8 Signs AA is Controlling Your Mind – Part 1 of 8: Milieu Control

Summary

In this episode of the Sobriety Bestie Podcast, Kirsten delves into the first part of a mini-series exploring the signs of mind control in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Using Dr. Robert J. Lifton’s framework, Kirsten discusses 'Millu Control,' which refers to the manipulation of one's environment, relationships, and internal thoughts. She highlights how AA subtly pressures members to immerse themselves in its ideology through tactics like physical control (e.g., '90 meetings in 90 days'), social control (e.g., isolating members from non-AA people), and the imposition of a one-way flow of guidance. Ultimately, Kirsten urges listeners to critically examine these practices and reclaim their autonomy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Millu control is the first sign of mind control in Dr. Robert J. Lifton's framework, which can be applied to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other high-control groups.
• 😀 AA uses millu control through physical control of the environment, like the pressure to attend 90 meetings in 90 days, which serves both as a tool for sobriety and an indoctrination tactic.
• 😀 The 'alcoholic identity' is central to AA's control, with members encouraged to adopt the label 'I am an alcoholic' to deepen their immersion into the program.
• 😀 AA's ideology creates an environment where newcomers are praised for following the program and shamed for drifting away, isolating them from outside perspectives.
• 😀 Social control in AA discourages relationships outside the fellowship, including advising against dating in the first year of sobriety and isolating from non-program friends and family.
• 😀 The sponsorship system in AA positions sponsors as moral authorities, offering advice on life decisions such as relationships, jobs, and medication, often overriding personal autonomy.
• 😀 AA suppresses dissenting voices by discouraging critical thinking, with members often labeled as having 'ego' or 'disease' when they express doubt or criticism about the program.
• 😀 The literature in AA is treated as gospel, with the Big Book positioned as an unquestionable authority, discouraging engagement with outside perspectives or literature.
• 😀 AA promotes behavioral avoidance by advising members to avoid people, places, or things that could challenge the program, reinforcing a controlled mindset even in their personal thoughts.
• 😀 Community enforcement in AA operates through surveillance, where members are monitored for attendance and their adherence to the program, with gossip often framed as concern or love.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'millu control' discussed in the video?

Millu control is a key aspect of mind control, which involves censorship or manipulation of an individual's environment, communication, and even internal thoughts. It begins by limiting exposure to any outside ideologies, reinforcing a specific worldview or belief system.

How does 'millu control' apply to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

In AA, 'millu control' is evident through the structure of the program, such as the pressure to attend 90 meetings in 90 days, which immerses individuals in AA's ideology and restricts their exposure to alternative perspectives, reinforcing the AA worldview.

Why is attending 90 meetings in 90 days significant in AA?

The 90 meetings in 90 days rule serves as a way to fully integrate individuals into AA’s system. It encourages consistent participation, creating a routine that locks individuals into the program, which can result in a deep identification with the 'alcoholic' label.

How does AA create an environment of immersion for new members?

AA creates an environment of immersion by praising members who regularly attend meetings and shaming those who drift away. This makes the meeting rooms feel like the only safe space, reinforcing the idea that the AA program is the only way to stay sober.

What is the role of sponsors in AA, and how does it reflect 'millu control'?

Sponsors in AA act as moral authorities, offering guidance on personal and life choices, often extending beyond sobriety matters. This creates a one-way flow of control, as the sponsor's advice is seen as the most important, undermining the individual's autonomy.

What does 'social control of relationships' mean in the context of AA?

Social control of relationships in AA refers to the program's encouragement to isolate from non-AA individuals, including family and friends who are not part of the program. It often includes discouraging certain relationships, such as romantic ones, during the early years of sobriety.

How does AA discourage critical thinking among its members?

AA discourages critical thinking by labeling any doubts or criticisms as 'ego' or 'resistance.' The structure of meetings and shares emphasizes conformity and groupthink, and any challenge to the program is corrected or ignored.

What is meant by 'ideological containment' in AA?

Ideological containment refers to the idea that the AA literature, particularly the 'Big Book,' is treated as sacred and unchangeable truth. Members are discouraged from reading or engaging with materials outside of AA, which limits their exposure to alternative perspectives and reinforces the AA ideology.

How does AA enforce behavioral control over its members?

AA enforces behavioral control by encouraging members to avoid 'people, places, and things' that could challenge the program. This includes avoiding old friends, environments associated with drinking, and even thoughts that could contradict the AA ideology.

What is the role of community enforcement in AA?

Community enforcement in AA involves members keeping an eye on each other, often reaching out when someone misses a meeting. This surveillance ensures conformity to the program, and if someone deviates from the norm, they may face social consequences like shunning or corrective feedback from the group.