Comments on: What If Drug Rehab Doesnt Work http://www.orchidrecoverycenter.com/blog/what-if-drug-rehab-doesnt-work/ Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Women Thu, 17 May 2012 09:25:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: paul http://www.orchidrecoverycenter.com/blog/what-if-drug-rehab-doesnt-work/#comment-111597 paul Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:35:45 +0000 http://www.orchidrecoverycenter.com/blog/?p=1595#comment-111597 In the 12 step program of AA / NA, you admit you're powerless, you give your power to God, list your sins, confess your sin, make restitution, engage in prayer, meditation and service to the program. We're very clearly talking about a religious conversion here -- not a treatment for addiction. The sole purpose of the 12 steps is to induce guilt and shame in attempt to change and control behavior, which is another contributing factor to why so many people can't succeed through 12 steps. Shame and guilt only produce low self-esteem and encourage self-destructive behavior like drinking and drugs rather than healthy, loving behavior towards self. The whole powerlessness concept came from two places. It was a core concept of the Oxford Group that Bill Wilson had internalized and, therefore, it became one of his core feelings. There is no scientific evidence or even common sense that says admitting we're powerless is effective in healing any physical health disease. Quite the contrary -- It is counterproductive. The powerlessness concept was what the Oxford Group (cult) used to control, manipulate and retain members by making them completely dependent upon the group and that's what it ended up doing in the 12 step program of AA as well. Instilling a sense of powerlessness in an individual is destructive to self-esteem, teaches and perpetuates learned helplessness, perpetuates hopelessness, prevents one from taking personal responsibility and encourages a self-fulfilling prophecy that in the case of alcoholism or addiction often leads to binge drinking and justification for the binge. "If I'm powerless, I guess there's nothing I can do about it, so I might as well drink/drug myself to death," is what the alcoholic/addict mind concludes. Some studies indicate that the powerlessness concept actually increases binging behavior and relapse. It is completely disempowering, which is insane, because what the alcoholic or addict needs more than anything is to feel empowered. They need to feel capable of changing their life. Not only that, it's a complete lie. When the alcoholic understands that the true root of alcoholism lies in biochemistry and there are ways to correct it, they are given all the tools needed to overcome their addiction and the shame so often associated with being an alcoholic. Being an alcoholic is no longer a moral issue, a character flaw, a spiritual illness, a defect in spirit or a personality disorder. It frees them. Does an alcoholic/addict have to admit they have a problem? Absolutely, but there is a very big difference between admitting you have a problem and submitting to complete powerlessness. It's impossible to overcome any problem if one does not admit it exists, so yes it is a crucial first step. However, powerlessness is not an essential component of that first step. Another important point is that there is a very big difference between spirituality and religion and even though NA/AA and 12 step treatment centers deny it vehemently, the 12 step program of NA/AA is a religious program, not a spiritual one. Religion involves practices and beliefs that include a higher power or God, while spirituality is focused on finding purpose and meaning in your life, the relationship you have with yourself, those around you and the Universe. The 12 step program of NA/AA is clearly categorized in the category of religion. Cult-Like & Brainwashing Behaviors Then there is the cult issue. "A cult typically refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception." They engage in a variety of behaviors like mind control and intimidation, they thrive on creating a sense of powerlessness in the member, the operate as a closed system with, they are rigid, dogmatic and authoritarian, believe their way is the only way, require complete submission of the will to God, are built on a charismatic leader that is revered and worshipped and engage in elaborate religious rituals with a strong emphasis on prayer, to name a few. The 12 step program of AA/NA fits this definition like a glove and engage in each and every one of these cult-like behaviors. We also have the brainwashing aspect. Brainwashing (also known as thought reform or as re-education) consists of any effort aimed at instilling certain attitudes and beliefs in a person -- beliefs sometimes unwelcome or in conflict with the person's prior beliefs and knowledge, in order to affect that individual's value system and subsequent thought-patterns and behaviors. This is a clear definition of exactly what goes on in AA/NA and 12 step treatment programs. The whole success of the program hinges on whether the addict will buy their beliefs and adopt them as their own value system and think and behave in a particular manner. Just like prisoners of war or others subjected to brainwashing, when the alcoholic is resistant, they are confronted with hostile, angry confrontations, threats of relapse, failure, accusations of being in denial, not ready, or incapable of honesty, rejection and even death. Although traditional