Conference rdvax::grateful

    
    
    the wharf rats are a group of sober heads...  kind of like a deadhead
    aa...  they frequently can be seen having support sessions in the
    halls...  if doing a show without drugs is a new or difficult thing for
    you, the wharf rats can help by giving you another sober friend to do
    the shows with...
    
    pretty cool thing all in all...  :^)
    
    					da ve

Typically during set breaks they all join together in a grate big circular
joint hug, but without the joints... 

I dunno, I've always felt there was a sorta cultural contradiction in terms 
with that whole scene, but hey, why not a Deadhead AA?, eh?

	While some of the the earlier notes contain factual information,
	I feel the need to respond...

	The Wharf Rats are a group of clean and sober Deadheads.  They 
	use the Twelve Steps as a tool to maintain their abstinence from
	substances.  While closely following AA and NA, they are a 
	seperate entity from either.

	They hold meetings at the break of Dead shoze.  These are more 
	than just a "group hug" but less formal than regular AA or NA
	meeting.  The format of the meetings I attended was one of
	opening the meeting with some Twelve Step ritual, introductions,
	discussion and sharing, closing.

	In areas where the Wharf Rats are abundant, e.g. the Bay area, 
	they hold regular meetings (not just at Dead shows).

	For some one who is working on leading a clean and sober life,
	but doesn't want to give up the music and communion of a Dead
	show, the Wharf Rats are very helpful.  For some, they can be a
	life saver.

	Bob

	Just for the record, I personally consider this to be a serious
	topic.  Breaking free of an addiction or compulsion that is 
	dragging down one's life is no joke.

	I'd like to ask everyone, as a personal favor to me, to keep this
	topic free and clear of trivial and frivolous responses.  Notes
	that deride or make fun of the Wharf Rats will definitely arouse
	my ire...

	Thanks for listening and cooperating,
	Bob (who for good reason once had node name WHRFRT)

    Speaking of the 12 step program, can someone provide more details?
    Just out of curiosity.
    
    I see lots of bumper stickers with some of the slogans, like "One day
    at a time", "First things first", etc.
    
    Scott
    

    Call AA, dammit! ;-)
    
    Just kidding - the 12 step programs so prevalent today stem from the
    'program' created by the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, ('Bill'). 
    The Program is based on acceptance of the fact that one has lost
    control of one's life, and is powerless against an external force
    (alcohol, drugs, food, emotional dependency, heavy metal ;-).  The 12
    steps take one from dependency on external powers to reliance on a
    'Higher Power', reliance on each other, and ultimately self-reliance 
    to defeat this dependency.
    
    It isn't really religious, but it can be interpreted that way.  I
    suggest trying not to be swayed by that perception.
    
    Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Over-eaters Anonymous, Adult
    Children Of Alcoholics (ACOA) and Al-Anon all employ the same basic
    Program.  They are all free of charge, available virtually everywhere -
    just look in the phone book.  There's no pressure - they have nothing
    to sell.  If you go to a meeting you may find, as I did a couple years
    ago, that the place is packed.  
    
    I went expecting to find a half-dozen, middle-aged, chain-smoking,
    coffee-guzzling street people.  What a stereotype! I found 120 people
    of all ages, from every walk of life, rich and poor, young and old, all
    there for one purpose: to help each other.  It really opened my eyes.
    
    If you're interested, check it out.  It's worth it.
    
    tim
    

    Thanks, but I'm not really addicted to anything.  I was just wondering
    what the 12 step thing was since I see it on everyone's bumpers and
    it's better to understand and appreciate their message than to think
    they're weirdos with cryptical slogans (which I don't think, it's just
    a possible opposing view).
    
    Aha - so "Another Friend of Bill" refers to AA?
    
    Scott
    

RE:           <<< Note 249.7 by TLE::ABBOT "J. R. "Bob" Dobbs in 92" >>>

       
   > Aha - so "Another Friend of Bill" refers to AA?
    
