Alcoholics Anonymous: Cult or Cure?

I couldn’t put it down. Extremely well researched, well written, funny, and insightful.

Saying it is a disease is a cop out, in that if you tell somebody that it's not in their power or control, and it's a disease and that you have to look to a higher power. Then you give them a scrape goat. Why should I do anything if it's a disease you disavow them of any personal responsibility.The crux of the problem is that turning to a higher power. If alcohol is truly a disease it seems to me that turning to a higher power should stop cancer? Sorry folks that is not how it works. It is that simple, if you don't agree show me concrete proof otherwise; Telling me tell that it worked for you or somebody you know that isn't scientific proof. Until AA can do that we need to seriously consider the consequences of calling it a disease. Charles Buffe makes the argument it could even be more harmful than doing nothing.You have give me some concrete evidence that it works or what is the point.

I give this book 5 stars because he tells the truth.I have been a part of AA for over ten years. Anytime I wanted to discuss my thoughts with someone before or after meetings, I was shut down. They would say, 'take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth. I asked time and again to help me understand this higher power thing, they just said, keep coming back.They suggest being open-minded; but as long as you are open to their point of view only. Another warning is watch out for the cliques. AA is an exclusive group: a close group of friends with similar interests and goals, whom outsiders regard as excluding them. Woman beware: Chapter 8 of the big book suggest wives to be doormats.Another problem I have with AA is their tendency to take the credit for the knowledge in their AA big book. They should at least give credit to the author of the serenity prayer. For this, I suggest the following book. The author is the daughter of the author of the serenity prayer: "The Serenity Prayer: Faith and Politics in Times of Peace and War" by Elisabeth Sifton: Jan 17, 2005.The AA big book also suggests in an appendix the book "The Varieties Of Religious Experience: A Study In Human Nature Paperback," by William James: September 5, 2013.I would bet a $1000.00 if one out of a 1000 members ever heard of this book.I close with a challenge that members of AA or non-members to read another helpful book "An Atheists Unofficial Guide to AA - for Newcomers" by Vince Hawkins, October 28, 2011. Another challenge is to read this book "AA: Cult or Cure" by Charles Bufe.As a recovering Catholic, I urge every Roman Catholic to read this book. The Catholic Church is a cult.In addition to this book, look at the following web site regarding additional chapters on the history of AA:[...]

Very interesting reading.However, there is a huge difference between AA in the UK and the USA.Thankfully UK courts do not enforce people to attend overpriced , residential AA based treatment centres.The biggest problem for AA anywhere is the lack of research.AA does not work for everyone and there is certainly no room for criticism.If AA doesn't work for you, it's YOUR FAULT.Any organisation built on guilt and fear just doesn't help.

This is a way better alternative to "the big book", trust me I've read both lol

A breath of fresh air for those tired of the endless and nauseating sycophancy that seems to surround 'AA'. Very readable and penetrable verse detailing the founding of AA and the flaws innate within its approach. Clearly the author is no fan of the gibberish offered by the '12 step' method of dealing with alcohol problems. However he treats each element of the program with fair and critical analysis in scientific and factual terms. In this reviewers opinion; being fairer and more willing to grant the benefit of doubt than the hugely harmful, degrading, and for the most part completely ineffective 'waste of an otherwise useful morning', that AA comprises of, deserves. That into the 21st century 'AA' is the primary 'treatment' inflicted upon those suffering a very legitimate behavioral issue is a dis-credit to the advances civilization has made in the understanding of the human mind and the scientific method. I highly recommend this book.

Chaz Buffe holds no punches in this methodically researched, well written book. It does get very heavy in the details in places, but that is to be somewhat expected. While there was some discernible bias, towards anarchy and atheism, Buffe does manage to be very objective in his reporting of the facts. This book should be the first for anyone who is skeptical of AA methods. Give it a good read and then head toward one of many secular self help books that actually help people.

I consider myself an AA survivor. Was looking for texts to see others experiences with the group. I love how this lined out many of the same feelings I had about my experience. AA is great for some, but I really did come out of my 2 year long experience feeling like I'd been brainwashed, and seeing too much cultish behaviors. I'm sure everyone has different experiences. That's just mine. I still dont drink, and AA did give me what I thought I needed in the beginning. But I am a happier sober person away from the group.

I am transitioning out of the 12 Step "programme" of SAA, having been a highly active member for over 14 years. I am moving on to read "Combating Cult Mind Control" by Steven Hassan. I was brainwashed into believing that I was powerless over the addiction, that it was a disease, that I can only live one day at a time, that I have to believe in a "Higher Power" and maintain conscious contact with that Higher Power or I'm doomed. The last two years I was mostly living in hell because I had lost my conscience contact with God/ HP whatever people say. I spent £16,000 of inpatient treatment for 6 weeks of mostly more 12 Step indoctrination. Over my years "in recovery" I have personally spent nearly £50,000 on treatment centers and my employer's health insurance have spent a very similar amount. And what was the general theme, that I am an addict, powerless, incurable disease blah blah blah. I feel so much lighter as I wave goodbye to the Twelve Steps cults and start to live a sober life without the need to attend meetings for the rest of my life. Without the need to ring my sponsor every day and just hope he's in a good mood. I am pleased (I nearly said " I'm grateful" - that programming line the 12 steps have ALMOST programmed into me) to have read this book, really helped me through my recovery from the cult of 12 Step recovery.

Anyone giving this less than five stars is an AA member denying the facts. Very well researched.

I thoroughly recommend this book! It explains the truth about the cult called AA. It quotes many studies to back up it's claims that AA is useless at healing addiction, and that it is a damaging cult that is erroding away society. If you have been abused by AA or it's sister programs, then please read this book, it will help to deprogram you back into the real world.

An extremely insightful, informative, thoroughly researched and well written book. I would recommend this to anyone searching for an unambiguous, open and frank assessment of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I liked this book but it was a waste of time trying to enlighten a brainwashed AA member