treatment and the 12 step program of NA/AA employ cult-like behaviors and practice brainwashing, I don't believe they do so with evil or harmful intentions. I believe that at the heart of the 12 step program of NA/AA is a sincere desire to help others. I believe they think they are doing something good, but then again, I'm sure that's what other brainwashers and cults think. Regardless, the fact remains that whether it is done with good intentions or not, brainwashing and cult like behavior is occurring and many people are, rightfully so, uncomfortable with these methods. The problem is that it is misguided and the end result is the same. Most alcoholics and addicts end up without getting the help they need because they have been driven away by these practices that feel frightening or uncomfortable and because they're simply ineffective for a powerful physiological disease like addiction. The other issue at hand in regard to the cult like and brainwashing behaviors and the religion issue is honesty. In a program that demands rigorous honesty, let's at least be honest about who and what we are and the methods we employ and not attack the people who are uncomfortable with the methods and call it like it is. The 12 step program of NA/AA is a religious program that uses cult-like practices; let's just admit that. It's quite interesting that in spite of the fact that the 12 step program of NA/AA and 12 step treatment centers claim to be an open-minded and accepting group, everyone defends this program to the death with angry, defensive, sometimes hostile, vicious and vengeful attacks against people who dare say anything negative about the program, question any of its methods or beliefs or express any doubts or concerns whatsoever. If it's not angry attacks, it comes in the form of subtle, yet clear, rejection and disapproval. The message is very clear that if you do not believe 100 percent, you are not accepted. I have come face to face personally with this experience many times. This illustrates one of the cult-like behaviors very clearly. Additionally, this behavior serves to protect their reality. They need to feel validated and certain that they are following the right path, so voices of the non-believers cannot be permitted because they threaten their sobriety. Last but not least, every principle and technique used in the 12 step program of AA/NA not only promotes but also ensures dependence upon the program. One addiction is replaced with another -- addiction for meetings. Instead of helping the individual develop skills that they can apply to their life outside the program to live a full and productive life, they are brainwashed with fear tactics into believing they must attend NA/AA meetings for the rest of their life or they'll get intoxicated. They discourage independent thinking and, thus, the addict becomes completely dependent upon the program and other members for not only their sobriety, but living in general. They look to to the 12 step program of AA/NA for answers to managing all areas of their life. In the 12 step program of AA / NA, you admit you’re powerless, you give your power to God, list your sins, confess your sin, make restitution, engage in prayer, meditation and service to the program. We’re very clearly talking about a religious conversion here — not a treatment for addiction. The sole purpose of the 12 steps is to induce guilt and shame in attempt to change and control behavior, which is another contributing factor to why so many people can’t succeed through 12 steps. Shame and guilt only produce low self-esteem and encourage self-destructive behavior like drinking and drugs rather than healthy, loving behavior towards self.
The whole powerlessness concept came from two places. It was a core concept of the Oxford Group that Bill Wilson had internalized and, therefore, it became one of his core feelings. There is no scientific evidence or even common sense that says admitting we’re powerless is effective in healing any physical health disease.
Quite the contrary — It is counterproductive. The powerlessness concept was what the Oxford Group (cult) used to control, manipulate and retain members by making them completely dependent upon the group and that’s what it ended up doing in the 12 step program of AA as well.
Instilling a sense of powerlessness in an individual is destructive to self-esteem, teaches and perpetuates learned helplessness, perpetuates hopelessness, prevents one from taking personal responsibility and encourages a self-fulfilling prophecy that in the case of alcoholism or addiction often leads to binge drinking and justification for the binge. “If I’m powerless, I guess there’s nothing I can do about it, so I might as well drink/drug myself to death,” is what the alcoholic/addict mind concludes. Some studies indicate that the powerlessness concept actually increases binging behavior and relapse.
It is completely disempowering, which is insane, because what the alcoholic or addict needs more than anything is to feel empowered. They need to feel capable of changing their life. Not only that, it’s a complete lie. When the alcoholic understands that the true root of alcoholism lies in biochemistry and there are ways to correct it, they are given all the tools needed to overcome their addiction and the shame so often associated with being an alcoholic. Being an alcoholic is no longer a moral issue, a character flaw, a spiritual illness, a defect in spirit or a personality disorder. It frees them.
