While Alcoholics Anonymous has been known for helping millions of people overcome addiction to alcohol over the years, others have questioned the validity of the organization. For, there are some such as Charlie Sheen and others whom have suggested that AA is a cult. As such, these individuals often believe that rather than having helped in life, the impact and results have had far more negative effects.
In the case of Sheen, the actor suggested the organization not only ruined his life but also took control of others in the family. In this case, Sheen suggests that twenty two years of life was spent under the control of the organization. As such, the actor firmly believes that the control the organization has over individuals, family members and friends proves the organization is in fact a cult.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
In the piece, the author discusses the results of a research project when two sociologists posted as AA members, obtaining sponsors, attending social gatherings and meeting and participating in all aspects of the program. The two even participated in the twelve step process while attempting to communicate with the generic higher power. As with other members, when the two could not communicate or connect with the so-called higher power, the two were told to follow the commands of upper level members and sponsors.
Upon completion of the covert operation and research project, the two determined that due to the methods of brainwashing and commands used in the program, it was in fact a cult. For, any group or organization which demands members or individuals follow a specific path without free will is participating in brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the center of every cult, the practice only added to the sociologists earlier conclusion.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
Even prior to the existing organization, the original group from which AA was born, The Oxford Group, had also been identified as a cult. For, both groups ask individuals to renounce self-will and surrender to a generic "Higher Power, " whether holding a belief in God or otherwise. Since most alcoholics lack the power to connect or communicate with this entity, individuals are told to follow the commands and orders of upper level AA members and sponsors.
Most damaging is the fact that the organization creates a place where members have to admit and repeatedly vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to other members in a public space. Whether or not the organization realizes, the process is one which promotes a negative image of members. As a result, a number of members often experience setbacks rather than making progress when it comes to overcoming addiction.
In the case of Sheen, the actor suggested the organization not only ruined his life but also took control of others in the family. In this case, Sheen suggests that twenty two years of life was spent under the control of the organization. As such, the actor firmly believes that the control the organization has over individuals, family members and friends proves the organization is in fact a cult.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
In the piece, the author discusses the results of a research project when two sociologists posted as AA members, obtaining sponsors, attending social gatherings and meeting and participating in all aspects of the program. The two even participated in the twelve step process while attempting to communicate with the generic higher power. As with other members, when the two could not communicate or connect with the so-called higher power, the two were told to follow the commands of upper level members and sponsors.
Upon completion of the covert operation and research project, the two determined that due to the methods of brainwashing and commands used in the program, it was in fact a cult. For, any group or organization which demands members or individuals follow a specific path without free will is participating in brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the center of every cult, the practice only added to the sociologists earlier conclusion.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
Even prior to the existing organization, the original group from which AA was born, The Oxford Group, had also been identified as a cult. For, both groups ask individuals to renounce self-will and surrender to a generic "Higher Power, " whether holding a belief in God or otherwise. Since most alcoholics lack the power to connect or communicate with this entity, individuals are told to follow the commands and orders of upper level AA members and sponsors.
Most damaging is the fact that the organization creates a place where members have to admit and repeatedly vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to other members in a public space. Whether or not the organization realizes, the process is one which promotes a negative image of members. As a result, a number of members often experience setbacks rather than making progress when it comes to overcoming addiction.
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