In reply to Genghis the Hutt (msg # 6):
That's the largest part of it, yes, but there is another aspect of it.
If you want to look at it negatively, yes, 'cult feel' could be used to describe it, but it is by no means accurate.
What you get instead is a feeling of belonging, a feeling of not being alone.
That is the biggest strength of AA, Gambler's Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and any of the other related groups.
They are there to help you realize that you're not alone in dealing with it.
Baron:
In other words, you are weak.
Pal, you couldn't be further from the truth. The 'rationale' of these groups is that there is something that you can't handle on your own - and it has nothing to do with being weak.
These groups celebrate the strength of the person, not the weakness. Asking for help is never
EVER a weakness, and I
will have words with anyone who even suggests otherwise. It takes incredible inner strength to admit that you have a problem, a demon that you can't handle on your own. I've been there - both as a participant and as an outsider watching someone else in that spiral. Just knowing that there are others who have been there is sometimes enough (it was all I needed), and knowing that you can ask for and receive support and help, no questions asked, is truly indescribable.
And yes, everyone is different so this solution doesn't work for everyone but, on the same note, it is one of the most difficult paths anyone has to walk and they shouldn't have to walk it on their own. As all these groups say, you take it one second at a time, one minute, one hour, one day. Eventually that time adds up, eventually that time heals and overcomes. But it takes time and effort - from the person involved as well as those on the outside who care for them.
I will warn you, suggesting AA or any of the other programs to someone is one of the most difficult things you can do. Stay strong and be supportive of your friend, because it's a rocky, hard, terrible road - but a necessary one that only leads to positive places.