Kenneth Anderson
Kenneth Anderson
Is Alcoholics Anonymous Negativity-Based?
Is Alcoholics Anonymous Negativity-Based?
Is Alcoholics Anonymous Negativity-Based?
Friday 22nd February 2013
Laura Tompkins discusses the mental health risks of AA's negativity-based approach and explores harm reduction alternatives on Harm Reduction Radio.
67 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Eye-opening
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Kenneth Anderson
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Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Get the buttons here!Questioning AA: Laura Tompkins on the Mental Health Risks of 12-Step Programs
You've got to get a higher power and you've got to go to meetings and you've got to call yourself by negative labels for the rest of your life. One drink makes one drunk, all that stuff that they tell you. And it's sort of like a dieter who you know has a cookie, and they told themselves they're not going to eat cookies.
Have you ever wondered if Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) might be doing more harm than good? In this thought-provoking episode of Harm Reduction Radio, Kenneth Anderson sits down with Laura Tompkins to tackle this very question. With a Master of Arts in Addiction Studies from the Hazelden Graduate School, Tompkins sheds light on the potential mental health risks associated with AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
She argues that the negativity-based approach of these programs can be hazardous, particularly when it comes to self-labelling and vulnerability. Tompkins doesn't hold back as she delves into the dangers of labeling oneself negatively and how it can affect one's mental well-being. She also touches on the role of vulnerability in both cults and 12-step programs, making for a gripping discussion. The conversation then shifts to the benefits of harm reduction programs as a more compassionate alternative.
But that's not all. The episode also covers the high cost of rehab and the limitations of insurance, which can make seeking help even more challenging. Tompkins discusses the prevalence of middle-aged people and teenagers in rehab, shedding light on an often-overlooked demographic. The controversial '13th step' and the difficulties in diagnosing alcohol abuse and dependency are also explored.
As the episode wraps up, there's a call to action for listeners to critically evaluate AA and other 12-step programs, and to consider harm reduction as a viable option. If you're looking for an eye-opening discussion that challenges conventional wisdom, this episode is a must-listen.