The Hate is Real: Responding to our Harshest CriticsThe Hate is Real: Responding to our Harshest Critics
Audio/Video – The Freedom Model For Addictions
Michelle Dunbar and Mark Sheeran respond to hostile social media criticism of their stance that addiction is not a disease and that moderation can be a valid choice. They challenge AA powerlessness ideas, discuss the real risks of substance use, and argue for autonomy and choice-based solutions over lifelong recovery identities.
40:10•3 Nov 2026
The Hate is Real: Freedom Model Critics, AA Culture and Moderation Myths
Episode Overview
- Addiction is presented as a temporary, solvable behaviour pattern rather than a lifelong disease.
- Moderation is described as possible for anyone in principle, but strongly shaped by beliefs about substances, addiction and self-control.
- There is no risk-free substance use, especially with illicit drugs, so any choice to use needs to factor in real and sometimes serious risks.
- The AA notion of the “real alcoholic” and powerlessness is criticised as a harmful myth that fuels shame, chronic relapse and a huge treatment industry.
- Challenging recovery culture and understanding you are always in control of what you ingest is framed as central to becoming genuinely free from addiction struggles.
“Knowing that you have the ability to moderate, even if you choose not to, means you solved your problem. Fully solved your problem.”
Curious about how others manage their sobriety without clinging to lifelong recovery labels? This fiery episode of The Freedom Model for Addictions looks at the backlash Michelle Dunbar and Mark Sheeran get online for saying addiction isn’t a disease and that abstinence isn’t the only option. You’ll hear them read and unpack real social media comments, many of them hostile, from people fiercely defending Alcoholics Anonymous and the disease model.
They point out the irony of so-called “spiritual” members posting abusive replies, especially when those replies perfectly illustrate the very harms being criticised. A major thread here is moderation. Michelle and Mark tackle questions like “Is moderation possible for everyone?”, “Why drink if you’re not getting drunk?” and “What about moderate heroin or meth use?” They argue that anyone can moderate in principle, but that success depends largely on beliefs about substances, addiction, and personal control.
One key point they hammer home is that there is **no risk-free substance use**, especially with illicit drugs and unknown supply, while still insisting that “you’re never out of control”. They also challenge the AA concept of the “real alcoholic”, calling it a harmful myth that fuels a global treatment industry and keeps people stuck in identities of powerlessness.
They share stories of so‑called “chronic relapsers” who are shamed, labelled and, in some cases, die while cycling through treatment and recovery culture. Through all the criticism, they keep the tone candid and sometimes darkly funny, emphasising autonomy, informed choice and dismantling fear-based messaging around addiction. If you’ve ever wondered whether the standard recovery script truly fits you, this blunt conversation might give you plenty to think about.
How different could your life look if you genuinely believed you were always in charge of what you put in your body?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.