Pintale Yid asked me to post this on the forum:

Someone in my shule who unfortunately is an addict (in all definitions of the word) has no access to a computer. The only way he could log onto the site is in the Library. He basically can use the computer for a half hour and then he has to give it up and wait on a waiting list until it is available again.

He lives in Boro Park and would like to log onto to GYI for 2-3 hours every day after 2:30 so he can get involved in the site and help himself. Do you have any ideas? Could you maybe ask the chevra in a post if anyone would be willing to let him use a computer?

All the Best,

Pintela  Yid

If you have any ideas for him, please contact me at eyes.guard@gmail.com

Maybe he can get started on the 12 step calls, or is he not ready to do that? I would think if he's willing to use someone else's computer, and admit his weakness to that person obviously, then he'd be willing to call in to an anonymous 12 step phone conference.

YVY

I don't think the answer for an addict with no internet access is to get internet access and open himself to a whole new method of falling. Even if it was onstensibly to access the GYE network. Like YVY said, phone conferences would be a good first step.

I believe all the Rabbonim concur that internet access is a bdieved at best.

I agree

in the end the internet will do more harm than good

he should consider getting the chizuk emails by fax and/or phone help

but internet is deffinitly not the way to go (i know that first hand all too well )

Well, considering that you asked this to be resolved by a group of guys that over the past couple of years have made themselves into experts at finding secret places to find internet access, I am pretty surprised that people haven't been jumping on top of you.  Then again, maybe most of us don't want to give up our secrets.   

Seriously though, I do agree with the opinion first stated by Me3.  This will only add a new dimension of possible harm.  However, if in actuality it can't possibly get any worse I would suggest that he find a Rav or Sponsor, and meet with them on a consistent basis, in which he can use the meeting time to post his thoughts on GYE in addition to his spending time speaking with this Sponsor or Rav.  This way it will be supervised, and the possibility of learning all the very wonderful nuances of traveling the internet will be avoided.  If possible, this Rav or Sponsor can even spend time helping him to interpret something that someone else posted that may be of great assistance to him.  Just an idea.

An unrelated-related idea.

There are many suggestions around this Great GYE site suggesting that some of us can have great advantage from conference calls. They can add some of what this forum is lacking.......

Many of us would be interested in a phone conference, but do not want to take part in the 12 Step Program Group Calls. How about if another DAILY call is started. (6 days a week?) One that is not modeled after SA, SLAA, SAA or any of those other recovery programs. Rather it should be a GYE Telephone Conference.

It should be for general shmoozing & connecting. [A place where someone can share their progress & struggles?] It can be supplemental to this forum and/or a (weak?) substitute for those who don't have internet access.

We would need a system of daily reading material to help get the conversation started & to fill in if there is an awkward silence. How about we read the Daily Chizuk emails that Rabbeinu Guard devotedly compiles daily? This way there won't be a gap if someone were to miss a day [the way they miss in DC's Big Book readings.]



Comments please?

Yosef Hatzadik wrote on 08 Feb 2011 22:24:



Tzaddik'l,

I think R' Guard will forgive you if you start this up as a new topic.