Willingness - Recovered 1385
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Willingness entails a readiness to embrace new perspectives, adopt healthier behaviors, and embark on the journey toward sobriety with an open heart and mind. Without willingness, individuals may remain stuck in cycles of denial or resistance, unable to fully commit to the process of recovery. However, when coupled with a genuine desire for change, willingness becomes a catalyst for transformation, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, confront fears, and embrace the challenges of recovery with courage and determination. Tonight, we talk about...
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Integrity - Recovered 1384
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Developing integrity in recovery is important for building trust, accountability, and authenticity in one's journey toward sobriety. Integrity is the compatibility between inner convictions and outward behavior. Integrity entails honesty with self and others about mistakes, acknowledging the impact of our actions, and taking responsibility by making amends. Integrity fosters a sense of self-respect and dignity, empowering individuals to honor their commitments, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on trust and mutual respect. ...
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Courage - Recovered 1383
Recovered Podcast
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Surrender - Recovered 1382
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Surrender is a fundamental concept in the journey of recovery from addiction, signifying a willingness to relinquish control and accept the reality of one's powerlessness over substances or other’s behaviors. It marks a pivotal moment of recognition, where individuals come to terms with the fact that their attempts to manage or control their addiction have been futile. Surrender does not signify weakness but rather strength, as it requires individuals to confront their vulnerabilities and humbly acknowledge their need for help. By surrendering to reality,...
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Hope - Recovered 1381
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Hope is not just a desirable aspect but a necessary cornerstone of a recovery program. In the depths of addiction, individuals often feel consumed by despair, powerless to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. In early recovery, hope provides a beacon of light amidst the darkness, offering the promise of a better tomorrow. It instills the belief that despite past mistakes and present struggles, a life of sobriety and fulfillment is attainable. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a tangible force that drives individuals to take the...
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Step 11 - Recovered 1380
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 11 in a 12-step recovery program holds significant importance for both straight and LGBTQIA+ individuals as it emphasizes the practice of spiritual principles and mindfulness. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals in recovery often struggle with issues of self-acceptance, shame, and spiritual disconnection. Step 11 encourages regular prayer and meditation, fostering a deeper connection with a higher power or spiritual principles that transcend individual differences. For LGBTQIA+ individuals who may have experienced rejection...
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Step 10 - Recovered 1379
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 10 in a recovery program holds immense importance as it emphasizes the practice of ongoing self-reflection and accountability. This step involves a daily inventory of one's thoughts, actions, and behaviors, along with a prompt acknowledgment of any shortcomings or mistakes. By regularly examining their attitudes and conduct, individuals in recovery cultivate a heightened sense of self-awareness and honesty, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety. Step 10 serves as a preventative measure against relapse by enabling individuals to promptly address any...
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Steps 8 & 9 - Recovered 1378
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 8 and 9 hold significant importance in the journey of recovery within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Step 8 involves making a list of individuals harmed during one's active addiction and becoming willing to make amends to them. This step fosters accountability and self-reflection, encouraging individuals to confront the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for repairing the harm caused. By identifying those who have been affected by their behavior, individuals in recovery begin to understand the ripple effects of their actions and the...
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Challenges - Recovered 1377
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Dealing with challenges in recovery is paramount to achieving sustained sobriety and personal growth. One of the key aspects is the recognition that recovery is not a linear process; setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Facing these difficulties head-on provides individuals with an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Through the support of a community that understands the struggles of addiction, people in recovery learn to confront and navigate challenges with resilience. This process fosters emotional strength, self-awareness, and coping...
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Steps 6 & 7 - Recovered 1376
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 6 and 7 are crucial stages in a recovery program, guiding individuals on their path to recovery. In Step 6, participants become willing to let go of their character defects—those negative traits or behaviors that hinder personal growth and well-being. This step calls for self-reflection and a genuine desire for change. It requires individuals to confront their shortcomings with honesty and openness, laying the groundwork for personal transformation. Recognizing the need for change and cultivating a willingness to let go of ingrained patterns are...
info_outlineSo we all need to take this seriously because I’m sure some alcoholics have decided not to enter because they perceive AA as a cult
For those of us that scoff at the very notion that AA is a cult, Please recognize that we have many cult like practices...
we pray
we hold hands
we hug alot
we have our own language and talk in numbers
we have stupid slogans
we talk in unison at awkward moments, like “God could and would if he were sought”
we talk about god alot
we talk about the necessity for a charismatic leader called a sponsor
we have our own bible
we are evangelistic
I’m going to be the devil’s advocate and challenge our hosts today.
The following are cult attributes, let’s discuss each one why the do or do not apply to AA and why.
In a cult, the group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law. What about Bill W, is he the charismatic leader mentioned? Why or why not.
In a cult, questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished. Is AA the only way to sobriety?
Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s). What about Step 11?
In a cult, the leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry—or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth). Let’s discuss AA leadership.
The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar—or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity). How does Anonymity apply here?
The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society. What does AA say about conflict, the spiritual axiom, who is at fault when conflict arises in an AA memeber?
The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).
The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus charities).
The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group.
The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
The group is preoccupied with making money.
Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.
Final thoughts....Is AA a cult?