this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2023
22 points (95.8% liked)
Melbourne
1842 readers
72 users here now
This community is a place created for the people of Melbourne and Victoria. We are a positive, welcoming and inclusive community. We might not agree about everything, but we always strive to stay civil and respectful.
The focus of our discussions is based around things that effect Victoria, but we are also free to discuss our local perspective on wider issues. Or head to the regular Daily Random Discussion thread to talk about anything.
Ongoing discussions, FAQs & Resources (still under construction)
Adoption Certificate for Nellie, the Daily Thread numbat (with thanks to @Catfish)
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
I've read a few scientifically based books about AA programs and everything you experienced as being problematic has been documented .
But there are other problems too, they teach people to be weak , they teach that all problems are equal ( when they are not ) , they use pseudoscientific/religious jargon
AA is also seen as all a person ever needs when most people would benefit from seeking a qualified counsellor or cbt therapist when they have outgrown AA
they teach that people will never be better ( when the fact is they will )
AA is good in that it can provide a friendship support group, it can be non-judgemental, it is free
Yeah the whole being powerless forever is fine for some. Some people really do bottom out and let alcohol cause major problems in their lives. They can't be better and really need a solution.
I haven't done that, nor do I have the shitty character flaws you're supposed to ask your higher power to remove or harbour a lot of resentments. The ones I have, I've been told by members to seek professional help for, well duh. People drink because they're traumatised. No amount of saying the serenity prayer is going to make me get over some things. I don't need to make amends either, I've never fucked anyone over or slept around. Sure I missed a couple of things cos I was hungover, and my family and friends were concerned about my health, but they were pretty easy for the people to move on from after an apology and my usual lovely behaviour, plus not being hungover and or drunk.
I guess for me it's been a cheap rehab, which I needed. I was in despair and drinking myself to death, but I've recovered. The book is way too old and while being somewhat still contemporary it's just not been revised to accommodate things like adhd, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and the extra pressures of the modern world.
All the cultists just keep saying, keep coming back, what the fuck for? To be called a drag queen or creeped out and told my whole life has been a failure?