Cult of AA: What People Mean When They Say AA is a CultBy Michaela

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to deal with alcohol dependency. However, some people believe that AA is a cult and that its practices and teachings are cult-like in nature. While it is true that AA is not the only way to deal with alcohol dependency, it is important to understand that the program is not a cult but a support group for those struggling with addiction.

When people talk about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), they often use terms like ‘cult’ and ‘religion’. AA is a self-help group and not a religion. However, it has spiritual principles based on the 12 steps, which are influenced by Christian principles. Although it may seem like an exaggeration on the surface, there are some underlying reasons for this characterization.

In this article, we’ll explore what people actually mean when they say AA is a cult, and discuss why it’s an inaccurate description of the organization. We’ll also discuss alternatives to AA for people seeking a better program.

Reasons Why AA Is Viewed As A Cult

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, founded in 1935, provides support and fellowship for those recovering from alcohol addiction. However, not everyone views the organization in a positive light. Some people have criticized AA for being a cult-like environment with its own set of rules and regulations. 

The reason for this perception can be attributed to several factors. Here are some of the reasons why some see AA as a cult and why that may be the most common perception:

Promotion of complete abstinence from alcohol as the only solution to alcoholism

Some people believe that the AA program promotes the idea that alcoholism is a disease that can only be overcome through abstinence from alcohol. This belief is often seen as a form of brainwashing, implying that people are powerless over their addiction and can only be saved by the AA program. Abstinence, by definition, means not doing something that you want to do. This is not a model of freedom. This can be perceived as limiting for some individuals, as it doesn’t consider different ways of approaching addiction. Furthermore data shows that AA is only 7.5% effective in achieving long term success.

The 12-step recovery model, the foundation of the AA program, emphasizes the idea that alcoholism is a disease that can only be overcome through complete abstinence from alcohol. This belief is deeply ingrained in the program and is seen as a fundamental principle for recovery.

Critics of AA argue that this approach can be harmful as it implies that individuals are powerless over their addiction and can only be saved by the AA program. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness among individuals who are struggling with addiction.

Emphasis on the 12-step program and its perceived manipulation and control

The 12-step program is a set of guidelines that encourage members to take personal responsibility for their addiction and make amends with those they have hurt due to their addiction. The program encourages members to admit their powerlessness over their addiction, make amends with those they hurt, and develop relationships with a higher power. The program is based on the idea that addiction is a disease that can be overcome with the help of a supportive community and spiritual principles.

While the 12-step program has been effective in helping many people overcome addiction, it can also be seen as a form of manipulation and control by some. Critics of the program argue that the emphasis on admitting powerlessness and surrendering to a higher power can be seen as a form of psychological manipulation, and the focus on making amends can be used to control and exploit members.

AA’s use of spiritual language and religious references in its teachings and practices

AA’s teachings and practices often include spiritual language and religious references, which can be off-putting for some people. The program encourages individuals to develop a relationship with a higher power, which is often referred to as a “God of their understanding” to help them overcome their addiction. This blind faith approach doesn’t fit well with many of our professional female clients. However, the program does not promote any specific religion or belief system, and members are free to interpret the higher power in their own way.

However, many believe that the program is overly religious and promotes a specific belief system, which can be seen as a form of indoctrination. They may find the religious and spiritual elements of the program to be alienating and may not feel comfortable participating in meetings that involve prayer or references to God. This can make it difficult for some individuals to fully engage with the program and may prevent them from getting the help they need to overcome addiction.

The requirement to share personal information and experiences with group members

During AA meetings, members are encouraged to share their personal experiences, struggles, and progress with addiction with the group. This can be an important aspect of the program, as it allows individuals to connect with others going through similar experiences and gain support and encouragement from the group. 

However, this can also be uncomfortable for some people, as they may not want to share such personal information with a group of strangers. Repeating a repenting narrative is also unhelpful and unnecessary for change that has scientifically been proven to require psychological intervention. They may feel vulnerable and exposed, and this can be a barrier to fully engaging with the program.

The idea that alcoholism is a disease that can only be overcome through the AA program

Some people believe that the AA program promotes the idea that alcoholism is a disease that can only be overcome through the AA program. This belief is often seen as a form of brainwashing, as it implies that people are powerless over their addiction and can only be saved by the AA program.

Additionally, some people may feel pressure to conform to group norms and beliefs, which can be seen as a form of manipulation. This pressure can come from the group’s expectation of honesty and openness or from the pressure to adopt a specific belief system or religious perspective. This can be a concern for some people and can make it difficult for them to fully participate in the program.

