In defense of A.A.

Today I want to mention a few things about Alcoholics Anonymous and the other twelve-step programs.

Since they have received some substantial negative publicity lately, due to some high profile people saying some negative things about them, it seems to me they deserve to be described from the proper perspective.

Despite the criticisms, twelve step programs are not cults.  The twelve step programs do work for people who do the work required.  No one pays for what they receive from twelve step programs; they survive on contributions from those that choose to contribute.

Twelve step programs are like just about everything else in life; you get out them what you put into them.  No one can make you clean unless you want to be clean.  Desire is just the beginning part; you have to do the work yourself.

Criticizing twelve step programs for a low success rate is like saying not everyone who buys exercise equipment gets a much better body right after purchase.  You have to use the thing properly to receive the benefits.

I hope this makes sense to you.