I really don't like AA. maybe I'm too analytical, but it just seems totally (for lack of a better word) dumbening. of course, it's probably a good thing, because it does help people (like my friend or sister), but I tried it out for a bit and I thought it was some sort of ridiculous mind-controlling cult. first off, I'm agnostic in a serious way, and I refuse to lower myself to some hypothetical "higher power"/god thing. it seemed like all anyone did was parrot that cryptic AA rhetoric. individual thinking, when it goes against their doctrines, is highly discouraged and frowned upon. I'm sure someone will misunderstand what I'm trying to put across, so I'll say again that if it helps people, GREAT, but devotees to Al-Anon pretentiously act as though they the answer, vested in them by their higher power. there are alternate forms of attaining sobreity, that don't involve compromising your self and personal life, and becoming a blind zombified follower. if I have to hear my AA friend say "utilize, don't analyze", "this too shall pass", "drinking and drugging" (what the hell? almost as hilarious as calling smoking pot 'smoking dope'), or "dry drunk" ONE MORE TIME... I don't know. the only AA phrase I can dig is "no one is too dumb for AA; many are too intelligent".
I personally agree that it is very cult seeming. I had to go to a couple meetings for psychology class and the same things freaked me out that you mentioned. If it helps some people though I guess that's good for them.
I just feel that it grounds people into the dirt and disempowers them. they become dependant on the program, and preach that AA is the ONLY solution, and people become totally dependant out of fear; without AA you'll end up dead or in jail, which I don't believe for a second. I think everyone has the power within them to quit any sort of addictive behavior. and also, I do think it possible for a former drunk to learn to moderate their usage. which is way against their teaching.
Yeah, they teach AA (or NA) is the only way. But in psychology we were taught that there are some people with huge alcohol problems that have learned to drink in moderation only. I'm pretty much just reiterating what you just said and saying I agree. Haha.
The idea is to brainwash you out of drinking alcohol. It works on weak people. Why do you think they have all those cheesy slogans? They get stuck in your head.
Yeah, AA is bullshit. My dad is a professional alcoholic, seriously... professional... that's his career... alcoholism... he has been in the business for 30 years. He went to AA for a year back in Israel... very similar AA structure as the US... and man, he would come home saying their silly slogans... drunk. I don't know how... but somehow he managed to keep his brains throughout all of these drinking... he just doesn't buy into the shit, even though he should... shit, he even tried to find Jesus, pretended that he did, sang in the church choir for a year, and then just renounced his faith in drunken rage. Anyhow... he's in a 2 year solitary government rehab facility in the desert.... now that's a way to quit! (even though I doubt that it will help him, he seems like a lost case, that one).
the higher power they refer too doesn't necessarily mean god. it can mean anything. most people see it meaning god, because they already believe in god. for me nature is my higher power. it has always been, and will always be. nature is bigger than me(not literally... but yes, it is also literally) Ive attended about 50 or more NA meeting in my life. once a week. i really don't like being there, but it is forced on me by the court system. 5.5 months clean. the reason they stick to a system is because it works! i agree other methods work too though.
but it doesn't work for most people. it works for people who are mandated to go by a court (such as yourself, or like I was) and have much to lose by not going, and for herd-minded people.
no, it doesn't work for me... i will continue to get high after i am off probation... i was not addicted to weed, so there is nothing for me to do in NA... shit, i haven't even made it to the first step(admitting i have a problem). i admit i have a problem, its the government! i didn't say it works for everybody, but if you follow the steps and continue to attend meetings, it works. you cant say "it doesn't work for most people", because there is no information backing that up. who are these people you speak of? and are they following the program correctly?
well, I didn't use the right choice of words when I said it "worked for you". my cliched excuse is: "I am really stoned." of course, it works for people who follow the program directly. but few can bring themselves to faithfully follow the program, forever and ever. statistics, it's true, are unreliable because the organization is anonymous, of course. but I was pretty sure, though, that 5% or less that go of their own free will stay with the program forever (which is the point). hmm. I think I got that from a semi-reliable source.
it seems to rely on religion/religous doctrine pretty goddamn heavily, kinda grosses me out. but im sure its helpful for some people
Rational Recovery Different choice for atheists, agnostics, & anyone else for whom AA, & NA didn't work. The guy looks nerdy... you can just purchase the book used like I did if needed. http://www.rational.org/ SMART Recovery Another good resource for alternative thinkers. http://www.smartrecovery.org/ I posted these a while back up in mental health. Helped me out when I was fucking up reeeeal bad. Gotta have alternatives.. Doesn't mean that they are irritating too. Being completely straight 24/7 is irritating in itself... But..I prefer to be able to control substances, not be controlled by 'em.
I dunno..... yes I know it has brainwashed my old man, but he hasnt had alcohol in over 5 years......... and thats a good thing.
I worry about people replacing their addictions with "god" because at some point in life they are going to feel like god has really given up on them or let them down in some big way. That profound loss can't be good and it's the worst time to lose one's substitute for addiction and could result in a badly timed relapse, ie. starting drinking again plus depression over disappointing god= bad combo.
