Some people really hate AA. Case in point: Laura T – whose hatred you can view in the most recent part of our comments section. Seems she was invited, but did not participate in this discussion hosted by the Huffington Post between TDA, Stanton Peele, Tom Horvath, and Clancy Martin on aspects of AA. The discussion was supposed to center around the topic of whether or not religion belongs in AA, but really only touched upon that subject – you can still view the discussion here on HuffPo and bear witness to even more deranged comments by Laura T.
I don’t think Laura realizes that TDA is not responsible for this post http://discoveringalcoholic.com/alcoholism/huff-post-hit-piece-on-alcoholics-anonymous-misses-the-mark, which may have started the whole thang; that was me – Screedler. Anyway, just wanted to set the record straight, and explain the comments you may have seen. I’m not sure why she has it out for AA, but obviously she had a bad experience with it and is on a mission to paint it in the worst light possible. I hope she doesn’t turn someone off on it that it may help. Of course, if you believe her it couldn’t possibly help anyone. You can tell by dozens of previous posts that I support AA, but by no means do I think it’s the only path to sobriety; I encourage people to give it try, but be open minded about alternative methods. Contrary to this post title, I do not really love AA… but it helped me and many others I know. Let’s just say I like it. Her stance on AA reminds me of this clip, and that’s the only comment I will make on the subject -
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As a treatment professional and a recovering addict I find the hatred expressed by so many towards AA/NA in the States amazing. When feelings are so outspoken and seem to illicit such venom I can only imagine that there has been some personal affront. The 12-steps are not the only way to recovery, but certainly they have helped many, me included. I do however, think that the reliance on the 12 steps in the professional setting is wrong. Essentially many programs are taking something that is free and available to all, packaging it in some pseudo-science and charging the patient for the privilege.
I also find that much of the criticism leveled at the program is simply not true. To say that it abdicates responsibility is to show that you haven’t read past step 3! To work steps 4-6 is one of the most difficult things a human can do, and then to carry on and make amends takes huge responsibility.
I welcome criticism of any treatment protocol or opinion but ignorant vitriol says nothing about the program. It does, however, say much about the person spewing it.
I am speechless about this woman’s hatred towards AA! I have been sober for almost 5 years (4/15/08) and I tried to get sober for 4 years before that. Went to detox, went to rehab, even ended up in jail for a bit. Nothing worked until I got to AA. That said I too don’t think it works for all. The “god” thing was hard for me too but it was explained to me that I could believe in anything that would give me extra strength; my first “god” was a tree! I know many people in AA who have different religiouse believes, no one seems to care as long as it helps them stay sober
Thanks for the post!