To a person, each one that have used both inpatient and outpatient "treatment and addiction" centers (might I mention, these are quite expensive) each person have gone at least once and are now yet again "addicted" or at the very least, either using drugs or using alcohol as much as ever!
I think that part of the stigma with AA (at least those I know who've chosen to go the expensive treatment center routes) is that because it's "FREE, there are lots of folks there that aren't in my same socio-economic status."
In other words, "I'm special and they are really average and homeless shelter types!"
Of course, I know and have family members who went the AA route that fell "off the wagon" and some never made it back on because they never wanted to admit (as well as many of their other friends and family) that they simply could not ever again consume adult beverages - ever!
I know one guy who quit for over 20 years then gradually began drinking again, now he's back to being over indulged most days!!! So sad but it's that self-lie that you've "recovered" not "recovering."
Now that's just asinine.
You've never heard of "closed" meetings?
"Treatment Centers" are for those who want to be babied through their struggles.
AA may be lacking many things, but rich and powerful members ain't one of them.
People attending my Father’s AA Meetings are from every socio-economic status.
Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, you name it, they are there.
I’m amazed that those same people have achieved so much while living as Alcoholics. I had a hard enough time getting where I am in Life without having that problem.
These are very intelligent people who had a Vice they just couldn’t shake on their own. There is no stereotype.
I gave up drinking.
I gave up smoking.
Now I suck on tootsie pops and lemon drops and chew gum.
Perhaps an “oral fixation” (and/or an addiction).