this post was submitted on 16 Dec 2023
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Showerthoughts
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They do AA in Germany? I thought that pseudo science was just an American thing.
Group therapy is pseudo-science?
Others have mentioned it, but to elaborate, Alcoholics Anonymous is not merely sitting in a circle and sharing your problems, but a belief system which requires you to submit to a higher power to move forward.
Knew a guy who insisted he wasn't addicted, but he can't go a day without attending an AA meeting. 40 years, non stop. Even when in other countries for work, he finds them. Left his own daughters wedding dinner to make it to one.
He runs his own chapter where he lives. He's had people follow the steps, sure, but some don't. No matter how successful the latter are, he tears them apart for "not doing it right" and has turned his back on them for not following how he did it.
My favorite quote on fanaticism applies here:
"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim" - George Santayana
I didn't know you could be addicted to AA meetings. I guess alcohol is a gateway drug to AA meetings, lol.
That's 12 step. Not all AA is 12 step.
Almost All... But yes in recent years AA has tried to distance itself from the higher power ( God) rhetoric.
AA is somewhat decentralized, and you will have splinter groups.
Also to clarify, 12 step is a process created by the founders of AA. It's not a separate thing.
I assume they mean this?
Source: Wikipedia
You don't know about AA, do you?
I know they get preachy but you can ignore that, many alcoholics get help from them without joining the cult of Christianity
You have a better grasp of them than the people down voting you.
AA has done a lot to separate itself from religion in the past couple decades. But if you pay close attention, they use the exact same manipulation techniques used by religions to control their congregations.
That said, AA does a LOT of good, and in my opinion they do genuinely have the best interests of their members at heart.
No, just AA
There is no greater fucking idiot than the one who thinks a social gathering for discussion is subject to the rules of double-blind scientific testing. Watching some arrogant fucking shithead attempting to slander 12-stop programs as "not scientific" is hilarious because OF COURSE IT ISN'T SCIENTIFIC!! IT MAKES NO CLAIMS TO BE.
That's all fine and dandy until you get court ordered to attend these meetings as if it were a scientifically proven method of quitting drinking. It'd be like doing something bad and then being court ordered to attend church so that you can "gain a moral compass."
Out of curiosity, where are people being remanded to AA specifically?
Having some experience in those circles. Courts often order "recovery programs" not AA, usually some form outpatient/inpatient group therapy, run by licensed therapists.
That I agree with...but that's a criminal justice problem
It makes no claims to be scientific... so it's measurably worthless?
You seem to be agreeing my dude
Damn bro rather be me without legs than you with millions you disgust me