Powerlessness is the idea that an addict can't just do a little and stop on their own will. Anyone who can stop (like my wife who drinks half a glass of wine) i

Powerlessness is the idea that an addict can't just do a little and stop on their own will. Anyone who can stop (like my wife who drinks half a glass of wine) isn't an addict. Being powerless over addiction isn't helpless. The help is right there in the meeting. I get what you're saying about feeling cult-like. Is it maybe it feels like there are cliques in the room? If so, I imagine if your friend asks to talk to or hang out with those people, they'll more likely than not be open to it. A lot of members don't run right up and hug new people because we don't want to freak them out.