The use of slogans and mantras that are repeated in meetings, which some people view as brainwashing

AA meetings often involve the use of slogans and mantras that members repeat. These slogans and mantras are meant to serve as reminders of the program’s principles and help members focus on their recovery. Some examples of slogans used in AA include “One day at a time,” “Easy does it,” “Let go and let God,” “First things first,” and “Think, think, think.” These slogans are meant to remind members to stay focused on their recovery and take things one day at a time, not be too hard on themselves, and focus on the most important things first.

However, some people view these slogans and mantras as a form of brainwashing, as they are designed to be repeated and memorized. The idea behind this is that by repeating these slogans and mantras, members are conditioning their minds to adopt the program’s principles and internalize them. This can be seen as a form of manipulation, as it can be argued that these slogans control members’ thoughts and beliefs.

It’s important to note that the use of slogans and mantras is not unique to AA, and that they are commonly used in various self-help and motivational contexts. The use of slogans and mantras is not inherently manipulative and can be beneficial for some people as they can serve as a reminder to stay focused on their goals and keep things in perspective.

The emphasis on anonymity and the pressure to conform to group norms and beliefs

AA strongly emphasizes anonymity, which can be seen as a form of control and manipulation. This principle of anonymity is intended to protect members’ privacy and confidentiality and create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and struggles with addiction without fear of judgment or stigma. However, some people may view the emphasis on anonymity as a form of control, as it can be argued that it is used to discourage members from sharing their experiences or opinions outside of the group.

Additionally, some people may feel pressure to conform to group norms and beliefs, which can be seen as a form of manipulation. This pressure can come from the group’s expectation of honesty and openness or from the pressure to adopt a specific belief system or religious perspective. This can be a concern for some people and can make it difficult for them to fully participate in the program.

The idea that members are powerless over their addiction and must rely on a higher power to overcome it

AA promotes the idea that members are powerless over their addiction and must rely on a higher power to overcome it. This belief is rooted in the first step of the AA program, which states, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” The idea behind this step is that addiction is a disease that has taken control of the individual’s life and that they cannot overcome it on their own. This is why AA encourages members to rely on a higher power, often referred to as “God” or “a higher power of your understanding,” to help them overcome their addiction.

This belief can be seen as a form of brainwashing by some people, as it implies that people are powerless over their addiction and can only be saved by the AA program. The idea is that by surrendering one’s will and ego to a higher power, individuals can overcome the disease of addiction. However, the belief that individuals are powerless can be seen as disempowering, and it can make it difficult for some people to take responsibility for their own recovery and to believe in their own ability to change.

The pressure to attend multiple meetings and to get involved in the organization

Encouraging members to attend multiple meetings and become involved in the organization in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be viewed as a form of manipulation and control by some people. The idea that the more meetings attended, the more support, accountability, and the higher chance of success implies that the program is the only solution to addiction and that a person’s recovery is dependent on their participation in the program. 

This can be seen as a way for the program to exert control over its members by using their emotional vulnerability as leverage. It creates a sense of obligation for members to attend meetings and engage in the program, which could make individuals feel coerced or uncomfortable in committing to a certain level of involvement. Additionally, the idea that the program is the only solution to addiction may not resonate with some individuals, who may find other ways to recover and heal.

The emphasis on confessing past mistakes and asking for forgiveness, which can be seen as a form of manipulation

The practice of confessing past mistakes and asking for forgiveness in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be viewed as a form of manipulation because it creates a sense of obligation for members to reveal personal and intimate details to the group. This can make members feel vulnerable and exposed and may make them feel like they have to share information in order to be accepted and progress in the program. 

Additionally, it may be seen as a way for the program to exert control over its members by using the personal information and emotional vulnerability shared in these confessions as leverage. This could be problematic, as it could make individuals feel coerced or uncomfortable sharing sensitive information.

The Truth: AA Is Not A Cult, But You Can’t Blame People For Thinking It Is

No, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not a cult. It is an organization that provides support and guidance for people who are trying to overcome issues with alcohol. AA is open to anyone who wants to stop drinking and help others who have the same goal.

The idea that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a cult is a common misconception, but it is one that can be easily debunked. It is understandable why people might think AA is a cult due to its strict rules, sense of community, and religious undertones. However, when taking a closer look at the organization, it is clear that AA is not a cult but rather a safe and supportive space for people struggling with alcohol addiction.

