Leaving AA Behind, and Building a Better Model

Host Michelle Dunbar interviews Mark Scheeren, Chairman of the Baldwin Research Institute, Co-founder of The Freedom Model Retreats, and Co-author of The Freedom Model for Addictions. Michelle and Mark discuss the development of The Freedom Model – from its earliest beginnings in the late ‘80’s to the present day. The interview covers Mark’s early life in AA, and then his decision to leave AA, and his final decision to create the antithesis of AA and treatment for addiction in America. He highlights the founding of the first non-12 step residential model in America, The Freedom Model Retreats, and the book that chronicle’s the research and method behind this path, The Freedom Model for Addictions. Mark describes his continued mission to change the way people see and define addiction, and why the research led him to abandon what he calls, the 12-step treatment complex. A must-listen for anyone dabbling with the idea of leaving a 12 step program in their search for greater happiness and success!

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Did you know that addiction is NOT a disease? Did you know that treatment/rehab for an addiction actually lowers a person’s chances to overcome their addiction issues? Did you know that 12 step programs are NOT effective at helping people move past their drinking or drug problems? Did you know that Alcoholics Anonymous and all of its 12 step offshoots are based on myths created by a failed stockbroker in the 1930’s and that the 12 steps were created by him with no scientific evidence that they worked? Did you know that addiction is a temporary, problem and is NOT a lifelong disease? Did you know that more than 90% of people struggling with addiction overcome the problem for good and the vast majority do so with no treatment whatsoever? The Addiction Solution Podcast provides an alternative view to the disease-based addiction-help model that has remained ineffective for more than 70 years. Your hosts; addiction experts, Mr. Steven Slate, Mr. Mark Scheeren and Ms. Michelle Dunbar, will challenge the current views on addiction and the treatment based on it. No stone is left unturned. They will challenge the claims made by the treatment industry and government leaders that treatment for addictions works, that the 12 steps are effective in curbing addiction, and that treatment is necessary for those who are struggling with an addiction. They will bring forth and discuss the latest methods that have been shown to be far more effective. The podcast is centered on the truth regardless of where that path leads. It is provocative, informative and will change the way you see addiction and how people move past addiction, forever. Prepare yourself for frank discussions that may shock you, but will also provide you with hope and clear cut paths out of addiction. In summary, the Addiction Solution Podcast provides just that – a Solution to Addiction! The Freedom Model