"@Unseen - I'm betting the thinking here is that it's difficult enough to quit alcohol (or drugs, or whatever), but to expect that AND smoking cessation simultaneously is a recipe for failure - it's just asking too much."
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Todd
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An Atheists view of the 12-steps
Started this discussion. Last reply by archaeopteryx Oct 3, 2012. 23 Replies 0 Likes
I am a long-time clinician that specializes in the treatment of addictive disorders. I am looking for input from members in this community about how they might view the 12-steps. I got sober in AA…Continue
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds - Albert Einsten
Latest Activity
archaeopteryx replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I applaud your courage, Mike --!"
Unseen replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"One of the criticisms of the AA's version of 12 steps is that the notion of admitting that one is helpless to deal with the problem oneself is disempowering and it's better to work on the basis of empowerment.
The 12-step programs do not…"
UNl0ad3d replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I have been an active member of a 12 step program for 20 years, and an atheist all my adult life. In brief, when my addiction brought me to an emotional and physical place of complete desperation, I tried a 12 step program. My feelings and beliefs…"
Unseen replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I think 12-step programs with the surrendering to God thing probably work for some believers, but the AA doesn't really have a record to crow about.
This program is secular:
http://www.cfiwest.org/sos/index.htm
On Amazon there is also a book on…"
Kairan Nierde replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I went to Al-anon because a family member is an alcoholic. Even before I became and atheist, when I was just doubting and confused, I had problems with the steps involving God. I never got past step 3, I believe. I felt like a…"
Keith Murphy replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I have doubts about the reliability of such programs for persons of no faith. Some say that you can internally replace "higher power" with "will power" and just believe in yourself and your ability to quite and so…"
Danny Sanchez replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"notice the stats after 2 mins on the third part"
Danny Sanchez replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I love Penn and Teller my favorite Bullshit callers. On this one they justly call bullshit on 12 steps.
Part one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tPNgHrIkgo
Part…"
archaeopteryx replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I'm too busy trying to master the 2-step, to even worry about adding 10 more --"
Lewal replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I love that statement, and want to start using it more often in real conversations. Even if I'm just being lazy, and want to cash in on how humble it makes me seem."
Obfuskation replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I used to go to AA, but left for a number of reasons. My "12-steps" has morphed into something like this;
1- I am a part of the world, and my actions have consequences that effect those around me that share the world with…"
Andrew N replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I would suggest that the people you know are not chronic alcoholics."
Andrew N replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I come from the UK, so religion isn't as big as it is in the US. I do, however, know several people who have "found God" since becoming sober. I find this absolutely ridiculous and simply have to ignore these folk.
I have happily…"
Rocky Oliver (LotusGeek) replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I am not familiar with their approach and how it differs from AA (besides the obvious), but I know there is a nontheistic alternative called Rational Recovery. Anyone familiar with it?"
Emily Raymond replied to Todd's discussion 'An Atheists view of the 12-steps'"I have not personally dealt with addiction, but I am close to someone who has, and who has successfully used the 12-step program to recover from his alcohol addiction. He is not an atheist, more of an agnostic, but he replaced the idea of god with…"
Profile Information
- Your Religious Status
- Atheist, Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic
- About Me:
- Social work nerd, quite pro-choice, gay friendly,, culturally Jewish, live in Seattle, raised in NY.
I can wrap my brain around the ideals of compassion, charity, good steed, etc, but I don't attribute that to any sort of deity. While I haven't attended synagogue for a long time, I like the culture of the Jews, community, etc.
I've never caught the travel bug,,,as my grandparents spent time in Auschwitz I want to go visit. She gave me a verbal map of the number of steps to various places in the camp. When my grandparents were sent to the camps they were separated. My grandfather told my grandmother that they would see each other again. My grandmother wanted to believe him, but knowing about the atrocities of the nazi regime she knew that most couples were never reunited. When the red army liberated Auschwitz in 1945 my grandparents found each other. My grandmother never doubted grandfather again..he has what I like to call 'money in the trust bank'
- Age
- 41-46
- Why are you here?
- Connection, community..... It's nice to be surrounded by like minded peeps.
- The religion you left
- Judaism
- Why you left your religion.
- I've never had a connection..I really wanted that as so many people talked of all of the wondrous things they received by having 'faith".... hey Jim, you beat your wife and you go to church.....you're absolved and such a good christian.
I have been sober for quite some time. Before I stopped attending 12-step meetings I noticed how many people were always giving away their success in their life/sobriety to a higher power...and I also noticed that many of these folks had really low esteem....they were never able to make the connection that by owning the work they did to stay sober might have an effect on how they viewed themselves and the world.
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Comment Wall (3 comments)
- At 3:27pm on September 1, 2011,
Monica Salcedo (Monicks) said… - Thank you for adding me to your friends, totally makes me happy. Nice to meet you!
- At 4:52pm on November 23, 2010,
M said… - Hey, thanks for the gift!
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