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The only program availible to most of them is the 12 step program which effectively requires them to be deeply religious. ITs a sick scheme to take advantage of people in a vulnerable state.
@freemo @zpartacoos @funny I'm honestly struggling to see how these programs are taking advantage of people in some fundamental way by introducing them to a religious perspective as a means of reducing recidivism.
I would make the case that most people who become addicted to drugs lack a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and a way to appropriately deal with the tragedies of their lives that were thrust upon them. Notably, one woman said that she did heroin because it "felt like a warm hug".
At the very least, even if you are an atheist and think religion is ridiculous, you have to admit these hurting people are being directly connected to a perceived transcendent source of meaning that allows them to properly contextualize their trauma as something that can be used for good, rather than the injustice of an arbitrary, uncaring universe. Most people tend to respond better to the idea that their suffering has a greater purpose, as compared to the alternative.
Even better, these programs tend to work for the people who join them([source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753023/)), and the Christian worldview aids in allowing adherents to forgive themselves and others, as they have a mechanism of redemption of their past faults and the associated guilt.
Obviously, there are ways that this can be taken too far, or shady individuals may take advantage of the vulnerability of the system. But I think that can be said for most institutional hierarchies, not just the subset of them which are religious in some way (just look at Larry Nassar for example).
Thoughts?
Because they are using their vulnerable state to induct them into what is effectively a cult (religion). That cult demands financial contributions and even encourages one donate time and effort to recruiting others.
No only organized religions are cults. Once it becomes an organized religion with an authority then it is a cult. Organized religions are generally predatory even if those acting in such a way think they are doing good.
By the way, its been years since I did the research and dont still have it on hand. But at the time the numbers showed that the 12 step program is actually **less** effective than doing nothing (they have a worse recovery rate than the untreated drug addicts). Moreover psychiatric treatment is the most effective treatment.
So yes, I did consider the effectiveness of these programs in my hatred towards them.
Did a quick search and the results seem to be the same as before, that the 12 step program performs about as well as no treatment at all. Image attached.
@freemo @zpartacoos @funny @lucifargundam Do you think all religions are cults? I think there's a pretty substantial difference. Primarily, adherents to a religion try to act in truth and what they believe is in the best interest of others. Cults, particularly cult leaders, are predatory and are almost always obviously lying.
Also, all the places I've been to church have never demanded anything, only asked politely for financial or other forms of assistance. They taught that "God knows your finances" and wouldn't want you to donate uncomfortably, but rather cheerfully.
And of course religions want new members, though this isn't for MLM style reasons. They believe many people are missing out on purpose, and are suffering horribly for it. Even worse, if they're correct, people need to know God to experience fullness in life and some manner of salvation in death. Failure to reach out to others (especially the weak and needy) is one of the least loving things you can do from a religious perspective, as you may have been the only person capable of opening their eyes to the truth and helping them turn their life around.
Once you consider the effectiveness of these sorts of 12 step programs and the other positive mental, emotional, and spiritual effects religious people experience, I think it's an unfair characterization to refer to all, or even most, as harmful or cults.