Defending AA or Exposing It? You Decide! #CultyComments

Summary

In this episode of the Sobriety Bestie podcast, Kirsten addresses a comment defending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its programming. She deconstructs the mindset within AA, comparing it to cult-like behavior, highlighting the control and programming through sponsorship, the steps, and the literature. Kirsten explains how AA's ideology often leads to a belief that leaving the program results in death, shame, and exclusion, and encourages critical thinking as a way to break free. She invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and engage in conversations about leaving AA and deprogramming from its influence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker critiques Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for being overly controlling and dogmatic, suggesting that its ideology reflects a cult-like mentality.
• 😀 The concept of 'programming' is explored, with the speaker arguing that AA's steps, literature, and practices essentially serve to program individuals’ minds and behavior.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that AA's use of slogans, repetition, and group prayers are thought-stopping techniques that undermine critical thinking.
• 😀 A key criticism is that sponsorship within AA is inherently controlling, as sponsors guide individuals back to the group's literature and ideology.
• 😀 The idea that AA is not designed to 'program' anyone is challenged by pointing out that its structure and practices, like the steps and slogans, are in fact forms of programming.
• 😀 The speaker argues that AA's messaging creates high exit costs, with the belief that leaving the group could lead to death, jail, or institutions, making it hard for members to leave.
• 😀 Acknowledging the high emotional and social cost of leaving AA, the speaker emphasizes the courage involved in breaking free from such a system.
• 😀 The speaker asserts that people within AA are often shamed and silenced if they voice critical opinions, which reinforces the control over individual thought.
• 😀 The concept of 'forever recovery' is criticized, with the speaker arguing that it fosters dependency on the program for life rather than personal empowerment.
• 😀 The speaker calls out the ideological rigidity of AA, where members are pressured to conform to the worldview that AA’s method is the only valid path to recovery.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the video regarding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

The main argument is that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) functions like a cult due to its dogmatic and controlling nature. The speaker argues that AA's teachings and practices, such as surrendering to a higher power and adhering to its steps, essentially program individuals into a rigid mindset and behavior, which limits critical thinking and personal autonomy.

How does the speaker describe the language used by AA proponents in defending the program?

The speaker highlights that AA proponents often use contradictory language, such as claiming that the program isn’t designed to 'program' anyone, while simultaneously acknowledging that working the program involves being 'programmed.' This inconsistency reveals how AA's ideology is embedded in its language and practices.

What is the role of sponsorship in AA according to the speaker?

The speaker views sponsorship as a form of control and programming. Sponsors, by guiding individuals through AA's steps and literature, enforce the group's ideology. Even if the sponsor is not overtly controlling, the act of referring to AA's teachings and guiding others in the program is seen as a form of subtle manipulation.

What is the issue with the slogan 'It works if you work it'?

The slogan 'It works if you work it' is seen as a way to shift blame onto individuals who do not succeed in AA. If someone doesn’t experience results, it implies the failure is due to their lack of effort, rather than acknowledging possible flaws within the program itself.

Why does the speaker consider the idea of AA being a program for recovery problematic?

The speaker believes that AA is presented as a recovery program, but its emphasis on surrendering to a higher power and its ideological practices hinder true personal recovery. Instead of empowering individuals to make their own decisions, AA fosters dependency on the group and its teachings.

What does the speaker mean by 'exit costs' in AA?

Exit costs refer to the emotional and social consequences individuals face when they leave AA. The speaker points out that people who leave AA often experience shunning, ghosting, and being ostracized, making it psychologically difficult to exit the program even if they want to.

How does the speaker contrast AA’s approach with critical thinking and autonomy?

The speaker emphasizes that AA’s practices suppress critical thinking and personal autonomy. By encouraging individuals to surrender their will to a higher power and focus on following the steps without question, AA discourages independent thought, which the speaker argues is essential to true recovery.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'brainwashing' in relation to AA?

The speaker uses the term 'brainwashing' to describe how AA subtly manipulates individuals into adopting its ideology. This includes repetitive chants, rituals, and slogans that limit critical thought, essentially reprogramming individuals to follow the group’s principles without question.

What is the criticism regarding AA’s success rate mentioned in the video?

The speaker critiques AA's low success rate, stating that there is a 5% success rate for individuals who stay in AA, and that individuals are more likely to recover without AA than through it. The speaker argues that this low success rate, combined with a lack of scientific validation for AA's methods, raises questions about the program’s effectiveness.

How does the speaker describe the overall mindset within AA regarding leaving the program?

The speaker describes a mindset within AA that presents leaving the program as a life-threatening decision, equating it to death, jail, or institutionalization. This mindset creates immense pressure on individuals to stay in the program, even if it’s not benefiting them, by associating leaving with dire consequences.