Alcohol Abuse Support Groups

[chanel5]

Looking at their websites, the organisation "Alcoholics Anonymous" seems to place great emphasis on the individual's spiritual belief in god and their relationship with god. Does anyone have knowledge of this? I would appreciate some comments from anyone who has experience of AA.
Is AA a religious organisation? Is there a support group for alcohol abusers who need help, but who cannot reconcile to the idea of god? I suppose you would call these people atheists.

[ummmm]

AA is religious based. If you need help go see your gp.

[Buenchico]

From their website:
"AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution"
https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

Alternatives:
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-support-services/

Local support services search facility:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Alcohol-addiction/LocationSearch/1805

[jakep]

Good evening chanel5, I have never been to AA.
I am an atheist and was concerned about the religious feeling.
On researching this, all I have read denies this and says that god can be different for everyone.
Eg GOD can be Great Out Doors
I’m afraid I did not buy it.
Sorry this doesn’t really help you, but this is the path I trod.
Improving here but not ‘cured’

[nailit]

Ive attended AA many times in the past, chance what they say about not been allied with any sect, denomination etc, or that God can mean anything to you, when you get into it, it IS ultimately a 'spiritual' programme and a belief in a supernatural being is embraced in order to recover. Ive had many friends in AA over the years, and it works for them, although studies appear to suggest that AA does not have a very good success rate when compared to people who got sober either on there own or by other medical means. When you get into AA it is usually believed that it is next to impossible to get sober without it and if you leave you will likely backslide into drinking again (begs the question, didn't ANYONE ever get sober before AA?). Personally, I think it has all the hallmarks of a cult but if it works for some then why not?

[nailit]

Just to be clear, I'm not knocking the people who attend AA. Ive only ever met friendly, loving and supportive people there.

[Mamyalynne]

That's an oversimplified view of any addiction Baldric, but one many people share sadly.

[nailit]

You really are a buffoon at times arnt you Baldric.
Carry on brushing up on your ignorance.

[1ozzy]

What other sage advice can you offer Baldric?

[nailit]

Addictions more complicated than that Baldric but I really don't have the time or the crayons to explain it to you right now.

[Mamyalynne]

I am a little surprised at how easily the words 'weak people' flow from you.

Given you have spoken of your support for Ex Service Personnel, many of whom hit rock bottom and often become addicts in some way too.

[jakep]

I do realise that this will not touch your ivory tower Baldric, but you really can be a total, ignorant, superior, unpleasant person at times.

[Mamyalynne]

I hope and pray that if I did not have a clue about addiction, I would say so rather than be so scathing.

[Muntin]

Baldric for heaven's sake go and have a lie down before your blood pressure goes up too much.

[BigT65]

Most of these answer seem to be contempt prior to investigation.

[anneasquith]

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually feel sorry for baldric .

[Mamyalynne]

That's a fair comment.

[gness]

I almost agree, Anne.....because there must be something wrong to post things like this?

It certainly will put folk off asking for AB help.