Stop me if you can

Game play

A has a problem, from alcoholism or other addiction to anti-social behavior.

B is persecutor who berates A, and also gives A an excuse to continue - e.g. as an escape or as reactive revenge. A's habit may also give excuse for A's bad behavior, such as beating up B (who can then play 'Poor me').

C is rescuer who tries to cure A (and can play 'I'm only trying to help'). A goes along with C for a while, getting attention and sympathy, but is actually playing 'See if you can stop me'. A can repeat the game by offering remorse and playing 'This time it's real'.

D is the bartender or drug pusher who actively helps A and profits from A's behavior, and can play conspiratorial games such as 'Go on, have another, nobody will know'.
You may also get E, a friendly figure, who reassures A and hence legitimizes the behavior.

Discussion

This 'stop me' game is a common pattern within alcoholism where the alcoholic seeks attention and has 'I was drunk' as an excuse for any misbehaving.

Legitimization and perpetuation happens through well-meaning organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous, where the addict gets to tell their story over and over, and receive attention and sympathy as a reward.

When A's get together they indulge in pastimes such as boasting about what/how much they have consumed and how terrible their hangover/withdrawal is.

B's and C's can also play games together, such as 'Ain't it awful'.

Quick links

Stop me if you can

Purpose

Game play

Discussion

So what?

See also

Site Menu

You can buy books here

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And

Site Menu

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And