Does an alcoholic/addict have to admit they have a problem? Absolutely, but there is a very big difference between admitting you have a problem and submitting to complete powerlessness. It’s impossible to overcome any problem if one does not admit it exists, so yes it is a crucial first step. However, powerlessness is not an essential component of that first step.

Another important point is that there is a very big difference between spirituality and religion and even though NA/AA and 12 step treatment centers deny it vehemently, the 12 step program of NA/AA is a religious program, not a spiritual one. Religion involves practices and beliefs that include a higher power or God, while spirituality is focused on finding purpose and meaning in your life, the relationship you have with yourself, those around you and the Universe. The 12 step program of NA/AA is clearly categorized in the category of religion.
Cult-Like & Brainwashing Behaviors
Then there is the cult issue. “A cult typically refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception.” They engage in a variety of behaviors like mind control and intimidation, they thrive on creating a sense of powerlessness in the member, the operate as a closed system with, they are rigid, dogmatic and authoritarian, believe their way is the only way, require complete submission of the will to God, are built on a charismatic leader that is revered and worshipped and engage in elaborate religious rituals with a strong emphasis on prayer, to name a few. The 12 step program of AA/NA fits this definition like a glove and engage in each and every one of these cult-like behaviors.

We also have the brainwashing aspect. Brainwashing (also known as thought reform or as re-education) consists of any effort aimed at instilling certain attitudes and beliefs in a person — beliefs sometimes unwelcome or in conflict with the person’s prior beliefs and knowledge, in order to affect that individual’s value system and subsequent thought-patterns and behaviors.
This is a clear definition of exactly what goes on in AA/NA and 12 step treatment programs. The whole success of the program hinges on whether the addict will buy their beliefs and adopt them as their own value system and think and behave in a particular manner. Just like prisoners of war or others subjected to brainwashing, when the alcoholic is resistant, they are confronted with hostile, angry confrontations, threats of relapse, failure, accusations of being in denial, not ready, or incapable of honesty, rejection and even death.
Although traditional treatment and the 12 step program of NA/AA employ cult-like behaviors and practice brainwashing, I don’t believe they do so with evil or harmful intentions. I believe that at the heart of the 12 step program of NA/AA is a sincere desire to help others. I believe they think they are doing something good, but then again, I’m sure that’s what other brainwashers and cults think. Regardless, the fact remains that whether it is done with good intentions or not, brainwashing and cult like behavior is occurring and many people are, rightfully so, uncomfortable with these methods. The problem is that it is misguided and the end result is the same. Most alcoholics and addicts end up without getting the help they need because they have been driven away by these practices that feel frightening or uncomfortable and because they’re simply ineffective for a powerful physiological disease like addiction.
The other issue at hand in regard to the cult like and brainwashing behaviors and the religion issue is honesty. In a program that demands rigorous honesty, let’s at least be honest about who and what we are and the methods we employ and not attack the people who are uncomfortable with the methods and call it like it is. The 12 step program of NA/AA is a religious program that uses cult-like practices; let’s just admit that.
It’s quite interesting that in spite of the fact that the 12 step program of NA/AA and 12 step treatment centers claim to be an open-minded and accepting group, everyone defends this program to the death with angry, defensive, sometimes hostile, vicious and vengeful attacks against people who dare say anything negative about the program, question any of its methods or beliefs or express any doubts or concerns whatsoever. If it’s not angry attacks, it comes in the form of subtle, yet clear, rejection and disapproval. The message is very clear that if you do not believe 100 percent, you are not accepted. I have come face to face personally with this experience many times.
This illustrates one of the cult-like behaviors very clearly. Additionally, this behavior serves to protect their reality. They need to feel validated and certain that they are following the right path, so voices of the non-believers cannot be permitted because they threaten their sobriety.
Last but not least, every principle and technique used in the 12 step program of AA/NA not only promotes but also ensures dependence upon the program. One addiction is replaced with another — addiction for meetings. Instead of helping the individual develop skills that they can apply to their life outside the program to live a full and productive life, they are brainwashed with fear tactics into believing they must attend NA/AA meetings for the rest of their life or they’ll get intoxicated. They discourage independent thinking and, thus, the addict becomes completely dependent upon the program and other members for not only their sobriety, but living in general. They look to to the 12 step program of AA/NA for answers to managing all areas of their life.

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