Why do so many people believe Alcoholics Anonymous works, when it's actually a horrible cult-like organization

Does anyone have any experience with this nonsense?

Answers:
You're not alone. There are at least a dozen yahoo groups that are anti-AA, most with over a hundred members, one with over a thousand.

I think it's like the old saying about repeating a lie enough times..

I knew there was something wrong the first time I walked into the rooms; I didn't stay long, but every few years, I'd try it again because everybody told me I must have gone to a few bad meetings, not all AA is like that.

If you don't like AA, going to a different meeting is like going to a different McDonald's if you don't like the food at one.

I bounced in and out of the rooms for 20 years, never managing more than a few months sobriety. Even so, I managed to pick up some of their dogma that PREVENTED me from staying sober. I learned I was powerless, I had a disease, and that alcoholism is genetic. With those excuses, it's a wonder I ever did manage to get sober at all. Once a person decides they are powerless, they better have a micro-managing, personal "higher power" that waiting to grant them their daily reprieve from the drink or they're doomed to die, drunk in a gutter.

AA got a big boost in membership when the courts started mandating people to the rooms; aproxomately 2/3 are there due to courts, employee programs, or to satisfy mandates from government agencies. And they say it's based on "attraction, rather than promotion". Just as they say "spiritual, not religious" while they talk about God. They keep repeating it and expect people to believe it over their own eyes and ears.

Thank goodness for the internet, and for the courts that have heard cases on mandating AA attendance. EVERY higher court that has heard these cases has had a final outcome of AA being at least religious in nature, and has ended coercion through the courts in 4 districts and one state.

you are an idiot - have a few more drinks - you will come around or die your choice
try it you may need it
maybe they believe it works because it worked for them. or a family member. or a close friend. seeing is believing. and i believe it works. i've seen it. several times.
AA, Like Na Works if you work the program.
it gets you off the booze without giving you real answers.
The bumper sticker "Powerless" drives me insane when I see it. Sometimes I shout - you are not powerless!!

It is a cult, but it works for about 3% of alcoholics, which is higher than lots of other programs. There are alternatives - Rational Recovery is one.
Just as people drink for different reasons, different types of treatment help.

It doesn't work for all but works for some.
When I went, it actually made me think about doing drugs more. I also think it's like a cult. They constantly tell you that if you don't go then you WILL relapse, and that if you ever go around drugs or alcohol you WILL use, so never be around it. That's impossible. Sometime in your life you are going to be somewhere where there is something. If you really don't want to then you will have the power to say no. I stopped going 5 years ago and I have still been clean. They are like some churches. It's their way or no way. If it works for you, more power to you. But don't tell me that it is the only way to stay clean.
its a religious organisation that brainwash you. like all religion.
What is the source of your misinformation that it is a cult operation? I'm not an alcoholic, but I've been to a lot of meetings (law enforcement for 32 years, some of it working with insane prisoners who were required to attend as part of their treatment).
They may be, but if it works for one person, and saves their lives or someone else's because it helps them to stop drinking, isn't it worth it then? I was forced to go when I was a teenager, and honestly, I thought it was a big joke, but hey, whatever works.
It works if you want it to. It's a support group, designed to aid people who want help with their alcoholism. If you go into it with an open mind and a true desire to be sober, you have a good chance for success among friends and counselors.
My father was a alcoholic for 20 yrs, and a mean one at that. He refused any help from friends, family, etc. Until his life spiraled out of control and he went to AA. Well, he was in that 3%, because my dad has not drank since. I think we all need support thru difficult times. And it takes the commitment of the person to accomplish it. If their not ready to confront their addiction then nothing will help them. Whether it is AA, or other support methods.
i went to aa with a girlfriend when i was young,she was a big drug/alcohlic,and she was 17,i went for support,i understand what your talking about,and it did help,but they do tell you that you wont survive without them,but alot do and some go to "meetings"for 3 or 4 yrs and then get their life back together,and stop..i went to the 'NA"meetings and started doin L.S.D. i wanted to try all kinds od drugs..and i did..nothing too hard,i had a few fun years.the best part was listening to the addicts and always knowing i would and could not get that bad..and never did...idont do anything any more,except smoke the weed sometimes..but i did that way before the "meetings",and i rarely ever do it.oh the trips i took..mm.
If it doesn't work then don't continue but i see it help quite a lot.
My biggest objection is the conitnued supplanting of the guilt factor. One never gains a faith in themselves. to be delivered from this continual dwelling on the negative part of their life.
Sadly people come to AA and never get an Open Mind. We often have to wait for the person to get so sick h/she will be willing to do anything to stay sober. AA cannot make you sober but certainly, if you are willing can show you how to stay sober. Most comments like this are from people unwilling to change their lives. Sadly most die and leave their families in chaos. It works if you work it.
I like the cult, 27 years of sobriety, I was a real asshole when I was drinking, Dts, Shakes, delusions, I lost wife, kids, and a real good job. Thank GOD for AA.
I have a long and personal history with Alcoholics Anonymous. I was introduced to it around the age of 20, and am now 45 years old. I have been sober for 22 years. I went through addictions treatment 3 times. I went to AA for over 15 years. I do not attend meetings now, mostly because I have lived a lifestyle of being sober longer than I drank and used. I am very much a person who enjoys real life, and not relief. AA worked for me because I had help from and with people who could relate to me and my feelings about myself and God. I also had a sponser go through the Alcoholics Anonymous text book, (yes, that is what it is, a TEXT book, there are lots and lots of questions in it that can be answered if you know where to look), and help me answer the questions for myself. I loved it because I found a family there, and I PARTICIPATED in that family. I recommend AA for anyone who really wants to look at themselves and their relationship with God and the world around them. Not just the meetings, because that's where sick people go, but to actually take an active part in finding and answering the questions!! You may say that it is a cult and that you are being brainwashed, but some of us need our brains washed, so we can make different choices. Yes AA works!
I have seen it work. Alcoholics who do not want to give up their habits, I hear them saying things like what you just said.
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