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Ep 127 She Decided to Drink Again After 13 Years in AA — Emma’s Story (Group Thinking Podcast)
Episode 127
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. ⛪📘🧠
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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Published on 1 week, 5 days ago