Rachel and Erin Alder are a married couple from Seattle. Shortly after they met they became entangled in a situation within AA where their vulnerabilities were being used to control their behavior by a controlling sponsor. In Rachel's case, the vulnerability that was exploited was undiagnosed mental illness, specifically Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. While Erin’s biggest vulnerability became whether the marriage was dependent on continued work with this manipulative group leader. Eventually, Rachel and Erin were able to break free from the exploitation of the invasive sponsor and her high-demand group. They share with Rachel the details of how they were pulled into this controlling situation and describe the fears that kept them there for 7 years. Throughout this first part of a 3 part story, Rachel offers insights into the manipulative tactics used by this sponsor that are so common amongst high control groups. Before You Go: Rachel explains how manipulators can use a sort of unwanted reciprocity, with claims of personal sacrifice for your benefit. She breaks down how they often disguise their intentions of guilting you into compliance as an innocuous social construct of genuine reciprocity. Thanks to our newest Patron Angelica Ceniceros!! To help support the show monthly and sign up for cool Indoctrination stickers and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Want to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link! www.paypal.me/indoctriNATION