anonyphilosopher

Traditional AA, Repression, Oppression, and Alienation

How’s that for a title? A discussion of a traditional AA fellowship’s repetition of God language turned up today on Facebook. The poster was upset by the repeated references, and not only references but worshipful statements about God, Jesus, etc. (not to be confused with the Wilco song “Jesus, Etc.”). Some of the comments struckContinue reading “Traditional AA, Repression, Oppression, and Alienation”

The Myth of Twelve Steps

There should be no space in the recovery community for authoritarianism and oppression. A hallmark of Alcoholics Anonymous is the list of twelve steps. It is so central to the ideology of AA that other recovery groups are referred to as “12 step” groups. Many newcomers are told that they can recover only if theyContinue reading “The Myth of Twelve Steps”

“Character defects”

In traditional AA meetings, I enjoy saying things contrary to the dominant ideology. I don’t look for fights, and I don’t say these things solely or even mainly to stir controversy. Often enough, they pass uncommented on. Whenever the Sixth Step topic of “character defects” comes up, I say “I don’t believe in character defects.Continue reading ““Character defects””

Capitalism and addiction

The current psychiatric and psychological concept of addiction is being unable to stop engaging in a behavior that is harmful to your health or relationships, regardless of this harm. What counts as “harm” depends on what you regard as health or healthy relationships. Those valuations are social and historical, as are the needs that serveContinue reading “Capitalism and addiction”

Addiction as Disability

I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone in an AA meeting or other recovery group refer to themselves as a disabled person on the basis of being an addict (or whatever their preferred term for their problematic behavior). I wonder why not. I also wonder if there could be something to gain from referring toContinue reading “Addiction as Disability”

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click theContinue reading “Introduce Yourself (Example Post)”