Integrity
Binge Poster
When I first started attending AA decades ago I was I was cautious about it being a cult.It's just hyperbole based on my own experience, don't fret. The actual data says that it's less than 50% effective, but that also goes for all drug and alcohol treatment. In AAs defense, it's not a treatment program in itself, just a community, so unlike other recovery/rehab methods, it's more a cult than a scam.
After really getting to know the spiritual suggestions that AA offers one through the 12 Steps I am firmly convinced by my experience with both AA and Protestantism that it is less cultish than some of the Protestant Churches I have experienced.
That may not be saying much to you but in short, I don’t believe AA operates as a cult.