I have been receiving counseling via group therapy for alcohol issues. The counselor (private clinic, paid for by my insurance), is a big time Alcoholics Anonymous supporter and a member himself. At all the sessions I attend, he pushes AA (and NA and CA) on the patients. I’ve been going to group for a couple of months now and have begun to wonder what all the fuss is about, so I asked for some local meeting addresses. I’ve never been big on the “higher power” concept that is prevalent in AA. It’s a big turnoff. I am not religious and it seems like AA is geared towards people who are religious in one way or another, and it really seems skewed toward Judeo-Christian beliefs.

I’ve done a bunch of research on it and I don’t like what I’ve been reading. Is there an alternative to the 12 Steps? I’ve stopped drinking and been sober for 4 months now with really no cravings and very little desire to drink, except in some social situations, such a bars, etc., which I frankly try to avoid right now, since I find them to be pretty boring.

My question is for those people out there that have experience in one way or another with AA. Is is a “cult”? Why do you think so? If you think it’s helpful, why? If you think it doesn’t promote change, or is actually harmful, why?

My treatment is court-ordered and I have reason to believe that my counselor doesn’t think I’ve remained sober all this time, mainly because I’m not active in AA. I get the feeling that the counselor thinks I’m lying to him about not drinking. It is difficult for me to make it to meetings, as I work full time, have a husband who is a full time student and also have 2 dogs that need to potty after a long day stuck in the house. I also take the bus, so getting to a meeting outside my immediate area would take ages. I’ve been doing well on my own, and really am only interested in meeting some people to hang out with that don’t drink alcohol, since so many people’s lives in my area revolve around it and the local bars, etc.

Thanks in advance!
I’m currently in treatment and haven’t yet been to an AA meeting. It’s the counselor that is pushing AA and touting it as a great thing. I’m not so sure when I start reading about how easily they dismiss those who have gotten sober on their own.