on the ships, people who were not alcoholics merely talk about their "addiction." It's a good word that everyone there understands. It's a good way to build a support system when you are cruising too.

I will pick up my 24th invisible chip on my next cruise. There are no chips on ships,(except in the casino) just the wonderful knowledge that we are not alone no matter where we go.:)

[Bonnie J.]

The friends of Bill W. on ships are always 'open' meetings which means anyone can go. Most AA groups have both open and closed meetings. A closed meeting is only for those who are alcoholics.

My son is a recovering alcoholic so I went to a few open meetings to see what they were like and was very impressed.

[DesertPesce7751]

Thanks everyone! I'm so looking forward to the on-ship meetings now!

[DesertPesce7751]

Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement! I made it through a whole, 31 day cruise without feeding my addiction and I made some life-long friends at our meetings. Only problem now is that I really miss everyone and my meetings at home just aren't the same.

 

In recovery,

DesertPesce7751

[snowskier]

Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement! I made it through a whole, 31 day cruise without feeding my addiction and I made some life-long friends at our meetings. Only problem now is that I really miss everyone and my meetings at home just aren't the same.

 

In recovery,

DesertPesce7751

 

That is the good and sad about traveling. We have the opportunity to meet wonderful people that have so much in common with us and then have to say "so long" -- never goodbye as we move forward one day at a time and may meet again.