The 'benign cult': Twelve Step Programs

[azora_mysta]

People who know me will know that I sometimes make reference to a 'cult' meeting that my mom forces me to attend on Tuesdays. Today, I thought it was high time to explain what I actually mean by that statement. Sounds pretty scary, right? When people hear the word 'cult', it usually conjures up images of groups like Heavens Gate---compelling

Comments

[sandamazwich]

Huh... so why don't you just stop going and let them believe you will relapse when you won't? I mean, you went there in the first place because your mom nabbed you when you were crying and vulnerable and... wait, isn't the program suppose to be for people who are addicted and stuff, not depressed/crying/etc?

*is now confused*

[azora_mysta]

Getting here so late but---

The idea behind the setup is that alcoholism is a "family disease". As in not just the alcoholic is sick, but everyone they live with becomes irrational and angry too. They have to make peace with their loved one's alcoholism, confess their sins, and better themselves to live happier lives.

I agree that dad's alcoholic behaviors have hurt me, but I think I need real therapy.

[theaffluentpino]

that's a sort of christian cult if i've ever seen one. and there are lots of them out there. just everything screams ignorance and blind faith. discrediting science just for it being science is like chopping off reason and by faith alone, you won't be able to find God. faith and reason come as a pair and both are essential to find God. some of the group's thinking is backwards and not natural

[azora_mysta]

<3 I'll try that all, thank you so much. Like I said, I see nothing wrong with faith itself. Just the way these people are applying it makes me uncomfortable.

[azora_mysta]

Eeep. When you get back, would you be interested in talking about what it scored high on?

*thinking of you this weekend*