"Opponents of Twelve Step programs argue that members become cult-like in their adherence to the program" That has been my experience-- particularly with OA. One of the most intelligent women I know has now reduced her life to an obsession of what she did or didn't eat. Virtually all discussion is about foods and their imagined effects on her mind, or the imagined benefits of OA spirituality. I've seen tweakers in better physical condition and more coherent.
My friend is unsual in OA in that she's been "abstinent" for years. Most OA's don't remain abstinent, yet insist that it is the "most successful means to recovery" despite all evidence to the contrary. (The founder of OA resumed overeating and remains obese.)
Prior to OA, my friend was slightly overweight, but sharp as a tack, witty, intellectually alive. After "accepting" that she was "powerless" she began to binge and subsequently go into depressions brought on by self castigation; this, despite the OA insistance that "We're not bad persons getting good, we're sick persons getting well. In fact, the "Steps" offer no practical advice whatsoever on overcoming an addiction except to blame addiction on moral failings.
At this point, as other critics do, I'm supposed to make the concession that 12 Step groups have helps millions of people. There is no evidence of that. It's possible... it's also possible that these millions were simply at a point in their life where they were ready to change no matter what avenue of help they sought.
The majority of alcoholics & addicts who recover do so spontaneously, not through Step programs or rehabs-- as do most smokers. Sadly, only a minority of overeaters maintain their weightloss. Some mental health experts suggest that they might be better off simply accepting themselves as they are rather than adding mental anguish to a physical problem that is probably beyond resolution. In my friend's case this is true, but sadly, she is beyond help.
