Originally Posted by
blueberry2015 
I too have recently stepped back from AA after 4 years. I cannot deny that it has without a shadow of a doubt helped me, the principles of the 12 steps do align with the eightfold path of Buddhism AND pretty much any therapy techniques. Its not the 12 steps I have an issue with, what I have an issue with is that I’m no longer growing in AA, stuck in a constant cycle of the past, I’m hearing the same things over and over again. If I were toI dare to speak out about this in a meeting, I would be lynched... thats your illness talking blah blah blah.
It feels almost cult like and I felt brainwashed (no my brain doesn't need washing) I have never felt comfortable with the idea of alcoholism being a disease, I drank because I did not know how to deal with emotional pain, end of and I became addicted.
There are other options for recovery to AA, despite what we are led to believe AA isnt the only way. I wish you well on your path x
Yes, there are members and AA groups which give off a cult-like vibe.
However, my experience has been you can also find plenty of members/meetings that don't.
Members/groups who won't chew your head off if you don't agree with them or question what is written in the BB.