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 some cases, the people think Sheen is overreacting and that calling the organization a cult is a reach. Whereas, the actor is not the first to make such claims. For, as far back as the 1940s, sociologists were infiltrating the organization to prove whether such claims were true or false.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
In the piece, the author discusses the results of a research project when two sociologists posted as AA members, obtaining sponsors, attending social gatherings and meeting and participating in all aspects of the program. The two even participated in the twelve step process while attempting to communicate with the generic higher power. As with other members, when the two could not communicate or connect with the so-called higher power, the two were told to follow the commands of upper level members and sponsors.
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 information in the article also suggest that since AA is involved in brainwashing individuals to believe in a certain way, that is proof enough the group is a cult. While a compelling case, there are others whom will disagree, such as those whom showed such shock at the claims Charlie Sheen made about the organization. Still, there seems to be an overflowing amount of evidence which suggest that the author of the article, Sheen and the sociologists are most likely correct in such an assessment.
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.
Unlike the negative self-image being promoted by requiring members to vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to one another in a public forum, the earlier group provided one-on-one counseling. Whereas, while there are now sponsors whom members can contact for support, most of these individuals lack the education or knowledge to accurately counsel individuals beyond explaining why having a drink might not be such a good idea.
In some cases, the people think Sheen is overreacting and that calling the organization a cult is a reach. Whereas, the actor is not the first to make such claims. For, as far back as the 1940s, sociologists were infiltrating the organization to prove whether such claims were true or false.
In fact, more than one reporter has questioned as to why the major media has no interest in investigating such claims. For, Sheen is not the first to make such claims. In fact, the question dates back to the 1940s. In an edition of the California Sociologist, L Allen Ragels reposed the question in an article titled Is Alcoholics Anonymous a Cult? An Old Question Revisited.
In the piece, the author discusses the results of a research project when two sociologists posted as AA members, obtaining sponsors, attending social gatherings and meeting and participating in all aspects of the program. The two even participated in the twelve step process while attempting to communicate with the generic higher power. As with other members, when the two could not communicate or connect with the so-called higher power, the two were told to follow the commands of upper level members and sponsors.
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 information in the article also suggest that since AA is involved in brainwashing individuals to believe in a certain way, that is proof enough the group is a cult. While a compelling case, there are others whom will disagree, such as those whom showed such shock at the claims Charlie Sheen made about the organization. Still, there seems to be an overflowing amount of evidence which suggest that the author of the article, Sheen and the sociologists are most likely correct in such an assessment.
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.
Unlike the negative self-image being promoted by requiring members to vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to one another in a public forum, the earlier group provided one-on-one counseling. Whereas, while there are now sponsors whom members can contact for support, most of these individuals lack the education or knowledge to accurately counsel individuals beyond explaining why having a drink might not be such a good idea.
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