Why do so many people believe Alcoholics Anonymous works, when it's actually a horrible cult-like organization

Question

Does anyone have any experience with this nonsense?

My source is personal experience. It doesn't take a genius to see the simple brainwashing techniques and cult-like atmosphere.

Answer 1

You're not alone. There are at least a dozen yahoo groups that are anti-AA, most with over a hundred members, one with over a thousand.

I think it's like the old saying about repeating a lie enough times....

I knew there was something wrong the first time I walked into the rooms; I didn't stay long, but every few years, I'd try it again because everybody told me I must have gone to a few bad meetings, not all AA is like that.

If you don't like AA, going to a different meeting is like going to a different McDonald's if you don't like the food at one.

I bounced in and out of the rooms for 20 years, never managing more than a few months sobriety. Even so, I managed to pick up some of their dogma that PREVENTED me from staying sober. I learned I was powerless, I had a disease, and that alcoholism is genetic. With those excuses, it's a wonder I ever did manage to get sober at all. Once a person decides they are powerless, they better have a micro-managing, personal "higher power" that waiting to grant them their daily reprieve from the drink or they're doomed to die, drunk in a gutter.

AA got a big boost in membership when the courts started mandating people to the rooms; aproxomately 2/3 are there due to courts, employee programs, or to satisfy mandates from government agencies. And they say it's based on "attraction, rather than promotion". Just as they say "spiritual, not religious" while they talk about God. They keep repeating it and expect people to believe it over their own eyes and ears.

Thank goodness for the internet, and for the courts that have heard cases on mandating AA attendance. EVERY higher court that has heard these cases has had a final outcome of AA being at least religious in nature, and has ended coercion through the courts in 4 districts and one state.

Answer 2

When I went, it actually made me think about doing drugs more. I also think it's like a cult. They constantly tell you that if you don't go then you WILL relapse, and that if you ever go around drugs or alcohol you WILL use, so never be around it. That's impossible. Sometime in your life you are going to be somewhere where there is something. If you really don't want to then you will have the power to say no. I stopped going 5 years ago and I have still been clean. They are like some churches. It's their way or no way. If it works for you, more power to you. But don't tell me that it is the only way to stay clean.

Answer 3

I have a long and personal history with Alcoholics Anonymous. I was introduced to it around the age of 20, and am now 45 years old. I have been sober for 22 years. I went through addictions treatment 3 times. I went to AA for over 15 years. I do not attend meetings now, mostly because I have lived a lifestyle of being sober longer than I drank and used. I am very much a person who enjoys real life, and not relief. AA worked for me because I had help from and with people who could relate to me and my feelings about myself and God. I also had a sponser go through the Alcoholics Anonymous text book, (yes, that is what it is, a TEXT book, there are lots and lots of questions in it that can be answered if you know where to look), and help me answer the questions for myself. I loved it because I found a family there, and I PARTICIPATED in that family. I recommend AA for anyone who really wants to look at themselves and their relationship with God and the world around them. Not just the meetings, because that's where sick people go, but to actually take an active part in finding and answering the questions!! You may say that it is a cult and that you are being brainwashed, but some of us need our brains washed, so we can make different choices. Yes AA works!!!

Answer 4

My father was a alcoholic for 20 yrs, and a mean one at that. He refused any help from friends, family, etc. Until his life spiraled out of control and he went to AA. Well, he was in that 3%, because my dad has not drank since. I think we all need support thru difficult times. And it takes the commitment of the person to accomplish it. If their not ready to confront their addiction then nothing will help them. Whether it is AA, or other support methods.

Answer 5

they attempt to and do help some get off or over the addictive element. I have been given a 6 month keychain, greater importantly I did the right thank you to no longer enable a substance to administration me or my existence. That grow to be twenty years in the past, I nevertheless drink, I nevertheless get inebriated, i comprehend while to give up earlier I make an a** of myself. AA is consistent with faith, reason faith works as a administration medium. i grow to be additionally a catholic, as quickly as.

Answer 6

The bumper sticker "Powerless" drives me insane when I see it. Sometimes I shout - you are not powerless!!!!

It is a cult, but it works for about 3% of alcoholics, which is higher than lots of other programs. There are alternatives - Rational Recovery is one.

Answer 7

Sadly people come to AA and never get an Open Mind. We often have to wait for the person to get so sick h/she will be willing to do anything to stay sober. AA cannot make you sober but certainly, if you are willing can show you how to stay sober. Most comments like this are from people unwilling to change their lives. Sadly most die and leave their families in chaos. It works if you work it.

Answer 8

What is the source of your misinformation that it is a cult operation? I'm not an alcoholic, but I've been to a lot of meetings (law enforcement for 32 years, some of it working with insane prisoners who were required to attend as part of their treatment).

Answer 9

Just as people drink for different reasons, different types of treatment help.

It doesn't work for all but works for some.

Answer 10

My biggest objection is the conitnued supplanting of the guilt factor. One never gains a faith in themselves. to be delivered from this continual dwelling on the negative part of their life.