When it comes to support organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, there are a number people whom have been helped over the years. At the same time, there are others such as Charlie Sheen whom suggest AA is a cult which ruins lives by controlling members, families and friends. In the case of the actor, Sheen suggest the cult ruined and stole twenty two years of life through false accusations and failed attempts in helping the actor overcome an addiction to alcohol and other substances.
In fact, Sheen has suggested that the organization screwed up the actor's life for over 22 years, eventually taking control of family and friends. As might be expected, especially with the recent breakdown the actor experienced a few years ago, most people think the actor is crazy for criticizing the organization. While this is the case, Sheen is not alone when it comes to questioning whether or not this might be the case.
An author, L Allen Ragels even reposed the question in an article in the popular periodical, The California Sociologist. In the article, the author reviewed the position of two sociologists whom after posing as alcoholics and participating in every area of the program determined that such claims were true.
The piece discusses the findings when two sociologists posed as alcoholics and infiltrated the organization. Each individual attended meetings for several months posing as actual members, obtaining sponsors, attending meetings, social gatherings and following the program. While this is the case, neither of the individuals ever had issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
The article in the sociologist also goes on to analyze different aspects of the program which some individuals suggest prove the organization is a cult. While a compelling case and contrary to the shock people have shown in response to Sheen's comments, it's not the only claim that has been made. In fact, a number of individuals, members and non-members have been calling the organization a cult for over seventy years.
For, even prior to the existing group, the original organization, The Oxford Group had far less control over the actions and beliefs of members than the current Alcoholics Anonymous has over present members. In addition, while a focus on a generic higher power is required, the past group seems to have worked more towards helping members overcome addictions than provide a required belief system or brainwashing members into believing in the same way.
Most damaging is the fact the organization continually ask members to admit and vocalize short-comings and weaknesses in a public forum on an ongoing basis. In doing so, the organization is forcing each member to reinforce a negative self-image. As a result, there are a number of members whom have left the organization, suggesting that Sheen, Rollins, Alexander and others are most likely correct in past and present assumptions that the organization is a cult.
In fact, Sheen has suggested that the organization screwed up the actor's life for over 22 years, eventually taking control of family and friends. As might be expected, especially with the recent breakdown the actor experienced a few years ago, most people think the actor is crazy for criticizing the organization. While this is the case, Sheen is not alone when it comes to questioning whether or not this might be the case.
An author, L Allen Ragels even reposed the question in an article in the popular periodical, The California Sociologist. In the article, the author reviewed the position of two sociologists whom after posing as alcoholics and participating in every area of the program determined that such claims were true.
The piece discusses the findings when two sociologists posed as alcoholics and infiltrated the organization. Each individual attended meetings for several months posing as actual members, obtaining sponsors, attending meetings, social gatherings and following the program. While this is the case, neither of the individuals ever had issues with alcohol or drug abuse.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
The article in the sociologist also goes on to analyze different aspects of the program which some individuals suggest prove the organization is a cult. While a compelling case and contrary to the shock people have shown in response to Sheen's comments, it's not the only claim that has been made. In fact, a number of individuals, members and non-members have been calling the organization a cult for over seventy years.
For, even prior to the existing group, the original organization, The Oxford Group had far less control over the actions and beliefs of members than the current Alcoholics Anonymous has over present members. In addition, while a focus on a generic higher power is required, the past group seems to have worked more towards helping members overcome addictions than provide a required belief system or brainwashing members into believing in the same way.
Most damaging is the fact the organization continually ask members to admit and vocalize short-comings and weaknesses in a public forum on an ongoing basis. In doing so, the organization is forcing each member to reinforce a negative self-image. As a result, there are a number of members whom have left the organization, suggesting that Sheen, Rollins, Alexander and others are most likely correct in past and present assumptions that the organization is a cult.
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