Ep 127 She Decided to Drink Again After 13 Years in AA — Emma’s Story (Group Thinking Podcast)

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 PodcastTimestamps:00:00 Emma from Group Thinking Podcast intro01:00 Leaving AA After 13 Years07:54 ACA, 12 Step Pathologizing Culture10:38 Starting A Deprogramming Podcast13:20 Nervous System Regulation After AA15:30 Deciding To Drink Alcohol Again18:00 Podcasting To Help Deprogramming Journey22:10 Coming Out Online About Leaving AA23:54 Drinking in Front of AA Family Member27:19 Feeling Confident Drinking31:05 Steps to Leaving AA37:00 Finland AA Vs. International AA39:22 Emma's Message43:23 Rebuilding Life After AA50:37 Advice to Former Self54:20 Most Harmful Part of AA1:00:09 Best Part of Leaving AA1:04:07 Tried to Make AA Safer1:09:35 Feedback From Podcast Listeners🪩 Get fee tools, community, Zooms and book club to deprogram 12-step ideology 📚👉 Inside the Deprogram Lounge click here.💬 Let’s Connect @SobrietyBestieDM me or comment on any Sobriety Bestie socials. I’m here for the conversation.Let’s get f*cking free.