Member-only story
My Recovery From Alcoholics Anonymous
Having to unlearn some really bad ideas
When I first started writing about my experience in AA I could still hear the voices of AA members in my head.
How dare I criticize “the program” when it’s helped so many people get sober? In their minds — it was my “disease talking.”
I still get the cliche gaslighting and condescending comments on Medium from AA members like…
“Why are you so angry?”
“I hope you’re still sober”
“We’ll leave the light on for you”
“Keep coming back.”
I don’t blame my drinking on AA, but I do blame the current state of Alcoholics Anonymous for perpetuating misinformation.
AA and 12-step terminology permeates every corner of the recovery world with nonsensical (and often misinterpreted) catchphrases.
I still find myself having to “unlearn” things I was told in AA.
