The observation that groups form to provide some meaningful help or service frequently experience 'fringe' behavior is cogent. We all have them. churches, doctors, firemen, professional athletes, even lawyers. The next step in the analysis should be that one should not judge the value or contribution of the group as a whole by the activities and/or statements of the fringe element.

Regarding the AA commitment to belief in a higher power; this element of AA seems to address a specific psychological element in addictive personalities – an unwillingness to acknowledge the need for help and and unwillingness to submit to any outside authority. This step is crucial in the mental and emotional adjustment that an alcoholic must make to overcome his addiction.

Seems Brian had a bad experience and at least one other person has been less that supportive. Really sorry about that and wish there was more I could do to personally help both/either work through the issues. In much the same way that there are stages of grief, there are often stages of recovery for addictive behaviors. Questioning, anger, acting out, denial, combativeness, etc (in no particular order) are common.

For me, I am ready to applaud and Amen anyone that is in the process of getting past addictions. My way would definitely be with dependence on Jesus and spiritual things. Brian's way is different and other writers seem different still. To all I say 'Congratulations. Keep up the good fight.'

I have a standing offer of coffee for Brian but he keeps reminding me that I am in Dallas more often than he is in Belen, NM.

Think about it, having met me in person and seen me interact with a group, you can then describe in detail my Alkazombie characteristics.

Nate is right about one thing. Other than protecting the anonymity of others in the group, I could not care less about the 11th tradition. It is a suggestion not a rule for membership. It is a suggestion I choose not to follow. My personal experiences belong to me alone. I write about my personal experiences including AA. I will continue to do so. If makes others feel better about their program to call me arrogant, " a dry drunk that is all about them and I could not care less.

I agree with your points about the fellowship, but I also sense a bit of anger/negativity in your writing. It's understandable, I was frustrated about everything you touched on from years 2-4. In recovery, I've assimilated as much as I need to, yet I have still retained my own values/beliefs that are far from mainstream. We come in and we cling on to as many suggestions as possible (even the ones that never sit well with us – for me prayer was one of these) because we are confused and broken. Overtime, we regain our sense of self-worth and decision making skills. It is at that point that we can either mature into our own recovery, try to mimic someone else's, or step off all together. I'm not stepping off. I'm also not trying to play a cheap imitation when I'm already a wonderful original. There's room for all types.

It's eerie seeing you write what I've thought in the past. But now I believe in God, and you will too Brian. You will too. (just kidding) Thanks for the great post.

Yes I am interested in discussing AA as a cult Brian.

Brian, do you still attend AA meetings, that you feel are cult like, or did you stop when some overzealous AA people gave you this opinion?

I know the type of person you are speaking of in AA. I know, I know, its appalling to witness an individual find a real solution to their seemingly hopeless state of alcoholism / addiction and then be excited about offering that same solution to others who have decided they are hopeless.

I really want to know if you currently attend these cult like meetings where you are accosted by zombies?

BTW I am also funding a new fall Fox reality series entitled "AA The Brian Cuban Way" , any interest in being a guest? My next blog about AA will be on April 8th 2009. Until then see if you can hunt down every one in my group and tell them what I am doing. I am sure they will tell you how much they care about your opinion. Have a nice day and keep coming back…. )

Also if you want to discuss whether AA is a cult, feel free to post, but all further 11th tradition rants are irrelevant to the topic and will be delted.

1. Mark Cuban decides he may be alcoholic

2. Mark Cuban walks into AA defeated. "When I walked into AA I was defeated. I was weak. I had lost my sense of self, self-respect, respect of my family".

3. Mark Cuban learns in AA that the root of his problem is selfishness and self-centeredness and that thinking of others needs rather than his own will help him.

4. Mark Cuban stays sober for two years.

5. Mark Cuban doesn't agree completely with AA. Mark Cuban has a choice to honor the 11th tradition of the program which has helped him. Mark can stop going to AA meetings whenever he likes.

5. Mark Cuban shows contempt rather than gratitude towards the people who helped him by breaking the 11th tradition and speaking publicly about his involvement in AA.

Is this not accurate? It appears that you place your need for blog material above the simple requests of the program which helped you?

You are still as self-centered and arrogant as you were before AA. Just being sober does not make you recovered. Its your actions that make you recovered.

I'm quite certain that you are unwelcome at any AA meeting that knows you actively blog about AA. I am also quite certain that you would be welcome back at these meetings if you were to make amends to them, however I would be completely surprised if you know anything about the 9th Step.

Do you still attend meetings?