As far as this forum is concerned I find that it has been completely uninformative. There have been accusations without any facts to back them up, there have been character slurs on both sides, there have been valid questions left unanswered, there have been assumptions made about legitimate queries (I can only speak for myself), and all around reading the different threads has left me exhausted, frustrated, and a little depressed.
I know that as an outsider with nothing to gain or lose, my opinion means very little. I will offer it anyways as food for thought.
I feel that although not perfect, and certain aspects, if this site is legitimate, should be investigated, AARC should not be considered a cult.
This is what I gleaned from reading postings on this site:
They reintegrate their clients back into society and yes they offer after care support but it is not enforced and their freedom of choice in where they live, work, and recreate is not dictated. The only criterion for continued association is sobriety. The exclusion of some who are no longer clean and sober and show no desire to work at it indicates that it is not open to whosoever, only those with a serious desire to become and stay healthy. Otherwise they would be welcomed back and be kept at step one indefinitely.
They do fund raise and in gratitude, many former clients or their families financially support them. I have a child who had life saving surgery as a youngster and I still get requests for donations from the hospital every year, 18 years later. I give or don’t give according to my own choosing.
A great deal of time is spent on Changing the minds and attitudes of the clients but only with regards to drugs and alcohol.
Amongst the postings in favour of AARC there is a very high regard for the director, Dr. Vause. This could be considered alarming however it could also simply be respect and gratitude towards an individual who had a positive impact on their lives. Many people show extreme regard for former doctors, teachers, coaches, counselors and mentors who have had positive influence or have helped them through difficult experiences in their lives.
Some former clients go on to volunteer or work at AARC. These former clients desiring to work at AARC should be commended rather than condemned. Many people discover their vocation through difficult personal experience and bring empathy and compassion to their work. If the experience were negative this would be last place they would want to work. If they have been subjected to mind control and brainwashing I would think they would not be successful in their studies in the field or the real world education would bring them to their senses.
Many have gone on to lead productive lives in other fields and have no association with AARC at all.
Parents or courts must sign the child over to AARC and they are not recruited without an authority figure’s initial consent. No parent or court would sign over a child unless they are exhibiting at least some form of extreme behaviour. If a mistake has been made, after a time, the child is released even if the parent and/or child would like them to continue with the program.
There are a limited number of spaces available and there is a waiting list.
There have been some incidences of suicide and violent crimes that have been committed by former clients. In reading up on the details all I can see is that AARC does not have a 100% guarantee. There have been many such tragedies in the lives of people treated through traditional methods as well. The people involved in these incidents were involved in high risk lifestyles in spite of AARC. Another question that this brings up is: Has AARC ever referred anyone to outside professional help if the client could not be helped through the AARC program?
I know that this is far from exhaustive but it has been exhausting to me. I do hope that this issue is resolved soon and the truth is exposed once and for all. I will be checking up on here from time to time to see if there is anything new. I hope to stay away from commenting unless of course I have to clear up any misconceptions about my own personal intent, integrity, character, or meaning.
