Alcoholics Anonymous - Cross Talk

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Alcoholics Anonymous cross talk refers to a specific kind of behavior that is strongly discouraged among Alcoholics Anonymous. 

More precisely, "cross talk" during an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting usually means telling another member what to think or how to act, speaking directly to another person rather than to the group, questioning or interrupting the person who is currently sharing and speaking, or giving direct advice to others who have already shared.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Cross Talk, and Meetings

"Cross talk" during an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting typically means giving direct advice to others who have already shared, speaking directly to another person rather than to the group, telling another member what to think or how to act, and questioning or interrupting the person who is sharing and speaking at the time.

Avoidance of cross talk is considered a safety feature of the meetings. 

Unlike group therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous members share their own experience, strength, and hope with one another, rather than telling others what to do or what they should think.

In the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, members refrain from cross talk.

The idea is for members to speak only about their own feelings and experiences and accept without comment what others say because whatever they say is true for them.

Alcoholics Anonymous members work toward taking responsibility in their own lives, rather than giving advice to others. 

Cross Talk That Alcoholics Anonymous Members Refrain From

The following represents examples of what Alcoholics Anonymous calls "cross talk":

• dominating
• Unsolicited feedback
• debating
• advice-giving
• criticizing
• "you" and "we" statements
• interrogating
• controlling
• self avoidance
• answering
• talking directly to others

Alcoholics Anonymous - Cross Talk:  Conclusion

Alcoholics Anonymous cross talk during AA meetings is frowned upon Alcoholics Anonymous for a reason: AA members believe that they should take responsibility for their own behaviors, beliefs, and actions instead of giving advice to others.

Stated differently, rather than telling others what they should think or what they should do, members of Alcoholics Anonymous make it a point to focus on sharing their own experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another.

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