Mini Series 2 - Is AA a Cult?

Busting Addiction and Its Myths

In this podcast, we ask the question... Is AA a cult?

This is one of the favourite myths that we take pleasure in blowing up.

1. Let's start with the characteristics of a cult, starting with secrecy. There are two types of AA meetings - closed meetings where privacy (not secrecy) is valued since there is still a stigma associated with alcoholism, hence the original Alcoholics Anonymous. I am free to disclose my membership, but I am obliged to not disclose yours.

2. Then there are meetings that the public is invited to attend. These are called Open AA meetings, of which there are many. They consist of speakers who openly disclose that they are recovered alcoholics and are there to share their experiences. Often, a member of Al-Anon (a recovery program for families of alcoholics) will join as a companion speaker, sometimes as the spouse.

3. How about a charismatic leader? Who would that be? AA elects the equivalent of a Board Chairperson who serves a two-year term and is charged with overseeing that the mission of the General Service Board is faithfully carried out. That mission is to carry the message of hope to the still-suffering alcoholic and to serve the interests of AA groups around the world.

4. How about isolating members from society? AA does exactly the opposite: it encourages us to be productive and active members of society as a whole.

5. What about money? Are there any dues or fees? None at all. In theory, one could go to 100 meetings and not put a penny in the basket to cover the rental cost of the meeting space. Most of us usually put in two dollars each, still the best return on investment we have ever known.

6. What about the transparency of the organisation? AA is a 501 C3 not-for-profit entity governed by IRS tax law and therefore is obligated to report to the public the state of its finances and activities openly on an annual basis. Anyone can walk into AA offices in New York and ask to see the books, and the staff is obliged to honour the request.

Yet another myth dispelled.

AA was founded in 1935, has grown to a membership of over 2 million world-wide, and ensures. AA stays true to its founding mission of carrying the message of hope to alcoholics and their loved ones, no matter where in the world they may be.