Sarah - I personally would not consider that abuse but people's perception of what abuse is can vary quite a bit. What is important is how you feel about it. I also had an alcohol problem and I would have endured much more to find something that helps remain sober it permanently - it is an extremely serious problem and nothing I have ever experienced comes even close to it in terms of destructiveness and difficulty in resolving it. I see what he did as breach of confidentiality, which is unethical from a T; I know it would make me mad as well and I would definitely voice it. As for the hugs and chatting - I think many people do that in therapy. If it helped you maintain your wellbeing, I don't see anything wrong with it. It is unfortunate though if now his presence makes you uncomfortable in AA and you need to do things to avoid him. If it was me, I would probably go to a different AA group but would prefer to be free in the program that has provided such important help, I personally would put that before anything else.

I know of Ts who offer doing 12-step work with their clients (so, virtually being their sponsor even if they are not an ex-addict per se) and I would think that's fine if the client finds it helpful, but breaking confidentiality is not. Pushing you to go to his seminars is also quite inappropriate IMO. If it was your choice, fine with me (I also went to some of my Ts training classes), but not the pushing. Sounds like the T had some issues with power and felt kinda omnipotent relative to you - he definitely has issues himself.