Why is that? (The answer is found within the article.)
There are alternate methods? Good, the more the merrier. I’ll drink to that! Is AA some kind of cult that it has to be defended?
I have been to those meetings —and I am glad there are other alternatives. But there have been other alternatives around both religious and secular for years. I know those of the agnostic / atheist persuasion bitch and moan about the “God” component — but I find it’s not so much about believing in God that’s a problem —it is that AA claims it’s not a religion but a spiritual fellowship...except it functions in many ways as a religion....and I am not talking about passing the basket at the end of a meeting. It comes from a primarily moralistic perspective and the founders “Wilson & Smith) —who were very good men (esp Smith) are treated like saints or prophets and the literature— the “Big Book” as if it were inspired scripture. Many in AA quote this book like street corner evangelists page and paragraph. Steps 4&5 have a very confessional aspect to them. In the faith I was raised in —I could choose to go to confession —why do I need some unprofessional person in AA to do this?... one who may or may not keep the confidences I shared —no guarantee. These same steps are treated in a way like boot camp or a young man or women going through some initiation rites — ok kids, you’ve passed the test. Now there are many who have benefitted from AA and countless numbers of good sincere people there —but in this day and age shouldn’t be above criticism. Another little problem I have is also a percentage of folks who really don’t have a problem with alcohol. Folks who have serious other mental issues, folks who go to meetings and treat it like a lonely hearts club -and those looking for a relationship (if that happens intrinsically—not a problem). There was a book written quite a number of years ago by the founder of Rational Recover —he called his book The Small Book. I did peruse it and saw many things I agreed with —but the general tone was that this author was still dealing with his anger at the “God” component of AA —and it came through in the writing. Just the observation of one dude.
It works. Misery loves company.
16 years coming up next month through the grace of God and AA.
Many people who have alcohol and other addictions also find help in CoDependents Anonymous. I have.
I never understood the monopoly AA has on addiction reform. I’m sure it helps some people. But WOW, when you question AA you are subject to the nastiest personal attacks. I found that here on FR as well.
Sheeesh...... a hit piece on Alcoholics Annonymous-never thought I’d see that.
The striking contrast in this story is that Lance Dodes wrote a book exhorting his theories about conquering alcoholism while the Big Book of AA was written by the first 100 alcoholics who had actually recovered from alcoholism. Key word - RECOVERED. When I see a book written by 100 people who give their testimony of how they recovered from a spiritual malady (which Dodes does not even acknowledge), then and only then will I consider its validity. But until that happens, I can only laugh anyone who realistically believes in encouraging "addicts to complete small, realistic goals such as slowly reducing alcohol or drug use." Anyone proposing this simply does not understand my nature.