What are the main criticisms of 12-step programs?

The reason why there is so much criticism of the 12-step approach is because it is the dominant paradigm. It has been around for 50 plus years. It has not really changed; there is not a new addition, no a new attempt to reintegrate new knowledge. It is based on theories and models of personality and sociology of the 1930s. It is an easy target, to be frank; that's where most of the criticism comes from. The success rate, also, is dubious. It is someplace between 5 and 15, depending on the research you check. The problem is that it's being applied as a 'one-size-fits-all for all things', and it was never designed as such. Therefore it's easy to criticize its shortcomings in particular domains or things such as that. It is just not, like any treatment, a fix for everything that ails you. Yet traditionally, the people who have recovered through a 12-step program are quite enthusiastic about their own success, and try to convert others into that model. For more information visit http://www.aaalternatives.com

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[mdaskal2000]

@rickbangkok Unfortunately, I tossed that outdated, religious, cult manifesto(AKA the 'big book) in the trash back in 2007(both my harcover and softcover). I got sick of attending funerals for people that bill wilson's god failed to help.(but it's not religious right?). I'm not quite sure what Jordan Maxwell has to do with AA.......

[mdaskal2000]

@rickbangkok THAT is sooooooo trite. I'll agree with you on the 'don't drink part.' BUT 'meetings' are nothing more than boring religious revivals where rational ideas are shot down and thinking is replaced with silly religious propaganda. the 'big book,' is nothing more than the rantings of a religious lunatic. Bill Wilson obviously has NO respect for science,psychology, or rational thought. That is why persons whom use their brain, should not take AA seriously!

[opendtuning]

@mdaskal2000 since you are ranting on about AA, here's an AA one liner you might like? 'If You can spot it, then You've got it'!!!  ring any bells?

[BlatzBeer]

My primary criticism of the 12-step program is that it didn't work for the man who was largely responsible for its popularity, Bill Wilson, co-founder of AA. He suffered soul-crushing depression his entire life and had several notable character flaws (such as being argumentative with AA staff and lying about AA attendance figures); AA'ers today would call him a "dry drunk." According to AA archivist Nell Wing, he even tried LSD in the 1950's and seemed to turn his back on his own Twelve Steps!

[TheDonny2]

The Success is 75 % if you do what the program tells you to .

[meddetect10]

@jamessavik Typical AA response-ignore them. Controlling, weak-minded busy body know-it-all's. If they had all the answers why do they keep doing the same things over and over expecting different results. That's what I call INSANITY!

[Hammersley1967]

@jamessavik

Nah... Haven't had a drink for 16 years...

Just thought a quick knuckle sandwich to your wedding tackle might sober YOU up...

[jamessavik]

@Hammersley1967 still drunk, loser?

[Hammersley1967]

@jamessavik

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN PUNCHED IN THE DICK!!!?

[jamessavik]

I've got 7 years clean & sober in NA. I've seen a lot of people who didn't make it. Mostly they were too smart to stay clean and sober. Smarter than people who had been living successfully clean and sober for decades.