Why and How A.A. is NOT a cult

I have seen enough people make this claim without fully understanding how a cult operates. What people react to is a basic perversion of the program. People in A.A. can act like it's a cult, but that's on them, not A.A.. I know there will be plenty of examples of discrete A.A. groups and members doing all the things I'm saying A.A. isn't. The only answer I have is that behavior is not a part of any healthy program of recovery. I've been sober a very long time, and my membership in A.A. has not interfered with any outside help I've received for my mental or physical health.

  • A.A. is not and was lead by a charismatic leader who seen as infallible.
    • Bill W. never claimed to have divine authority, special knowledge, or super powers.
    • Dr. Bob was in the same boat.
    • There is not Supreme Leader of A.A. now.
  • There is no authoritarian control over people's lives.
    • While some people might ACT like they have the right to control people, there is no organizational incentive for that to happen.
    • Since there is no formal leadership or leader, control over A.A. members is completely done on a personal level. Nothing in the literature suggests questioning the program or groups is wrong.
  • No "Us vs. Them" mentality.
    • "We have no opinion on outside issues".
    • While the term "normie" or "earth person" is kicked around, there is no sense of superiority baked into the literature or program. A lot of attention is focused on participating in the lives of others regardless of their membership in A.A. or not. There is no formal "A.A. members can't be around their family or non-members." doctrine.
  • There is no isolation
    • The twelve step program doesn't insist on separating members from society at large. There is no encouragement to totally depend on the group for all things.
  • There is no Ultimate Truth
    • A.A. literature clearly states that more will be revealed and we know only a little. Outside input is both welcome and encouraged.
  • No Manipulative Recruitment Tactics
    • There are no high pressure recruitments, no loyalty tests, or demands of obedience in any formal way. Some people do this, but again, that is a failing of that individual, not A.A.
  • No Exploitation
    • Members are not exploited financially, sexually, or emotionally with resources directed toward the leader or group goals
    • A.A. members are never pressured to do anything at an institutional level.
  • There are no rigid rules or expectations
    • The twelve suggested steps as a program of recovery.
    • There is no punishment, shaming or expulsion for any perceived "violation". You can't violate the steps.
  • Dissent is welcome, not suppressed.
    • No one is punished for criticizing the group or program.
    • Conformity is not required. Each group carries "its" message, not "the" message.
  • No real emotional manipulation to maintain dependency on A.A.
    • While people certainly can tell stories of being guilted and shamed by fellow members, this is not a formal element of the program. It is widely discouraged, or should be.
  • No Official information control
    • A.A. Central Service is a pretty open book.
    • A.A. members are not discouraged to research or consume non-conference approved literature or media. While there are some groups that only use A.A. literature in their meetings, members are not restricted from outside sources.