Ep 223 The AA Problem Addiction Experts Keep Missing

What happens when a leading addiction expert acknowledges that AA is a cult, says that’s precisely why it works, and then dismisses criticism of 12-step programs as “bashing”?

In this episode, I examine the dangerous blind spot around AA in the addiction field, how the language of “AA bashing” turns people raising concerns into the aggressors, and why openly discussing risks and harms is essential for harm reduction and informed consent.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro experts dangerous AA blind spot

01:47 Critiquing a cult is "bashing?"

03:10 AA works because it's a cult

07:02 Calling criticism "bashing"

11:05 Anti-harm reduction centering

14:31 Applying the same logic to cults

19:10 Recovery narrative needs updating

Sources:

Why 12-step programs work for addictions | Peter Attia and Anna Lembke