running the show

(adverb) How devout members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) describe the attitude and actions of an alcoholic who is not following the principles of the Twelve-Step program and the Big Book.

They believe that this person does not "know how to take direction."

"Sandy still thinks she can drink only on weekends and stop during the week. She continues to run the show."

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program people

Persons who are members of Twelve-Step groups (programs), e.g., AA, NA, CA, MA, SA, SLA, OA, CODA, and PA.

Bill hangs out only with program people since he got sober.

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eating pills

The action of an addict who consumes large amounts of pharmaceuticals, by mouth.

"I was eating at least 40 to 50 Vicodins a day before I checked myself into rapid opiate detox."

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CA

Cocaine Anonymous.
A Twelve-Step fellowship / group in the tradition of AA. For those individuals addicted to cocaine (blow, crack) and their lives have become unmanagable.

"Finding my old crack pipe might be a trigger, so I better get to a CA meeting!"

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doing some homework

An addict/alcoholic who has relapsed.

"You haven't seen me at meetings for months becuase I was out doing some homework."

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Club Betty

The Betty Ford Center (BFC). A very comfortable drug and alcohol rehab in Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs area), California. Term used by current and former (alumini) patients of the center.

"While getting clean at Club Betty, I took in sun on my patio with the mountain view, hung out at the pool, and worked out with the personal trainer."

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Friend of Bill W.

A member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and therefore (usually) a recovering alcoholic. Derived from the name of Bill Wilson (Bill W.), one of the founding members of AA.

If you are at an airport and have a temptation to head to one of the bars, instead have "Bill W." paged, as code for your need for someone from the program come have a "meeting" with you.

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