ADVOCACY 

 

Part of my life purpose is advocating for the systemic abolition of the 12 step cult,  which I have come to understand as a harmful, dogmatic, covert religious cult. Like many others, I survived in spite of the cult, not because of it. While my personal experience was uniquely privileged,

I witnessed a devastating reality for others around me.

Over time, I began to see systemic issues, including the abstinence violation effect, misogyny, pseudoscience, and a culture that enables abuse. Investing years into this cult meant internalizing outdated  pseudoscience and misinformation from the 1930s rooted in stereotypes and stigma. Even though I tried to emulate the least problematic people, I realize now that I was still complicit. Recovering from the conditioning of the cult has been far more difficult than overcoming the habit of substance use itself.

When I began creating content in 2020, I realized how much I had to learn, particularly about harm reduction, which I had previously misunderstood. After I started speaking out, I received hundreds of messages detailing horrific experiences within the cult, from grooming to rape, and domestic violence. The issues are systemic, built into the very framework of the steps and literature.

Modern science and medication protocols completely debunk the group's foundational concepts, showing that substance use habits develop on a spectrum. Because I had what many consider the desired/ideal experience and never relapsed, I feel a distinct responsibility to speak out against the damage this institution inflicts on vulnerable people. Ironically, my advocacy aligns directly with the 6th and 11th traditions, principles that many current members seem to misunderstand or ignore.
 

My approach is based on mutual respect, anti-autoritarianism, informed consent and radical autonomy. I refuse to define other peoples goals or present a standard for success based on my lived experience. I encourage a self defined process. I do not operate with a savior complex, and I'm not here to teach anyone "my way" to recover. Recovery is not a universal goal that all people with a substance use habit should strive for. I understand that many people will have a process based in personal development, not recovery, because you can't recover something you've never had. My efforts and my content is directed toward unpacking the stigma and infantilism people with a substance use habit are subjected to systemically and culturally.

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I support people who take medications for their mental health, and those on medication assisted treatment. 

My work is done through the Non-Profit, Recovery Reform 501(c)(3). Recovery Reform was co-founded by myself and Dr.Taylor Nichols MD MS. We also co-founded a podcast under the same name.  Please reach out with any business inquires via the chat or email me directly.  McCauley@SextonSpace.com  

 

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