Forum: Close to Home
Topic: How objective is this series?
Topic Posted by: R2 AnonymousOrganization: Recovery Net
Date Posted: Mon Mar 30 23:50:51 1998
Topic Description: I have found Close to Home and this web site to be excellent overall. It bothers me though that I get a sense that there is a bias towards 12-step programs. While I think that such programs have been of great help to many many recovering addicts, I believe that modern research has shown that 12-step programs are not really superior to other forms of recovery programs. While in the Self- and Mutual Help Groups section of this site it states that AA is a "non-religious but highly spiritual program" it later goes on to state that it involves "becoming willing to turn ones life over to the God of one's choice". Is this a religious program or not? In fact the courts have essentially found that AA is a religious program. I believe the fact is that there are many thousands of addicts who still are suffering because they do not accept the religiosity of AA. I think that further evidence to the lack of full objectivity of this series/web site in this area is that Rational Recovery is hardly mentioned if at all- pointed out in another message thread. Again, I would like to state that I think that this series/web site is excellent overall. I think that one of the best things about it is its efforts to expose misconceptions about addiction and recovery. I hope that this message will help make this effort more complete.
Previous message
Posted by: Jane (janef@wil.net )
Date posted: Tue Mar 31 21:36:56 1998
Subject: Objectivity of the Series
Message:
Personally, I think that the series is, on the whole, objective. Addiction is not something that most people find easy to discuss. I guess unless you are an addict or care about someone who is, it's not something you hear much about. How much more is there to discuss about addiction, other than trying to find ways to treat it and prevent it? At least an effort has been made by this series to try and present some new facts and treatment possibilities. New is always interesting, even if turns out not to work. But it does start discussions like these, and theres nothing wrong with that because something that somebody says might make the difference to someone else, and sometimes...I think...thats all it takes--a different point of view.