Lies and Shame and Leaving AA: Our Interview with NinaLies and Shame and Leaving AA: Our Interview with Nina
Audio/Video – The Freedom Model For Addictions
Despite not being alcohol dependent or ever facing severe consequences for her drinking, our guest, Nina , explains how AA's cult mentality convinced her she was an alcoholic.
52:43•28 May 2024
Breaking Free: Nina's Journey Away from AA
Episode Overview
- Nina shares her journey of being convinced she was an alcoholic by AA.
- She discusses the shaming tactics used in 12-step programmes.
- Nina highlights the myths and misconceptions surrounding AA.
- The episode challenges conventional wisdom about addiction and recovery.
- Nina emphasises the importance of finding a recovery path that truly works for you.
“No one will ever shame me again. I'll never let them.”
Ever wondered if addiction is really a disease? In this eye-opening episode of The Freedom Model For Addictions, hosts Michelle Dunbar and Mark Shearren sit down with Nina, who shares her journey of being convinced she was an alcoholic by the cult-like mentality of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Despite never being alcohol-dependent or facing severe consequences for her drinking, Nina found herself deeply entrenched in AA's ideology, which she later realised was based on myths and misconceptions.
Nina candidly discusses her experiences in AA, from being frog-marched into meetings to the shaming tactics that made her question her self-worth. She reflects on how AA's steps and meetings framed her entire life in a negative light, leading her to believe she had a problem that didn't exist. Nina's story is a powerful testament to the potential harm of 12-step programmes and the importance of finding a path to recovery that truly works for you.
This episode challenges conventional wisdom about addiction and recovery, offering a fresh perspective that could change how you view your own journey. Ready to break free from the cycle of endless recovery? Tune in to hear Nina's compelling story and discover a new way to approach addiction.

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