As a former therapist with a decade of recovery, I appreciate The Free Press and the Honestly podcast for their diverse viewpoints on addiction, which are valuable for learning. However, there are some inaccuracies and biases regarding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that need addressing.
Firstly, AA is distinct from rehab centers. While rehabs…
As a former therapist with a decade of recovery, I appreciate The Free Press and the Honestly podcast for their diverse viewpoints on addiction, which are valuable for learning. However, there are some inaccuracies and biases regarding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that need addressing.
Firstly, AA is distinct from rehab centers. While rehabs face issues related to financial incentives and growth, AA operates on a different model. AA refuses contributions from foundations or individual donors and is entirely self-financed through small donations collected during meetings held worldwide.
Additionally, the portrayal of AA's beliefs about the causes of drinking is inaccurate. AA does not attribute alcoholism to childhood experiences or current traumatic events. Instead, AA emphasizes an individualized approach, where many members find faith and belief in a higher power as crucial elements in overcoming addiction.
While I support exploring all options to improve the lives of addicts, alcoholics, and their communities, it's crucial to provide accurate information about existing ones like AA, which has been effective for many. Misrepresenting AA undermines a method that has helped countless individuals and could potentially assist many more. Keep the diversity of methodology on the treatment of addiction coming….just add in more balance please.
As a former therapist with a decade of recovery, I appreciate The Free Press and the Honestly podcast for their diverse viewpoints on addiction, which are valuable for learning. However, there are some inaccuracies and biases regarding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that need addressing.
Firstly, AA is distinct from rehab centers. While rehabs face issues related to financial incentives and growth, AA operates on a different model. AA refuses contributions from foundations or individual donors and is entirely self-financed through small donations collected during meetings held worldwide.
Additionally, the portrayal of AA's beliefs about the causes of drinking is inaccurate. AA does not attribute alcoholism to childhood experiences or current traumatic events. Instead, AA emphasizes an individualized approach, where many members find faith and belief in a higher power as crucial elements in overcoming addiction.
While I support exploring all options to improve the lives of addicts, alcoholics, and their communities, it's crucial to provide accurate information about existing ones like AA, which has been effective for many. Misrepresenting AA undermines a method that has helped countless individuals and could potentially assist many more. Keep the diversity of methodology on the treatment of addiction coming….just add in more balance please.