AA in the Courts: How Did It Get There and What Can Be Done?
The courts were not only sending anyone who got a DUI or DWI, but they were also sending violent and sex offenders who don't even drink. So why would a judge send them there?
Ever wondered why Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are often mandated by courts? In this eye-opening episode of 'Safe Recovery', host Monica Richardson dives into the origins and implications of AA's deep entanglement with the judicial system. From its beginnings in prisons in 1941 to the rise of drug courts in the late '80s and early '90s, Monica lays out a timeline that reveals the complex relationship between AA and the justice system.
She also tackles the controversial practice of sending even non-drinking offenders to AA meetings, raising important questions about judicial motives and the financial incentives behind these mandates. As a breast cancer survivor, filmmaker, activist, and singer-songwriter, Monica brings a unique perspective to this critical issue. She doesn’t just highlight problems; she offers alternatives to AA, encouraging listeners to consider other recovery paths that respect individual freedom and choice.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of addiction recovery and the legal system, and it promises to leave you questioning the status quo while feeling more empowered in your own recovery journey.