[Hacksaw]

Everybody is different, AA style would drive me nuts, too much spending time with other people, too much “sharing” (I hate discussing my own problems, gives me a rash). For some people that’s perfect, I’d rather be addicted to the entire drug store than 12 step.

AA helped me a lot. I also went to NA (Narcotics Anonymous) which was helpful. I think the problem some people get into is that AA/NA becomes a religion for them. To them, anyone who doesn't go to a meeting every day isn't sober/clean.

But I would never discourage anyone from going who wants to get clean. All rehab does (unless it is inpatient) is drain your wallet while they tell you to go to 12 step meetings.

Inpatient rehab is a different story, but most people can't afford that today, and most insurance will balk at covering it.

[discostu]

I think the point of the article, especially if you get to the end, is to encourage people who’ve found AA doesn’t work for them. Because there’s this big crowd of people who insist the only way is the AA way, and the success rate is no better than any other program, it could become very discouraging to the folks who can’t work the program. The tragedy would be the ones for whom AA doesn’t work (which by most stats would be 90% of the people or more) thinking that means they’re doomed. There’s a path for everybody, they just gotta find it.