12 step programs don't promise to "fill in all the blanks". NA promises only the freedom from active addiction. AA makes a few more. Most people I know who have attended meetings for awhile eventually learn that there are things that these programs simply cannot address. I have several issues in my life that I sure as hell would never share in a meeting.
The first step of NA says that "we admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable".
That doesn't mean that we have no power over our self will, decisions, actions, etc. But being powerless over addiction is the definition of addiction. If you're not an addict, it doesn't apply to you.
12 step programs provide the "therapeutic value of one addict helping another" which cannot be found in hospitals, from doctor's, detoxes, social workers or Straight. Again, not an addict? Then it probably won't help you.
The best part of any of this is I make the diagnosis. If YOU decide you are an addict, alcoholic, junkie (whatever-all the same) than so be it. If not, then don't come, or do, whatever!
Shame, fear, coercion? What? Sounds like straight, not any meetings I've ever been to. It saddens me to think some here may have encountered this in meetings. This violates the steps and traditions. I have definately met some real assholes in AA and NA (lots), and have also met some of the most caring people I know, who to this day are most closest friends. They give me love, empathy and insight I can get nowhere else, especially from my family.
For me, the only good that came of straight was pointing me towards 12 step programs. Granted, when I got outa straight I thought I had invented the 12 steps and was gonna teach everyone how it was done, but that was another part in my straight deprogramming.
About the poll. Here's a cop out: AA and NA work for me, so I can't really have an opinion on who else it may work for. All of that is a personal decision. I will make one blanket statement: anyone in AA or NA that says their program is for everyone and/or uses fear and shame to coerce you into attending meetings has shit of their own to deal with. :eek: