Episode 156: Deprogramming from Traditional AAEpisode 156: Deprogramming from Traditional AA
Beyond Belief Sobriety
John H. from the We Agnostics Group in Washington DC makes another appearance on the podcast to talk about deprogramming from AA. The word “deprogramming” may seem strong, but for those of us who have spent some time in traditional AA,
55:42•15 Mar 2020
John H.: Carving a Secular Path Away from Traditional AA
“One of the reasons you recover, one of the reasons you get sober, is to formulate more honest and direct and clear-headed opinions about what you do yourself, not take opinions from me or some other member and graft them onto your life.”
Ever felt like the traditional AA approach just doesn't fit your worldview? John H. from the We Agnostics Group in Washington DC has been there, and he's back on Beyond Belief Sobriety to share his journey of 'deprogramming' from conventional AA. For John, a lifelong atheist, the standard AA steps and beliefs didn’t resonate. Instead, he found solace and support in a secular AA group in Kansas City.
He brought these experiences to his meetings, challenging the notion that one must feel inherently defective to recover. John believes that recovery is about forming honest and direct opinions about oneself, rather than adopting others' views. This episode dives into various themes, including the challenges of traditional AA, the role of sponsorship, understanding character defects, and fostering inclusivity within the community. John’s story is a refreshing take for anyone seeking an alternative path to sobriety.
The conversation is rich with insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for those navigating their own secular recovery journey. Tune in to hear John’s unique perspective and discover how you too can find your own way to sobriety without the constraints of traditional AA.

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