Example: Scientology is a Cult. Once you're in, they won't let you out, they take all your worldly possesions now and in the future, young girls usually have to have sex with the guy that runs it. If the "group leader" thinks they're about to get busted, he'll make you commit suicide. (Jim Jones ring a bell with you?) BUT not all cults work the same. The Scientologist are getting their fair share of Tom Cruise's income as well as John Travolta and anyone else that's fallen into that trap.

Just because in AA they would like you to believe in a "higher power," it doesn't make it a cult, Down. Your "higher power" can be anything or anyone you want it to be. In a cult, the guy leading the group puts himself off as GOD or with a definite direct line to Him.

There ARE alcoholic recovery groups that don't have anything religious to follow, though.

Take Care