While Alcoholics Anonymous has been known for helping millions of people overcome addiction to alcohol over the years, others have questioned the validity of the organization. For, there are some such as Charlie Sheen and others whom have suggested that AA is a cult. As such, these individuals often believe that rather than having helped in life, the impact and results have had far more negative effects.
In fact, Sheen has suggested that the organization screwed up the actor's life for over 22 years, eventually taking control of family and friends. As might be expected, especially with the recent breakdown the actor experienced a few years ago, most people think the actor is crazy for criticizing the organization. While this is the case, Sheen is not alone when it comes to questioning whether or not this might be the case.
Authors, reporters and researchers have all tried to answer the question as to whether there are cultish aspects to the organization. In fact, the question dates back to the early 40s when a local author reposed the question in an article which appeared in the California Sociiologist.
In the case of the two sociologists, neither had ever had an issue with drugs or alcohol though attended meetings, went to social gatherings and followed all aspects of the programs. From the recognition of a generic higher power to completing the twelve steps to sobriety, the sociologists acted as members throughout the study.
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.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
Even prior to the existing organization, the original group from which AA was born, The Oxford Group, had also been identified as a cult. For, both groups ask individuals to renounce self-will and surrender to a generic "Higher Power, " whether holding a belief in God or otherwise. Since most alcoholics lack the power to connect or communicate with this entity, individuals are told to follow the commands and orders of upper level AA members and sponsors.
Most damaging is the fact the organization continually ask members to admit and vocalize short-comings and weaknesses in a public forum on an ongoing basis. In doing so, the organization is forcing each member to reinforce a negative self-image. As a result, there are a number of members whom have left the organization, suggesting that Sheen, Rollins, Alexander and others are most likely correct in past and present assumptions that the organization is a cult.
In fact, Sheen has suggested that the organization screwed up the actor's life for over 22 years, eventually taking control of family and friends. As might be expected, especially with the recent breakdown the actor experienced a few years ago, most people think the actor is crazy for criticizing the organization. While this is the case, Sheen is not alone when it comes to questioning whether or not this might be the case.
Authors, reporters and researchers have all tried to answer the question as to whether there are cultish aspects to the organization. In fact, the question dates back to the early 40s when a local author reposed the question in an article which appeared in the California Sociiologist.
In the case of the two sociologists, neither had ever had an issue with drugs or alcohol though attended meetings, went to social gatherings and followed all aspects of the programs. From the recognition of a generic higher power to completing the twelve steps to sobriety, the sociologists acted as members throughout the study.
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.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
Even prior to the existing organization, the original group from which AA was born, The Oxford Group, had also been identified as a cult. For, both groups ask individuals to renounce self-will and surrender to a generic "Higher Power, " whether holding a belief in God or otherwise. Since most alcoholics lack the power to connect or communicate with this entity, individuals are told to follow the commands and orders of upper level AA members and sponsors.
Most damaging is the fact the organization continually ask members to admit and vocalize short-comings and weaknesses in a public forum on an ongoing basis. In doing so, the organization is forcing each member to reinforce a negative self-image. As a result, there are a number of members whom have left the organization, suggesting that Sheen, Rollins, Alexander and others are most likely correct in past and present assumptions that the organization is a cult.
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