The 10th tradition in AA talks about not having opinions about outside issues, but in my experience, the groups and their members often do. The misuse of this tradition has done undue harm to a lot of people who deserve a chance at recovery, freedom from addiction and a space to talk about issues directly related to problems with alcohol/drugs.
I really wish and continue to hope that AA will evolve into (at least!) a trauma-informed model—not because I think its the superior model that everyone wants to go to, but because it is the one that currently has the broadest reach, therefore the one that influences and has the greatest impact (for better or worse). Until then, I feel like what is in my control in my role as a social worker and a recovery advocate is to educate, advocate for and empower people to seek a recovery pathway that is compassionate, supportive and safe for all that they may be showing up with. And if I find myself in 12 step rooms or in spaces where there is opportunity to change the conversation, I have a responsibility to do so.
I love reading about and hearing about people’s experiences that go against the grain of AA, not because I am against AA. I am not against AA and I am not for AA. I am neither and I am both depending on quite a lot! But, I love to hear about how people recover by staying true to what they feel and who they are and don’t compromise when something feels off. Sometimes reading someone’s experience and hearing the folx on the podcast puts words to something that I’ve carried that maybe I had not been able to identify. These are more examples of the power of shared, relational experiences that help people feel like they're not alone!