I'd like to offer a non-higher power version of the 12 steps. The version I have written is godless and instead focuses on personal accountability over 'the devil made me do it' excuses. It worked for me, and I am alone in my efforts in a den of drug users.
Your input would be welcomed, pro of con; so long as you come with an open mind and intelligent response.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/7764942/addiction_and_the_...
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wierd... my comment was edited down by a few paragraphs
Thanks, JD.
I'm sober almost 28 years. I haven't been to a 12 step meeting in 9 years. When we know better, we do better, eh?
I don't recommend the program anymore, at all. The fear that is influenced into unsuspecting, often vulnerable minds is not fair, honest or necessary. Besides the God push, it is often said that if you don't continue to go to meetings, help the new comer, be of service, have a sponsor, and read the big book, that you'll likely go back to drinking/using. It is a commonly held belief in the program, that if you don't have a God, that you have no spiritual defense against the first drink, as if your own ability to choose otherwise isn't enough.
The last time I went to a meeting, I was asked to share from the podium. I let them know they were far more powerful than they had been lead to believe. I talked about the power of intent, and focus and conscious choice. After I sat down, a man with 10 years more time than me, told that same room of people that if they wanted to learn about any of what I spoke of, that they could take a class at UCLA and end up in a bar afterward. Powerlessness is defended in the meetings, as is the idea of "disease."
There is something to be said for thought patterns. I'm no neurologist, but it seems to me that any extended amount of time that I focus on the thought to drink or use drugs, I begin to feel as if taking the action is more and more appealing. It begins in my head, every time. If I allow myself to become emotionally attached to the thought to get high, chances are, given enough time, I'll get high. Apparently, every time those thoughts have run through my head, I redirected my thinking to thoughts that had nothing to do with using.
I thought you might be interested to know about SMART recovery as well. A 4 step program based on "scientific knowledge."
i like your rendition of the 12 steps. Really helpful for someone.
I was around the original 12 stepsfor 25 yrs.
Funny thing tho, I stopped believing in God ( I was a devoted fan) and THEN I got sober, after over twenty five years of trying to quit(with God).
My life is just as or more screwed than it ever was but I won't drink.
I don't have any answers. No one's got my back if I'm right or wrong about what I think. I'm really messed up.
I'm here looking for an ear to bend and found your page. tag , your it.
Bill.
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