Emma from Group Thinking Podcast left AA after nearly 13 years—and chose moderation. In this candid conversation, we unpack what made her walk away, how she rebuilt community, why “your disease is getting worse even when you’re sober” never sat right, and what deprogramming looks like in real life.

We get into AA culture, Finland AA vs. international AA, sponsorship red flags, nervous system regulation, trying alcohol again (including first-week hangovers and fear), and the power of speaking out.

Emma also shares how launching a deconstructing AA podcast became both purpose and therapy—and why multiple recovery paths (not one ideology) should be the norm. ⛪📘🧠

Emma's Group Thinking Podcast

Timestamps:

00:00 Emma from Group Thinking Podcast intro

01:00 Leaving AA After 13 Years

07:54 ACA, 12 Step Pathologizing Culture

10:38 Starting A Deprogramming Podcast

13:20 Nervous System Regulation After AA

15:30 Deciding To Drink Alcohol Again

18:00 Podcasting To Help Deprogramming Journey

22:10 Coming Out Online About Leaving AA

23:54 Drinking in Front of AA Family Member

27:19 Feeling Confident Drinking

31:05 Steps to Leaving AA

37:00 Finland AA Vs. International AA

39:22 Emma's Message

43:23 Rebuilding Life After AA

50:37 Advice to Former Self

54:20 Most Harmful Part of AA

1:00:09 Best Part of Leaving AA

1:04:07 Tried to Make AA Safer

1:09:35 Feedback From Podcast Listeners

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