Im nearly 9 months without a drink. I go to AA regularly, am currently working Step 4. Nearly everyone Ive met has been helpful and positive. As Im digging in more and more, digesting the literature, etc. Its starting to seem kind of cult-like. Thats scares me a bit and puts me off. Was wondering others thoughts on this.
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I agree. But, most people here won’t agree with that 
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It can be called that if you go based on what the definition is. But the word cult has been used a lot more in todays world and many of them aren’t actually a cult.
AA is a cure. Now, you will never be “cured” to where you aren’t an alcoholic anymore, but AA is a cure in a way it improves your life choosing this way. However you aren’t forced to be in AA, it is your decision. Also many people in AA have different beliefs, so the religion isn’t what makes it either.
AA is where you can find a family that understands you and will be there for you when it comes to this part of life.
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It can feel that way at times if you let it. But alcoholism can also be considered something of a cult. So semantics, or soberiety? 
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Lol. AA is a cult in the same way people who root for the same sports teams are a cult or a religious organization is a cult.
It is what you make it.
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Thanks for the perspective. I have found that it does contain religious and Christian elements…the Lords Prayer and such. While the Steps are suggestions, it does say not following them will lead ultimately to death. That kind of dogma is strange to me.
I do appreciate the unity and support and I do believe that my problem is not really alcohol but a spiritual malady/sickness/hollowness so I guess it works for me in that way. Thats the point of AA as I understand it.
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No one wants to join the Cult of Alcholism…it totally sucks! Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the perspective. It is what you make it, I like that.
Many people have entered the program and haven’t done the steps or did later on in their sobriety. I have actually only done up to step 4 and i currently don’t have a sponsor. Also, remember the steps were written long ago, which back then it probably did result in death. Today the fellowship is so much bigger and better that people can live long. I go to meetings with people whos sobriety is as old as I am.
True. Seems like Step 4 is a tricky one.
It requires actual work and effort and deep sustained critical thought. Im trying to be sincere and earnest and all that bc I do need help and to be able to serve others and take the focus away from my problems. I do believe in God and feel like Ive honestly worked steps 1-3.
Am I powerless over alcohol? Yes. Is my life unmanageable? Yes.
Do I believe or am I willing to believe a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity? Yes.
Have I made a decision to turm my will over to the care of God as I understand him? Trying to.
Step 4: in progress. Im praying for the people I have resentments toward. Im making the chart with all the resentments and my role in them. Im trying to be fearless.
Im also struggling w depression which is one reason I drank in the first place.
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That’s a big “me too.” And why I’m trying again with AA this time around.
I find the language and approach a little dated if I’m being honest. But when I get over those biases, the intent to me is very clear and some aspects of how it’s structured are spot on for building a self-sustaining community that connects with people in a meaningful way.
The cult cliché can be bandied about, too. But again, they ask for nothing. Not even that you come unless you want to. I’ve been to meetings and missed some. No one bats an eye either way but are always happy to welcome me.
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My suggestion is to do your best, be thorough and as honest as possible nobodies 4th step is perfect, but do not omit anything that you might think your sponsor is will judge you for… Those little things that may leave out will be the things that bring you back to the drink…
AA is not a cult lol, it is just a fellowship of men and women who have a common problem… At the end of the day those people want to help you be a better version of yourself not for Them… But for YOU! you can leave whenever you want bc no one is making you stay, lol
Its just that AA is the only proven way to get help, doctors can’t help medication can’t help
Re-read all of the forwards and you will see a trend… Then go talk to a Doctor and ask how to stop drinking I can promise you that he will say go to AA… Lol its funny really that God who is so smart and wise coukd have choosen anyone to save someone from alcoholism but he chose a bunch of low level drunks who at some point didn’t have a pot to piss in… We have the power to save people… Not doctors not pastors, but alcoholics… That is powerful…
I will stick to my “cult” as u seem to call it bc it saves my life everyday and I would give my life for another alcoholic to achieve sobriety…
We are dying out there
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I think thats it at the core…a spiritual hole, knowing theres something more and bigger and wanting to know that side more. Its scary as well. It represents or it IS real change. It comes with greater responsibility and I think that is something alcoholics tend to avoid at all costs.
I agree on the language. The people are such a mixed bag it can be jarring but I always get something out of the meetings.
I hope the Steps will guide me to clarity and serenity in what has been a chaotic journey thru life for me.
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(Nice avatar, btw. 
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Completely with you. Chapter 4 and the notion of a general Higher Power I am so with. Some get much more specific when talking about their HP, but that’s their program. There’s a rule of remembering to “work your program,” not others’. I try to remember to listen for the common elements and not bicker over language. (While still listening, of course. 
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Everyone I’ve met there so far were just everyday people sharing their experiences to get better together.
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All good stuff. Im not calling it a cult, just questioning it for my own reasons and wondering others perspective.
Thank you for the perspective on Step 4. I believe you are right ab that. I have a solid sponsor. Hes very honest and sincere. Im still planning on going to meetings and working the steps.
I think i have a natural aversion to group behaviors. I feel weird saying things in unison or repeating phrases “work work work, whats the point, etc.” But as someone said a bit ago, it is what you make it.
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Haha…I was thinking the same about yours! Yeah, I remind myself that were all trying to better ourselves
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Ooo, I think this is an excellent insight too! Definitely true for me often enough. Well said. 
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Yeah it’s weird at first… Lol I get it but you will find those stupid sayings saving ur ass lmao
And for now you don’t have to say them if you don’t want to! Just keep coming! After step 4,5,6, my whole attitude changed I hope you have the same experience!
And I know step is tough just make sure you finish it don’t let it get in ur head just write all the BS down it will be worth it
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It’s one of the reasons I couldn’t get on with AA. It just felt too cult-y. The serenity prayer bit at the end of each sessuon was what did it for me.
Fair play to everyone it works for though just not for me.
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