Where AA Falls Short On Mental Health

Talking to a professional first is key

I really thought I was going crazy. It felt like Groundhog Day in hell. I would pick myself up and dust myself off — time and time again. I’d get back to the gym, start eating healthy, and get into my normal routine.

Then it would happen.

Again.

Another drink.

Another relapse.

With each relapse the foundation of my self-image began to crumble — brick by brick. I started to question everything — my morals, my values, my sanity; and even my own identity.

I began to wonder if I was going from being a good person who made a few mistakes to a bad person who occasionally did a few things right.

How did I get here?

I had been attending AA meetings regularly, working with a sponsor, reading the AA Big Book, and working the steps.

When I would relapse, I would immediately come clean to my sponsor. He would tell me to pick up another 24-hour chip and re-work the steps.

Rinse and repeat.

This process became exhausting and humiliating. I knew something was missing — but I didn’t know what.