Not A Fan Of AA? It Might Be Time To R.H.I.S.E.

I wanted a new support group — AA wasn’t doing it for me. Instead of waiting for “them” to do something about it, I started one with the help of my good friend, a licensed psychologist.

My experience and criticism of AA are well documented, and while I found SMART Recovery more in tune with modern science and psychology, something was missing there, too.

Regarding Alcoholics Anonymous, I have to give credit where credit is due.

They understand fellowship.

I may disagree with the dogma, cliches, guilt, and shame — but I won’t deny the underlying humanity of the program.

But the main thing that I disliked about both of them is: too much focus on the problem — not enough focus on the solution. Or: what to do next?

I wished someone would combine the fellowship and camaraderie of AA with the science-based approach of SMART Recovery. But I also wanted a program that would focus more on where I was going and not where I had been.

In addition, instead of being “in recovery” — something that should never be permanent — what if it gave you the tools to improve your relationships, health, intellect, spiritual life, and economic…