Is it possible for them to work the 12 Steps?
2006-06-15 15:56:22 · 17 answers · asked by oaksterdamhippiechick 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Certainly not in the context of AA's Higher Power, which is just another term for God.
There are things in this world more powerful than I am, but I do not pray to any of them, nor would I expect answers or supernatural intervention.
I found it impossible to work the steps as an atheist. I thought the first step was OK; no talk about Higher Powers or Gods. What I didn't realize was that by accepting powerlessness without having a supernatural Savior, meant the only solutions left to me were a return to drinking or suicide.
Instead of depending on some outside force to relieve my addiction, I had to accept the responsibility of being an alcoholic. Even if I was genetically predisposed to alcoholism, it was the act of drinking heavily over a long period of time that caused me to be an alcoholic. Once I accepted the responsibility, I was able to change my behaviors.
If someone has a Higher Power in their life and believes that this Higher Power is a source of strength or guidance, my hat's off to them. They have one recovery tool that I don't, and I hope that makes their journey easier. But Higher Powers and Gods, steps and programs, are not necessary to quit drinking. I only had a sincere desire to quit, a belief it was possible, and a belief in myself.
2006-06-15 18:06:57 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Anything is possible ! ..............but the statistics aren't to promising, i mean the program can most likely work, but it doesent seem that everyone is able to work within the program. Whether you are into God or you are into self as the answer to stop a powerful force like an addiction, sadly there is no guarrentee that a person will stop using harmful substances. Now let me say that there are a ton of reasons for this, but the first and foremost in my mind is total acceptance or recognizing that there is in fact a need to stop. From that standpoint then there is hope for people, and then rehabs or counsellers have something to work with, but longevity, staying clean for the rest of ones life is the great challenge.
The industry for helping addicts from destructive behaviours has been searching for a type of treatment that will work consistantly and they have been searching for many years, but the statistics again, are very discouraging.
2006-06-15 19:34:29 · answer #2 · answered by Catt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
I'm an atheist and have been for most of my adult life. I have been clean and sober for over 27 years I got sober in AA and had no trouble with the steps. the power greater than my self was out side help and the group, not any diety. I haven't been to a metting in the last couple of years because I haven't had any need to go. I worked the steps in my own way and it worked well. And please. don't tell me I wasn't a real alcoholic.
2006-06-16 06:01:37 · answer #3 · answered by Jim S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. And how can they work the 12 steps when they don't believe in God? The 12 steps require belief in the Deity. ;)
2006-06-15 19:45:22 · answer #4 · answered by RJ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I knew an alcy, who's higher power was an empty whiskey bottle. He wore it in a holster, like a gunfighter. He stuck miniture whiskey bottles in the little loops, like bullets.
Whiskey can be stronger than atheists. And for some drinkers, it can take control.
2006-06-15 23:51:15 · answer #5 · answered by Dragonladygold 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By believing in ourselves, atheists are the future. While religious people are praying for a better life, atheists are forging the future with new ideas, inventions, and a whole new way of life not bound by the foolishness of religion.
2006-06-15 16:08:58 · answer #6 · answered by Jake 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find it funny how religious fanatics somehow try to say an athiest cant exist without god.
It just goes to show you that they are talking without know what an athiest is.
Its like saying a unicorn must exist because someone somewhere believes it doesnt.. ie. one cant exist without the other.
How dumb.
Grow up, emotionally and intellectually.
My understanding is that an athiest simply lacks belief in any type of "god", no matter how it is defined.......
Unless of course someone can produce one?
2006-06-15 21:08:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some. Those who are bosses may hire anyone they choose. Even for a job like working on a staircase.
2006-06-15 16:01:34 · answer #8 · answered by Thom Thumb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we took God and Satan out of the picture there would be no atheists , get the picture , with no chicken there would be no chicken egg , how about not only do they not have the power of God with them , they do not have the other either !
2006-06-15 16:30:31 · answer #9 · answered by B R H 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Our ambition is our higher power. We answer to our conscience and our ambition.
Religion and AA are both hypnosis.
2006-06-15 15:59:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