    
     Right..One day at a time one of the mottos.  I'm not an expert on the
     subject, though I've learned quite a bit in the last few months.  I work
     with someone who had never attended a Dead show til she met someone in
     the Wharf Rats.  She says that during the Garden run, there were at least
     200 represented at the show she went to, and the number is growing.





 Jim    

    
    Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who 
    share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they 
    may solve their common problem and help others to recover from
    alcoholism and drug addictions.
    
    The only requirment for membership is a desire to stop drinking and
    druging.  There are no dues or fees for AA or NA membership: they are
    self-supporting through their own contributions.  AA and NA is not
    allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or
    institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither
    endorsees nor opposes any causes.  The primary purpose is to stay sober
    and clean, to help other alcoholics and addicts to achieve sobriety and
    to be drug free.
    
    I'll be checking out the Wharf Rats at the Albany and Meadowland shows.
    
    If there is any interest, please send me E-mail to PATE::KULP.
    
    Ken
    
    

    before I say what I'm gonna say, I just wanna say....I respect anyone
    with the b@lls to go straight when the goin gets too tuff to take....
    I have a few friends who have had to take the AA/NA road to save
    themselves....but from a personal observation (and by no means a
    professional one) some of the Wharf Rats I've seen at shows look like
    they could use all the help they can get!!!!!!!!! I mean Jesus, there's
    bridge people here in the springs that look better than some of the
    rats I've seen. Again, no flames or derogatory intents intended! 
                                                                    
    rfb (known to look like a bridge person himself)

                      <<< Note 249.10 by CXDOCS::BARNES >>>
>    rfb (known to look like a bridge person himself)

hey rfb,

What's a bridge person?  Akin to the bag lady but lives under a bridge 
(troll)??

As for the Wharf Rats - if it helps them then more power to them.  I've seen 
more than a couple good people go bad from this sort of thing (family and 
others).  I know one Wharf Rat (never knew him when he indulged but know him 
now).

bob

 More power to them indeed.






 Jum

    yes bob, out here we don't have heater grates and subways for the
    homeless..they live under overpasses of the freeways, hence the name
    "bridge people". They are the ones with the "work for food" signs. 
    I have been known to employ them, (something my lawyer says I shouldn't
    do for insurance reasons,) as well as give 'em my "spare change". 
    
    It would be interesting (for me anyway) to investagate the demographical 
    backgrounds of the Wharf Rats, purely for statistical reasons. Do they
    pass out any literature at shows?
    
    rfb

    
    re:-1 
    
      well I cant say they pass out literature at shows.
    but if you go to them they can lead you in the right direction.
    
    I know for "me". If the wharf rats weren't there, I couldn't
    make the shows.  
    
      I'ts  nice to have the support you need, if it's needed.
    
         john

    ok, it's "revive an old topic" time ... :^)
    
    
    it's been a few years since this topic was active, and since then i
    think a lot of us have gotten a significant number of clues as to what 
    the Wharf Rats are all about...  still now it's my turn to ask...
    
    does anyone here know if thre are any local (central MA or southern
    new england) wharf rat groups active?  or maybe how one can be in
    put in touch with them?  someone close to me could really use this
    but, other than running over to the table at shows, we don't know how
    to get in touch, or if thre's even a local group that's active...
    i'd heard at one point that they even had a home page on the web... 
    anyone know???  
    
    any and all pointers welcome...  here or in email if you prefer...
    
    
    				thanks in advance...
    
    						da ve
                                                     

    good luck to yer friend.....
    
    rfb

    
    howdy da ve,
      I don't know of any local chapters.  However, if your friend really 
    wants some help, tell 'em to check out any local NA chapter.  It is a 
    good starting point.
    
    	peace and good thoughts   

    
    Definitely N.A. would be a good way to get the references
    for local Wharf Rats. 
    
    Just look for the Deadheads!!! ;-)

    NA is already a happening thing...  as is AA...  (a meeting a day helps
    keep the disease away)...  no deadhead connections yet though...
    who knows?  maybe she'll have to start a local chapter herself... :^)
    
    thanks for the suggestions and vibes though... :^)
    
    
    					da ve