Alcoholics Anonymous and Artist Way
Author: Scott Samson

I just had acquired 6 months of sobriety after relasping from alcohol addiction. Before that I had three years sobriety. I utilized approved psychotropic medication and now my sponsor had me go off it. I relapsed. Now she tells me, even though I have a play production and possible readings at a major regional theater planned, to stop writing and find a "hobby" like going to AA meetings. I go to 10-14 meetings a week. I read my big book.

I have a commitment (2 to be exact) and yet creativity is somehow making me very nervous and upset when it comes to an actual production. Whether it's manic or not...is what my sponsor telling me to do-stop writing for a year good news...or is it insanity? What will I do without my art or creativity? I also want to find a new sponsor, but no one in my AA thinks creative types are worth their weight. It's like something lucky we get to do, and seem jealous when we make money at it. Should I get a new sponsor? Not tell her I am continuing my writing by going to see a Psychologist and Psychiatrist without her knowledge? How do Artists in recovery handle these things?

I used to be able to my first two years, but now I feel under the gun of a Nazi sponsor.

Thank you,

Scott Samson






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Scott Samson-Playwright/Screenwriter, U.C. Berkeley graduate in Theater. Plays produced in New York City and California including readings at SCR.

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