2006-08-19 16:14:32 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Yes. I've worked as a peer advocate for people with dual diagnosis (substance abuse and mental illness) for two years. Almost every client I've come in contact with has their own AA (or NA) horror story.
AA has a large, very vocal faction that is wildly anti-therapy and anti-medication. The NIMH estimates that half of all alcoholics and 50-75% of all addicts are also dealing with an underlying mental health issues. People are told these will magically disappear if they work a "good program". Some of these people end up as part of AA's 3% MORTALITY rate (Vaillant studies).
It's 5% success rate means it also has a 95% failure rate. For many it was merely unhelpful, but for some, going to a place that claims it can help everyone and failing, becomes an excuse to give up.
from the Orange Papers:
"There is also experimental evidence that the A.A. doctrine of powerlessness leads to binge drinking. In a sophisticated controlled study of A.A.'s effectiveness (Brandsma et. al.), court-mandated offenders who had been sent to Alcoholics Anonymous for several months were engaging in FIVE TIMES as much binge drinking as another group of alcoholics who got no treatment at all, and the A.A. group was doing NINE TIMES as much binge drinking as another group of alcoholics who got rational behavior therapy."
2006-08-19 17:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AA as a practice; no. Are there some goofy wackos in AA with a presumed air of authority; yes.
Many years ago, I had a 'grand' sponsor who was a fascist -AA pig to say it nicely. He had a group of guys that followed him around and did his bidding. He was very quick witted and could cut you to pieces in a second. He told people what to do and harassed them if they didn't "show up" as he prescribed.
Luckily I was in a different town so I wasn't forced to participate. I could see how this set up is very destructive in small communities especially. I live in a major city now so if I don't like someone i can find a thousand different meetings or, more likely, I would confront someone like that cuz Im the old timer now with a presumed air or authority. ;)
Today, I bring people into the AA program by reading the Big Book to them over a period of months asking them questions and listening to thier experience. I try and give them AA, not my brand of AA. I dont share specifically about my religious or political thoughts UNTIL they have finished thier amends and are living 10-12 on a daily basis. I tell them to follow thier doctors advice and take any medication as prescribed. This works best for me and the men I sponsor.
2006-08-20 16:14:59 · answer #2 · answered by rkalch 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Kidding--right?
AA is a 'spiritual' program. It's how you look at YOUR Higher Power. The name God is not mentioned unless the AA member talking, DOES believe in God. AA members talk-- and that's all--and BELIEVE ME! You can find out why you do or did some of the things you do, from talking and listening to others.
In MY instance, I went to Al-Anon, which is friends and family of alchoholics. It teaches you that YOU are not the reason for the alchoholic's problem. It comes also, from talking and listening. It was one the best things I ever did to get back my self esteem.
My dad and my 'ex' were both drinkers.
AA is NOT a cult. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself AND your friends and family.
VERY eye-opening! I recommend those twelve steps tremendously!
2006-08-19 16:19:15 · answer #3 · answered by bettyboop 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
If you are talking about the alcoholics A. than the answer is no. Alcoholics are already destrutive and destructed when they come there for help.
AA is mostly composed of ex-alcoholics who volunteer their time to aid others with the same nightmare they onced had, and it works for millions of people overr the years. A person who will give up part of their life to aid drunks are to be appreaciated.
If yu are talking about the aa road service or club It's think it's a rip off.
2006-08-19 16:26:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
AA saved my life, I do not go as much any more, but when I found myself in the last house on the last street, getting ready to jump off the edge of the planet, God placed AA in my life, (I believe I had Nothing to do with it.), my life totally changed for the good. My worse day sober is worth more than my best day drunk.
I say God rather than will power, try will power on diarhea.I am sober now for 11 years. I have an excellent life.
2006-08-19 16:27:10 · answer #5 · answered by theodore r 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Alcoholics Anonymous is not a destructive anything. It's people helping people to overcome an addiction and also help spouses and children get through the tough times.
2006-08-19 16:23:46 · answer #6 · answered by kayboff 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, it is a twelve step program that is trying to help people to overcome the disease of uncontrolled alcohol consumption. I believe only someone in denial could possibly think it is a destructive cult.
2006-08-19 16:22:53 · answer #7 · answered by butrcupps 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Known a lot of guys to go to AA...saved their lives big time.
2006-08-19 16:20:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is a cult beware!
2006-08-23 07:45:47 · answer #9 · answered by smitmeister_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Destructive? Dunno. But I saw a TV show that showed how a study indicated that alcoholics were no more likely to quit drinking with AA than without it. Destructive? Maybe. Useless? Definitely.
2006-08-19 16:23:47 · answer #10 · answered by bluecollarguytx 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