lystn

In this episode, Adi addresses the elephant in the room -- AA. While AA has certainly provided help to many people with addiction, it has for years fallen short as the primary, and oftentimes the only, option for those in recovery. Millions of people go without help every year because the dogmatic model of AA simply doesn’t work for them. We need to start thinking about how we can reach those who have been failed by the 12-Step approach to recovery. Mentioned in the episode: IGNTD Hero Recovery Program (3:25) - Adi starts his discussion of AA by talking about his issues with its religiosity. (4:05) - AA is wrong to claim that people are powerless over their addiction. By going to meetings and seeking help, people prove that they have power over their addiction.  (4:55) - AA leaves out those who desire to cut back on, but not completely abstain from, drinking. (5:20) - We are not all the same. Sponsors don’t have any training and only go off of what worked for them.  (5:40) - AA’s program is outdated.  (6:23) - The problem isn’t that AA exists--It’s that AA has become the ONLY option for treatment.  (9:00) - Regardless of how you measure recovery, the addiction industry is failing to save people. We need to raise the standard of care.  (11:30) - Adi gives recommendations for how we can raise the standard of care.  (13:19) - We don’t tell people with depression that we will only help them if they stop being depressed. We don’t tell people who need physical therapy that we won’t help them unless they stop using crutches. We shouldn’t tell people struggling with addiction that we won’t help them unless they stop using.  (15:35) - Just because the AA principles worked for you doesn’t mean they are right for everyone.  (17:40) - We have to stop putting up barriers to help and start opening our doors to people who need help.