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.
Posted by: JGE
Date posted: Thu Apr 2 1:10:30 1998
Subject: Objectivity
Message:
I think the series shows a number of biases but that is unavoidable given the incredibly complicated, multifaceted nature of this host of interrelated problems we call "addiction". For instance, it is biased towards a "medical" model, toward Western culture, towards 12-step, toward young people, etc. I think one has to narrow down the scope just to try to talk about this stuff. That's OK with me though, because it is such a WONDERFUL relief to hear the voice of reason in the midst of this fear based frenzy we call the "war" on "drugs"!
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