12 step recovery program

[Skiphopandajump]

As someone who has left Alcoholics Anonymous after a year I would like to make people aware of the potential dangers of the 12 step program.
I was always uncomfortable with this and thankfully didn't get a sponsor but I did quit drinking and found a more suitable organisation to support my needs .
For those who aren't aware of the 12 step program, it's essentially a form of brainwashing.
I've seen people become unrecognisable in their behaviours and thinking and I do honestly think AA and its sister organisations such as NA are a cult.
They credit themselves with cuŕing your addiction but in turn create a dependency on the Anonymous .Some people still attend daily meetings 20 plus years after they have quit their drug of choice.

https://12step.org/the-12-steps/
So basically it starts by you admitting you are powerless over your addiction and asking God ( or your higher power) to take the responsibility of helping you overcome your addiction.

Seems a bit harsh to be slating AA after you gained a years sobriety as a result of attending. AA never states that it can cure an addiction - the whole point is that you can't cure the addiction. Most AA members will say that they are in recovery for the rest of their lives. AA meetings can be enjoyable and a bit of a respite from every day life - you are spending time with people with whom you have a connection. That's why long term sober alcoholics continue to go, nothing to do with "brainwashing". Plus, maintaining gratitude and the idea of giving something back keeps us grounded, which is helpful for keeping us sober.

However, AA is just made up of people at the end of the day, and not all meetings are equal. I have been to some pretty toxic groups before, as well as some absolutely wonderful ones. Sure, I've seen people become dependent on AA. I've also seen people become dependent on religion, chocolate, exercise, hobbies...it's what we do. We're addicts.

Studies do suggest that 12 step programs are pretty effective: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2/full
Most members at meetings I've been to have been happy to admit that there are other options though, just that AA is what has worked for them. I'm glad you've found something that works for you - hope you stick with it. It's definitely worth it!

The fact you state there are people in AA 20 YEARS sober makes me think you need to think about what you're saying even more. It's not a cult, I'm 13 years sober and I don't need to attend daily meetings, I have a good career and family thanks to AA and the people in it. I don't know anyone with long lengths of sobriety who have a different approach, they have always relapsed. Personally I keep going because the thought of dying drunk with wet brain after losing everything and everyone I care about is terrifying but you do you.