Defending Alcoholics Anonymous

By John Barleykorn

There is a lot of misinformation and vitriol being spewed out on a consistent basis in the past several years about Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-Step Programs in general.

I have seen incredible transformations take place due to 12-Step programs (not to mention my own). I have also seen people make positive changes in other ways. However, in my opinion, the 12-Step method is still the “gold standard” and best overall because it addresses the spirit; I believe that is the most powerful and effective (albeit mysterious) approach.

AA is a humble organization that sits quietly on the sidelines and does not endeavor to participate in debates of any kind. It accepts no outside contributions and takes no position on outside issues. The way AA operates is exemplary.
Yet, some like to portray it as a sort of malevolent oligarchy that is controlling the treatment community and suppressing other treatments. And surprisingly, many who apparently benefited from active participation in this free, easily accessible program later find the need to write disparaging works about it or condemn it on social media. It’s pathetic.

It seems unlikely that AA is ever going to publicly debate these haters because that is not consistent with its methodology. However, since AA is not likely to defend itself, I will endeavor to do so in the following pages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Barleykorn
• Release date: Feb 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463199848

John Barleykorn

John Barelykorn has worked as a probation/parole officer since 2003 and has been sober since 2001. Working with addicted offenders offers a lot of insight into the power of addiction.Prior to learning to navigate a 12-Step program, he relapsed for more than a decade. There is a way to get sober and stay sober. It's a battle. Learn how to fight it.

Book preview

Defending

Alcoholics

Anonymous

Haters are Motivators

Johnnie Barleykorn

Copyright © 2019 by Gilroy Publishing

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN: 9781095567555

Email:[e-mail]

Find us on Facebook. 12-Step Survival Guide

Editor: Mollie A. Gill

For my English professor, Fr. Hagan, who during my freshman year at Villanova University unjustly accused me of plagiarism. Forty years later I would write my first book.

Introduction

There is a lot of misinformation and vitriol being spewed out on a consistent basis in the past several years about Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-Step Programs in general. A google search of 12-Step fraud yields 139,000 results. Even a google search defending Alcoholics Anonymous resulted in overwhelmingly negative articles.

I have seen incredible transformations take place due to 12-Step programs (not to mention my own). I have also seen people make positive changes in other ways. However, in my opinion, the 12-Step method is still the gold standard and best overall because it addresses the spirit; I believe that is the most powerful and effective (albeit mysterious) approach.

AA is a humble organization that sits quietly on the sidelines and does not endeavor to participate in debates of any kind. It accepts no outside contributions and takes no position on outside issues. The way AA operates is exemplary.

Yet, some like to portray it as a sort of malevolent oligarchy that is controlling the treatment community and suppressing other treatments. I have never seen anything in AA’s literature disparaging other forms of treatment. For example, AA’s literature states that no member should play doctor and all medical advice and treatment should come from a qualified physician, so anyone who is using medication to assist their recovery is certainly not in conflict with AA.

You don’t need to be funded to go to AA. There is no screening process. You don’t need to be approved by an insurance company or a government agency. You can simply walk in the door. You are a member the moment you say you are. And I am thankful AA has such low membership standards – they always took me back during my years of relapsing.

Yet, surprisingly, many who apparently benefited from active participation in this free, easily accessible program later find the need to write disparaging works about it or condemn it on social media. It’s pathetic.

It seems unlikely that AA is ever going to publicly debate these haters because that is not consistent with its methodology. However, since AA is not likely to defend itself, I will endeavor to do so in the following pages.

Let me make one thing clear: I am not a spokesperson for AA, but the facts are the facts. Moreover, AA saved my life. It is worthy of a vigorous defense.

CHAPTER ONE

Let’s start with some basics. AA does not promote itself or advertise. You will not get any annoying solicitations from AA. They will not bombard you with slick mailings or call you and implore you to donate. You will not see any AA fundraisers or canisters at a local business. Unlike most other non-profits or charitable organizations, AA does not spend a substantial amount of money on fundraising - raising more money.

AA is self-supporting. If