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It's almost impossible to deny being an alcoholic without sounding like an alcoholic (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/showerthoughts@lemmy.world
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[–] 11 points 2 years ago (13 children)

Group therapy is pseudo-science?

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  • [–] 38 points 2 years ago

    I assume they mean this?

    In the past, some critics have criticized 12-step programs as pseudoscientific and "a cult that relies on God as the mechanism of action". Until recently, ethical and operational issues had prevented robust randomized controlled trials from being conducted comparing 12-step programs directly to other approaches. More recent studies employing randomized and blinded trials have shown 12-step programs provide similar benefit compared to motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and were more effective in producing continuous abstinence and remission compared to these approaches.

    Source: Wikipedia

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  • [–] 36 points 2 years ago (7 children)

    Others have mentioned it, but to elaborate, Alcoholics Anonymous is not merely sitting in a circle and sharing your problems, but a belief system which requires you to submit to a higher power to move forward.

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  • [–] 8 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    Knew a guy who insisted he wasn't addicted, but he can't go a day without attending an AA meeting. 40 years, non stop. Even when in other countries for work, he finds them. Left his own daughters wedding dinner to make it to one.

    He runs his own chapter where he lives. He's had people follow the steps, sure, but some don't. No matter how successful the latter are, he tears them apart for "not doing it right" and has turned his back on them for not following how he did it.

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  • [–] -1 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    That's 12 step. Not all AA is 12 step.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago* (2 children)

    Almost All... But yes in recent years AA has tried to distance itself from the higher power ( God) rhetoric.

    AA is somewhat decentralized, and you will have splinter groups.

    Also to clarify, 12 step is a process created by the founders of AA. It's not a separate thing.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    The process still involves relinquishing your will power and deferring to an higher/outside power. Incredibly cult like behavior. You should be raising a person's will power. Hyping the hell out of them.

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  • [–] 20 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    You don't know about AA, do you?

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  • [–] -5 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    I know they get preachy but you can ignore that, many alcoholics get help from them without joining the cult of Christianity

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  • [–] 5 points 2 years ago

    You have a better grasp of them than the people down voting you.

    AA has done a lot to separate itself from religion in the past couple decades. But if you pay close attention, they use the exact same manipulation techniques used by religions to control their congregations.

    That said, AA does a LOT of good, and in my opinion they do genuinely have the best interests of their members at heart.

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