Origins of AA and the Disease Narrative

Rehab is a $42 billion industry hooked on bad science. Nick Pell helps us detox from its myths by prescribing the truth on Skeptical Sunday!

Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by writer and researcher Nick Pell!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1249

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

• The Minnesota Model dominates addiction treatment despite lacking evidence. This abstinence-based approach from the 1950s, requiring lifelong total abstinence from all substances, became the default not because it works best but because 12-step programs are free and easily scalable.
• Most people naturally age out of addiction without treatment. Research shows the majority who struggle with substances simply stop on their own over time, contradicting the "chronic disease" narrative that claims addiction requires lifelong management and intervention.
• The addiction treatment industry has massive financial conflicts of interest. As rehab is a $42 billion industry, practices like the "Florida Shuffle" and patient brokering weaponize relapse for profit, billing insurance repeatedly for the same patients cycling through facilities.
• The disease model of addiction lacks empirical support. There's no scientifically recognized "addictive personality," and the idea that addiction is an incurable, progressive disease isn't backed by research, yet it remains the dominant framework shaping treatment and policy.
• Evidence-based alternatives like harm reduction and moderation exist. Options including SMART Recovery, medication-assisted treatment, and gradual reduction approaches can be effective. You don't need to hit rock bottom before seeking help, and recovery can mean different things for different people.
• Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!

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