Cultlike Alcoholics Anonymous Group

[Walk The Line]

About two years ago, a college friend and my significant other moved into together. The college friend had been struggling with alcoholism for some time, and had attended A.A. to get a grip on her problem. She eventually reached a point where she felt that she had her problem with alcohol under control. She didn't really see a need to stay with the group, and begin the process of moving out. Unfortunately, after finding a room with my S.O., she had great difficulty in retrieving her belongings and security deposit. Much later, she described the A.A. group as cultlike and controlling.

It turns out that others had a similar experience:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18368218/site/newsweek/

 

[steverino]

I have had experience with Al-Anon while a loved one was in AA.

This Midtown Group sounds like a cult that is borrowing the AA name to hook in fresh meat. To be "assigned a boyfriend" is 180 degrees from the AA ideals of working on your own stuff with group support. Though not required, it may be that you will find, and lean on, a sponsor for emotional support, the kind of support that would guard you from entering a new romantic relationship while in recovery, let alone with someone in your AA group.

AA seems not to have a structured board that could file a lawsuit against this and other such cults. This cult thing is especially unsettling and sadistic as it preys on those in a vulnerable frame of mind.

 

[Dancing David]

It is part of thge nature of AA that some groups are very cult-like. Some are just DFD groups (Don't Farking Drink), others like to say that you have to stay with AA or you will return to a relapse, even after 10 years of sobriety. It is a lot like churches, some are good, some are bad.

I like rational recovery but J. Trimpey is little over the top.

But I think he is right, you don't need god to get sober.

 

[Drysdale]

Well, speaking as a recovering alcoholic, if that group is doing that then as Steverino pointed out it is against the basic priciples of AA,or NA and all recovery groups that I know of.

AA in particular strongly advises against any relationships initially.
Having said that, there are as everywhere vultures that will prey on the newbies. Particularly women as they seem to be much more vulnerable in the early stages of their sobriety,and men as a general rule are men. This is solely my experience, I'm not citing any studies or links so dont ask for them.

This incident doesnt sound at all like an AA group honestly.

However,having said that people that have addictive personalities can also become addicted to AA,NA whatever.

But most realize that and if they stick with the program it beats killing yourself or other people by your chemical of choice.