Johnnie Barleykorn

Defending Alcoholics Anonymous Johnnie Barleykorn

It's time someone stands up for AA and hits back at these know-it-all "haters."

There is a lot of misinformation and vitriol being spewed out on a consistent basis in the past several years about Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-Step Programs in general. I have seen incredible transformations take place due to 12-Step programs (not to mention my own). I have also seen people make positive changes in other ways. However, in my opinion, the 12-Step method is still the "gold standard" and best overall because it addresses the spirit; I believe that is the most powerful and effective (albeit mysterious) approach.

AA is a humble organization that sits quietly on the sidelines and does not endeavor to participate in debates of any kind. It accepts no outside contributions and takes no position on outside issues. The way AA operates is exemplary.

Yet, some like to portray it as a sort of malevolent oligarchy that is controlling the treatment community and suppressing other treatments. And surprisingly, many who apparently benefited from active participation in this free, easily accessible program later find the need to write disparaging works about it or condemn it on social media. It's pathetic.

It seems unlikely that AA is ever going to publicly debate these haters because that is not consistent with its methodology. However, I will endeavor to do so in the following pages.