How to avoid getting into a cult

Learn to cope with stress. When stress is getting the best of us, we are more likely to be seduced by someone selling happiness. If you are having difficulty coping, seek help from reputable, trustworthy persons.

Common sources of stress include:

• Troubled romances
• Academic difficulties
• Conflict with and tensions within the family such as parents’ marital problems, domestic violence, alcohol and/or drug abuse by a family member.
• Confusion about values and goals.
• Physical illness of self, family member, or other loved one
• Loneliness
• Transitions- for example, moving, changing schools, jobs
• Death of loved one
• Disillusionment regarding religion or people you once respected

Never be afraid to question other people.
Always be wary of anyone who tries to prevent you from questioning.
Protect your freedom and autonomy.

Learn to recognize common cult-recruitment tactics and situations, beware of:

• People who are excessively or inappropriately friendly; there are few genuine instant friendships.
• People who are very persistent in trying to get you to join, and won’t take no for answer.
• People with invitations to free meals, lectures, and workshops
• People who demand secrecy from you.
• People who make you feel like there’s something wrong with you if you’re not interested in joining.
• People with simplistic answers or solutions to complex world problems.
• People who demand secrecy from you
• People who try to play on your guilt; you don’t always have to reciprocate a kindness, especially when it may have been a way to manipulate you
• People who are vague or evasive. If they are hiding something, it’s usually because they don’t want you to know the real answer.
• People who claim to be just like you, so you feel you have a lot in common.
• People who confidently promise that they can help you solve your problems, especially when they know little about you
• People, who make grand claims about how their group can save mankind, help you achieve enlightenment or show the road to happiness.
• People who always seem happy
• People who claim they or their group is really special, even the most special
• People who promise quick solutions to difficult problems
• People who put down reason and critical thinking, and tell you not to ask questions about the group - just open your mind to it.

1.RECOGNIZETHE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "A DEMAND" AND "A REQUEST"
Situations that seem to demand that you act in a certain way.

2. REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN SAY, "NO"

3. RECOGNIZE FALSE DILEMMAS
Always add "None of the above" to any multiple choice before deciding.

4. SLEEP ON IT
Recognize pressure to decide quickly. Don’t act under stress.

5. LOOK FOR THE HIDDEN AGENDA
What is really being said? What is NOT being said? To whom, by whom, and why is it being said?

6. LOOK FOR LOGICAL FALLACIES
Trust your feelings when things you are being told don't make sense.

7. KNOW WHAT GROUP OR BELIEF A PERSON REPRESENTS
Ask blunt questions and don’t accept vague answers.

8. RECOGNIZE FLATTERY
When receiving lots of compliments, question whether there may be a hidden agenda.

9. ASK QUESTIONS
Challenge authority’s claims.

10. RETAIN YOUR SELF-WORTH
Don’t be afraid to be different.

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