Alcoholics Anonymous and Drug Addiction

[John V]

I do agree that abstinence is probably much better of an idea than attempting 'controlled' drug use.

But I think the whole 'higher power' thing is more about ego deflation than anything, which I can also agree is a good thing, to some extent of course. However, most people in AA seem to fail to realize that ego deflation is one of the objectives of the program, and simply act on blind faith of what other 'AA's' say about certain things. AA almost wants you to become an obedient little dog because it will save your life if you 'just follow directions.' Which I think takes the whole ego deflation thing a bit too far.

Some people in AA go as far as saying, 'Don't think about it, just do it! Your best thinking is what got you here in the first place.' Which is utterly hilarious. The Big Book even talks about 'intellectuals' and how they have a hard time staying sober because they are 'too smart' for their own good. Which is also hilarious. Like I said I agree that many addicts, and normal people in general, could probably use a nice dose of ego deflation, but when you say things like, 'Intelligence will not keep you sober, quit trying to think about everything!' you are basically saying don't be intelligent and just do what we say. Some have gone as far as telling others that they will not stay sober because they are too smart for their own good. Which is ridiculous.

The whole attitude that some people in AA have tends to sort of pervade throughout the majority of members because even though some people want to say, "Hey you're full of shit," they won't because they will be told that "With that type of attitude you're not going to stay sober." And it's pretty sad. The herd mentality is dangerously reminiscent of a religion, which is not surprising since AA, though members will deny this, is a RELIGIOUS program.

I do know some Atheists in AA, and they found a way to make AA make sense for them. Basically, take what you need and leave the rest.

With that being said I do support any method that one uses to get sober. While I don't believe addiction is a disease necessarily I do think there is something different about those in society that are addicts. And I do think seeking help is a good idea.

From the typical preamble to a meeting:

Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it-then you are ready to take certain steps.

I.e., they're very upfront that, if you want what they have, you need to do what they say. If you don't want it, you're free to leave.

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Being 'ready' helps more than anything.

For me, it was literally stop or die, and the die thing was coming up real soon. And even at the precipice, the most I thought I could commit to was to try it for a while, and then upon proving sobriety was worse than what I was doing . . . .

For some folks the realization occurs posthumously.

Yes, IMO the addict can't quit until he hits bottom. Bottom is different for different people. For me it was a blackout during sober hours. Scared me shitless and got me to a meeting. AA gave me a foundation and a lot of wisdom, but I haven't been to a meeting in decades. The big book is amazing. Felt like it was speaking directly to me.