> I find the program a bit cultish I have shared in meetings that I sometimes think AA/NA is a cult. Everyone understood. And over time I've come to see the im

> I find the program a bit cultish I have shared in meetings that I sometimes think AA/NA is a cult. Everyone understood. And over time I've come to see the importance of the word "Anonymous", which is found in the name (obviously) but also in the traditions, and means exactly this: that everyone is equal within the group. There is no "great leader", nobody that is "right", nobody that is "wrong". It is about sharing one's experience -- the things one has done, the actions one has taken -- which speak for themselves. > and don't agree that telling people they are helpless is the right way to help them The actual word is "powerless", not "helpless". And this powerlessness describes: - the addict's inability to stop despite earnest and sincere desire. - the inability, once clean for a short time, to keep from returning to drug use Before I started attending 12-step, I had read the Bible, Marcus Aurelius, Tao Te Ching, various self-help books, The Power of Now, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and on and on and on. I had within me all the beliefs and understanding needed to live in a good way, in accordance with my principles. In short, to live with dignity. And yet I could not live according to my own principles. This wasn't just about drug use...it was about being patient, kind, tolerant, loving, helpful. I think that's the root of the powerlessness talked about in AA/NA. What I've found is that, with the belief in a higher power, I'm able to go to bed with a sense of dignity most days.