How Cult Indoctrination Mirrors Addiction (with AA as the Case Study)
👇 TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro Cult Indoctrination + Addiction
02:01 1. Dopamine-Driven Reinforcement
04:33 2. Withdrawal When You Question or Leave
08:12 3. Intermittent Reinforcement + Trauma Bonding
10:17 4. Identity Fusion = Neurological Compulsion
11:26 5. Rituals Become Self-Soothing Addictions
In this first episode of our Addiction Science series, we explore how high-control systems like Alcoholics Anonymous mirror the brain patterns of addiction — from dopamine-driven rewards to trauma bonding, identity fusion, and ritualized self-soothing.
If leaving AA felt like withdrawal, you’re not alone. And you’re not crazy — it’s neurological.
This video dives into how cult indoctrination hijacks the brain’s reward systems, creates emotional dependency, and wires obedience into your sense of safety. We break down the science, the psychology, and the lived experience of what it’s like to leave a system that felt like your only lifeline — and realize it was an addiction in disguise.
Whether you're deconstructing AA, leaving another high-control group, or simply curious about how cults mimic addiction... this one’s for you.
Are you on your deconstructing AA journey and want support?
Join our free deprogramming AA Community and get free resources in the 🔓 AA Escape Kit
here → 🔓 AA Escape Kit
Want to dive deeper? Join my Deprogramming AA course:
→ 🌀 Deprogram AA Course
💬 Let’s Connect@SobrietyBestie
DM me or comment on any Sobriety Bestie socials. I’m here for the conversation.
Let’s get f*cking free.