It is important to note that AA is a widely accepted and well-established program, and it has helped many people overcome their addiction to alcohol. The program is based on mutual support and accountability principles, and it encourages members to take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes in their lives. Additionally, it is not mandatory for people to follow the 12 steps, it’s a suggestion, and people can follow or not as they please.

However, it is not the only option available and it may not be the best fit for everyone. It’s worth mentioning that there are other options for people dealing with an alcohol dependency—such as The Alcohol Coach—which offers a more empowering approach that focuses on the individual’s needs and goals. It’s important for people to explore all the options available to them and choose the most effective for them.

The 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most popular addiction treatment methods available, largely due to its longevity rather than science. Exploring alternatives to AA can be important for those who struggle with addiction, as different approaches may be more effective and/or better suited to individual needs.

It is important to explore alternatives to AA because not all individuals may find the program’s approach to be effective or suitable for their needs. Each person’s experience with addiction and recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Exploring different options can help individuals find a support system that aligns with their personal beliefs and values and that they feel comfortable and motivated to engage in.

Furthermore, AA is a self-help group and not a professional organization and it may not be suitable for people who require medical treatment or professional counseling. Furthermore, some people may find AA’s spiritual principles or religious overtones to be off-putting, and they may prefer a secular approach.

Alternatives To AA: What The Alcohol Coach Offers

As mentioned above, despite the fact that AA is often the first thought for many when it comes to addressing alcohol dependence, it may not be the best fit for everyone. It’s a great program and has helped many people, but it doesn’t fit everyone’s needs. That is why alternatives to AA have been created. Alternative programs, such as The Alcohol Coach, may offer different approaches to recovery and may be more effective for certain individuals.

The Alcohol Coach offers alternative programs and coaching that aims to help individuals overcome their addiction or habits around alcohol. The approach is holistic and combines various evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and life coaching. By utilizing these techniques, the program aims to help individuals to unravel from the unconscious conditioning of alcohol, reprogram mind and develop new coping mechanisms, and set realistic goals for their recovery.

The Alcohol Coach program differs from the traditional AA approach in that it does not rely solely on the abstinence-based approach of AA. Instead, the Alcohol Coach program teaches individuals how to identify and modify the underlying behaviors and beliefs that contribute to their drinking. It also helps individuals develop new coping skills and behaviors to replace the ones that lead to drinking. By focusing on personal accountability, the Alcohol Coach provides individuals with the tools and resources they need to achieve and maintain sobriety.

One of the main differences between The Alcohol Coach program and AA is that The Alcohol Coach focuses empowerment, science and psychology. This means the program works well for independent thinkers who want a scientific approach that doesn’t rely on willpower and counting days.

The Alcohol Coach program is an alternative to traditional in-person support groups like AA, typically conducted online, with one-on-one coaching sessions. This allows for flexibility and convenience, as individuals can participate from the comfort of their own homes and on a schedule that works best for them. This can be especially beneficial for people who have busy schedules or who live in areas where in-person support groups are not available. Additionally, the program can provide more personalized support and guidance, as the coach can tailor the sessions to the individual’s specific needs and goals.

Another advantage of The Alcohol Coach program is that it is available to anyone, regardless of where they are located. This makes it accessible to a wider range of people, including those living in remote or rural areas or unable to attend in-person support groups due to mobility or other issues. By using technology to connect with a coach, individuals can receive support and guidance from anywhere, at any time. This kind of accessibility is important for people who may not have access to traditional support groups. It can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to overcome dependency.

The Alcohol Coach offers an alternative approach to treating alcohol dependency that focuses on personal accountability and provides individuals with the tools and resources necessary to achieve and maintain sobriety. This comprehensive approach to recovery is designed to help individuals develop new coping skills and behaviors to replace the ones that lead to drinking and provides the support and education necessary for individuals to stay on track and stay sober.

Editor’s Note:

In this article, you might notice that we use ‘labels’ such as “alcoholic”, “disease”, and other identifiers that are used to link individuals together by their habits with alcohol. Though they are used colloquially, we believe them to perpetuate limiting beliefs.  

A key tenet of The Alcohol Coach is that the way to overcome alcohol addiction is through empowerment, not retreating into a space of powerlessness or victim status. 

So, even though we may use these terms to communicate a point as it is known by the general public, keep in mind that our core beliefs dictate that these terms be avoided as much as possible.