Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahsweets
This isn’t meant to sound judgy exclusive Or harsh but as someone who’s has years of sobriety from alcoholism because of AA I often feel a little…hijacked as far as the 12 step model goes. I won’t say that only
Alcoholics get to have 12 step groups but it seems like anyone can take the 12 steps (created for alcoholism and addiction) substitute any issue and bam a support group has formed. And there’s no one you can just call to get clarification about the literature, no CEO or Mr AA to call and no group or agency that oversees the whole process. So when you are talking about something triggering or psychological etc a 12 step model I don’t feel that peers are as qualified to dispense advice and guidance when the principles are addiction based. I know it works for many so this is just my opinion
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I completely agree with your statement, too, sarahsweets!
And congratulations on your sobriety!
Here's the thing - I'm addicted to nicotine. I quit over 19 months ago, but I did that without any help. I was just scared straight from the pandemic. I did attempt to quit via medical guidance (the patch) as well as psychotherapy for smoking cessation. There are no nicotine anonymous groups; most 12-step groups have exchanged one drug for another - nicotine (lots of smokers at the 12-step meetings) or food (sugar, coffee/caffeine addiction, comfort food, etc.).
Most people whom I know who quit smoking don't attend any 12-step groups to maintain their sobriety. So, this may be saying something about the different needs for different people. Some people may need 12-step groups as a supplement to ongoing medical and/or mental health treatment, if they see addiction from the medical model perspective. Others may need "tough love" if they need accountability, if seeing it through the punitive model (thus criminalizing addictions). Some use both models, and others will use trauma-informed models (typically, in mental health and dual diagnosis settings).
I agree, there should be some accountability for the 12-step meetings themselves.