The Addiction Solution Podcast

 

 

Leaving the Cult of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Part 2

by | Nov 21, 2018 | Audio/Video, The Addiction Solution Podcast

Is there any part of AA that is helpful?

In part 2 of the Leaving the Cult of AA series, Freedom Model authors Mark Scheeren and Michelle Dunbar often get asked if they found any part of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous helpful. From being a part of a fellowship, to prayer and meditation, to identifying character defects, making amends and service work, they break down each of the 12 steps to try and find something that might help people to stop their substance use and stay stopped.

If you haven’t heard part 1 of the series yet, you can check it out here.

 

6 Comments

  1. John K

    Anxiously awaiting part 3.

    Cheers!

    jk

  2. J

    Been in AA for 3 years. Been questioning it since I was a kid and my mom was going and had similar experiences as you guys. This past year I was in a relationship with someone in AA. As he sponsored and spoke at many meetings, it turns out everything he was talking about and saying was all lies and a lure to prey on Young newcomer girls who were vulnerable. He was cheating and lying to me the whole time but yet reciting the big book by page number and pretending to be a guru. He is still welcome even everyone knowing he preys on newcomer women. I’m all set with a group of people that allow this kind of behavior or people into their circle. Fun fact, a lot of people are like this. I realized I was in a manipulative relationship and now realize I’ve been in a manipulative program. All set. Not a resentment but I want to leave what’s in the past, in the past. Not be reminded everyday of bad decisions I made years ago and beat myself up about it. I’m seeking alternative spiritual routes. I’m so glad I found this podcast! I’m so glad to find other people that agree and have already come to this conclusion so I don’t feel alone in this!

  3. tracinixnix@gmail.com

    I love the take on AA. It is a cult. Of all of the times in our culture…. we must begin to separate the trap of thought process. People who arrive upon the belief of being an addict are at risk of horrible ways of self observation. The worst is being told that you must live an apologetic life. I don’t do that anymore thanks to these people.

  4. carmen barberan

    hi ive been in aa for over 20 years i started questioning it 6 years ago and have been treated abusivley since because ive been in so long it has made me feel like my whole world has ended and i dont know whats going to become of me probably feel this way because of my time in aa the last straw was recentley going on zoom aa meetings and practically being kicked off for asking questions because alot of aa doesnt make sense to me anymore but im left feeling like im evil it was like a witch hunt please i could do with some help

  5. Frustrated

    I am feeling the same way that this is a cult. My wife of 18yrs who has joined a home group after treatment has made the decisions since being home of putting these people above all of us. She had an affair before going into treatment and Confessed that she would like to make amends and work on repairing our relationship. However this group has made it her priority to break all the boundaries we have in place to work on repairing this. She has chose to spend 12hrs a day with these men in her group running errands etc for them while me and my 3 children all do things without her. I have tried to be understanding, but it got to the point where I had to end the relationship formally and when I did I asked if she was even working towards repairing it and she told me that. They come first and I will never understand her new life and she is an addict and I’m a normi. Well now that we are going for the formal separation papers one stipulation will be my children will never be allowed to go to any of these meetings. I truly believe all they do is brainwash and it tore our family apart she is a zombi to these 12 steps and readings. Maybe one day she will wake up and think for herself but she will not be doing this to my children. Anyone else been here? I just want to smack her in the face and say wake up! look around at what you are loosing to these people that only keep you around while you do everything as they demand. They will use you up.

  6. Jeff

    I am feeling the same way that this is a cult. My wife of 18yrs who has joined a home group after treatment has made the decisions since being home of putting these people above all of us. She had an affair before going into treatment and Confessed that she would like to make amends and work on repairing our relationship. However this group has made it her priority to break all the boundaries we have in place to work on repairing this. She has chose to spend 12hrs a day with these men in her group running errands etc for them while me and my 3 children all do things without her. I have tried to be understanding, but it got to the point where I had to end the relationship formally and when I did I asked if she was even working towards repairing it and she told me that. They come first and I will never understand her new life and she is an addict and I’m a normi. Well now that we are going for the formal separation papers one stipulation will be my children will never be allowed to go to any of these meetings. I truly believe all they do is brainwash and it tore our family apart she is a zombi to these 12 steps and readings. Maybe one day she will wake up and think for herself but she will not be doing this to my children. Anyone else been here? I just want to smack her in the face and say wake up! look around at what you are loosing to these people that only keep you around while you do everything as they demand. They will use you up.

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