The question is: “Is all tradition truth?” Traditional processes and programs have been having their way for many years with little to no change. For the sake of this space I am specifically speaking of those who are into “self abuse.” COMMONLY CALLED “alcoholic, addict, and all the cutesy names” that exist. Let’s call them what they are in group form…”alibi clubs.”
People exercise poor choice and develop bad habits (maybe in some cases the other way around) and then add the “victim mentality.” Society has made it fashionable to go to treatment especially if you are a “self abuser.” Labels do protect victims.
In realty people are in “pain” for every reason and excuse known to mankind. They are not ” in happy” or they would not be disrespecting themselves. They turn to an industry for help who endorses a program of tradition…with little truth. An industry who’s tradition is focused on 28 to 180 days and “you will never be cured.” “Your illness is a lifetime illness.” Your addiction is by your own doing…which by the way, is NOT classified as a disease in the Standard Pathological Textbooks. Addiction is not listed in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV). What was once listed as alcoholism is now referred to as alcohol dependence and abuse…under substance related disorders.

ALTERNATIVE:

Noun 1. A choice between two or more possibilities.
2. One of the things to be chosen.

Adjective 1. Allowing or necessitating a choice.
2. Existing outside conventional institutions or systems.

Most of the people that I have had the opportunity to talk with in the “true alternative sense” openly admit that their program “is not” for everyone. Isn’t that truly a CHOICE?
Depending on who’s report you read the Guru (AA) has around a 5 to 7% success rate. (That does show what the courts think of people who are ordered there). Medical Facilities (also depending on who’s numbers you read) has an 18 to 22% success rate…while our tax dollars are looking for genetic reasons (like anyone needs additional excuses to avid responsibility).
There are facilities who claim 100% success and some who proclaim to be the best rated program. (However, when asked who did the rating no response ws issued).
People collectively are still the most powerful force in the world. They have a right to demand the “best results possible” if they are willing to make a commitment to themselves. Is that where the problem lies? In accepting responsibilty we are being truthful and seeking help from traditional means and methods only to be disappointed…then turn to an alternative approach (many which are disguised but are really modified, same old garbage) to get the same results.
There are altrnative programs that qualify “truthfully” as such based on our opening definition. They are succesful because, people who come to them are seeking a common bond…”truth.” No one is “defective” but we are all different and do not belong behind “just door a, b, or c.”
Alternatives give us “choice, optimism, self respect and restore self esteem.”
Life could not have been designed to give people a “label” like one word can describe a person. There are plenty who have no want, need or desire to be happy, they like the initial attention that the victim mentality affords them. When life looses meaning and purpose…people start abusing themselves to turn off the pain. Take the next step for yourself…and restore the respect you deserve and stop buying into the “garbage.”

Just to give you my perspective as an atheist non-drinker. I found AA provided a good jump start (though I also did rehab), and some of the steps do make a lot of sense and I don’t agree that they’re about denying responsibility or “praying”. An addict will never ever quit unless they acknowledge they have lost control over their substance of choice. Having control implies they could have the odd pint and not end up addicted again. In those early days of recovery AA does provide a good place to go where you won’t get judged, and in those early days of recovery addicts know what arseholes they have been so don’t begrudge a little bit of psychological healing. Now some may want these people to feel bad, but there is a difference between concern about your actions and crushing self flagellation. The question of the “higher power” needn’t be anything to do with God. It made sense to me that I could not within myself stop boozing (no I don’t believe the disease theory, but there is an awful lot of rewiring that goes on with chemicals), I had tried and failed. So my higher power was just other people, physicians and others in the groups. I see what you’re saying about willpower, and yes at the beginning you make the decisions, but at the end it is not that easy.

So I think there is a lot in AA that can help people. If you find the right group. But there is a flip side. Some members are religious nutters. Ignore them. Some preach 90 meetings in 90 days. Some say AA is the only way. Rubbish, it is a way though. The worst thing is that removing alcohol from your life creates a hole. Now to me that was a great opportunity to fill it with good things, others fill it too much with AA. In that respects I can see where the cult argument comes from. I go rarely now, but will still go. It keeps topped up in my mind what a dick you become when you’re an alcoholic.

Take what works from AA and ignore what doesn’t, find your own way.

I do not hide behind an IP address. My name an contact info are freely available on my site. 

Joel Gross