Addict and alcoholic. Resisted AA, convinced that it was a sect. Truth is I had never tried this program. Went back after a relapse two years ago. Gave myself one year: for one year, I would try AA but this time with acceptance, willingness, and honesty. I am so glad I did that. This program has helped me tremendously and not only with my sobriety but with my life as a whole. I would like to ask the people who comment rather negatively against AA what event, story, experience that drove them to the conclusion that AA is a sect? I among many in AA don't believe that AA is for everyone and IF another method is what keeps you sober, then, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Interesting that many of anti AA cannot give any objective reason as to why AA is close-minded and a sect.... Very ironic. Anyway, it would be great if instead of being at war, we join forces... no worries: no coolaid in the coffee 😜

AA is not meant to be religious, but some groups can get focused on one particular definition of "higher power". .... group dynamics can happen and make it uncomfortable. I live in rural Australia, so there are only 2 groups I can get to, and it is not quite a good fit. But other groups ( from when I was travelling ) are a brilliant fit for me. THANK YOU for this lead to SMART. might be a better personality/ group fit for me.

I developed a bit of a drinking problem after getting out of an abusive relationship. And one day, after a week of intense struggle, I decided to attend an AA meeting. Just to see what it's like. I was there for a whole five minutes. The minute the word god left their mouths, I was up and leaving.

AA might not be aligned to a specific religion but it IS DEFINITELY religious. Also, if a specific religion is the dominant one among the attendees, then that religion will be prevalent and end up being the measuring stick that is used for the entire group. That's how it ends up being off-putting to so many others. Like most religious groups, AA becomes a clique.

What constitutes an alcoholic has changed waaay much since I was young and out every weekend. We used to refer to someone as a 'drinker' or a 'heavy drinker' and not think of them as having any kind of problem or being an alcoholic. Back then alcoholics were those people on the streets or couldn't control how much they drank, constantly drunk unable to function or hold down a job. But now it's realised that many alcoholics DO hold down jobs and CAN control themselves but they are damaging themselves long term. More than a couple of drinks a day is too much for you to not cause damage long term. What I found VERY strange is how something (literally) so poisonous to us is still so acceptable. We've banned smoking in pubs (and other public places) but the bigger killer is the booze itself. You can drink yourself to death in an evening but you cn't possibly smoke yourself to death that quickly. We banned tobacco advertising but not alcohol advertising. Why??

this site has some good content but is so overtly far left on many things its ridiculous. highlight posts and comments bashing peoples path to sobriety through AA because they believe in god... you guys are so WOKE...

I agree that AA may not be for everyone, but some of the comments made are not based on facts. AA in South Africa welcomes all genders, races, religions and creeds. We have a large LGBT community, who are received with love and acceptance and without judegement. AA is not a sect. Neither is it religious based. What AA does do is save the lives of those wanting help from alcoholism. I was one of these and I am 2 and a half years sober. Thank God for the AA. I truely have found freedom from the bondage and hell of addiction.

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AA offers secular, atheist, LGBT men only and women only, young people groups all over the country for those of you who believe aa is dogmatic and against certain groups in society. I have many gay friends in aa. Not one ever told me they felt unwelcomed or...

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Watching drunks argue over which addiction treatment solution is better is so the Internet......