Can anyone help me find a Higher Power?

Question

The local court sentenced me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Now, I must find a Higher Power to take away uncontrolable desires to drink. Because I told a county alcohol counselor that I wanted to attempt sobriety on my own and she said, "self-will will get you no-where but back into the bottle", and sent me back to court and the judge gave me 10 days in jail for non-compliance. I am confused. Do I dismiss the idea of using my brain to solve this problem, or should I rely on spirits to save me from the booze? I feel like I am being coerced to join a religion (Christianity). I know nothing about that sect. Can I join the Wiccas instead?

Answer 1

I am one of those people who does not choose God as my Higher Power. I believe more in Fate & Karma. If you do good things, you get good things. I have 2 1/2 years sober and I don't use God like others do. What got me to this point today is seeing and believing that the program works. I do what is suggested by people who work their program. It works for them, and it works for me. I don't agree with them putting you in jail because you want to do it on your own. I know for myself, I couldn't do it on my own. I am not shunned in the program because I don't believe in God.

Answer 2

If what you are stating is true,and I hope you are being sincere with all of us, best advice is see a darn good attorney.
I have been through AA and as far as I am concerned the higher power bit is a big joke . I would see people say they have this higher power bit . Well should not judge, but by their own words and actions I just could n ot see where they did.
True that AA has helped many but they need to study this higher power bit all over again.
even if you do have this so called higher power, it takes and does take a lot of self to overcome this disease and I strongly disagree with those who have told you differently.
If you even became religious during your treatment, it still takes a lot of self will to overcome and also a lot of self to believe in a higher power or God.
So my advice is find a good legal person or even the ACLU.
for now I will accept what you say is true and I hope your question is an honest one.

Answer 3

The New York Court of Appeals.
The Second District Court of Appeals.
The Third District Court of Appeals.
The Seventh District Court of Appeals.
The Tennessee Supreme Court.

All these courts have ruled that AA is religious in nature and mandating AA attendance is a violation of your rights.
If you live in an area that is covered by one of these courts, what they are doing is illegal. If you fall outside of their areas, you could still make it a court case; try Legal Aid or the ACLU.

Wherever you live, the judge had no right jailing you for the failure to find a god of your understanding. There are too many lawyers around who would love to make a name for themselves on a case like this. In the unlikely event you cannot find one, call every news station, newspaper, local and national. You could also try the American Humanist Association or American Atheists.

Answer 4

Actually, courts, probation officers, professional licensing boards, etc. force people to attend AA meetings all of the time. AA encourages this as it helps their membership grow. There are a number of alternative recovery programs out there but AA has such a stranglehold on the treatment industry that you are not likely to find much support for these programs by the people that do the mandating. (Most treatment centers are 12 step based and the counselors are little more than lay people that happen to be members of 12 step fellowships.) You might check out this Yahoo group for more information.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/12-Step_Coercion_Watch/

Answer 5

I think that some faith is a healthy and important part of human nature, but ultimately overcoming any big problems need to come from inside the person who struggles with it. as for what faith, does it really matter? make your own faith or something!

personally, i have finally found some spiritual sense by respecting the positive values that come forth in any religion, and through nature, and just from people in general. We learn and grow from the people who have a positive contribution to our lives and we also learn and become stronger through all the people who have caused us hell.

take small steps to try to work on your problems, and take faith in those who can offer some help. ( i know that can be super hard, but try) Learn yourself, and come to terms with yourself. That will take a long time, but it's the best thing you can ever do. Find the great in every day. This is a journey in itself.
*not to get all spiritual sounding, but it's true.

faith does not necessarily mean christian god. that is something you will have to decide for yourself.

Answer 6

If the court sentenced you to a program that requires you to express religious beliefs, you need to take it back to the court and point out that your civil rights are being violated. If the court will not find an alternative then you need to go to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Frankly, I think that you're making up the entire scenario, but if you're not, the situation is a violation of your basic human rights, and needs to be fixed.

Answer 7

A+ as I bear in mind those autos and the muscle autos. Mine turned right into a 1970 SS396 with 375HP engine. Brother in regulation took the engine out and blueprinted it. crucial that one have a instantly, lengthy street on which to "attempt". My moms and dads had a 1961 Chevy Nomad Station Wagon plus a 1968 Ford united states of america Squire Station Wagon=======8kids. We also had a Chevy 1956 i believe which had an airplane form decoration on the hood. I slid off after washing it and reduce my foot requiring 4 stitches. This changed into the style that had the gas tank filler contained in the rear left tail-gentle, if i'm remembering wisely. those autos were really hardship-free to artwork on.

Answer 8

The only way to fight an addiction is to fight it within yourself. Yes you should seek help, but in the long run you are the only one in control of your actions.

You want to find a religion, then find one that suits you. There are lots out there. Here is a website where you can take a test to find out what might suit you. Just answer the questions honestly. It's the Belief -O- Matic

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

Answer 9

How is it possible that the earth, our intellectual minds, and our very organized and detailed bodies are results of a big random explosion?
I just think that's a cool thing to think about. Oh ya, what was your question ;-) Good luck

Answer 10

your county alcohol counselor is a moron, quitting an addiction is all about self will...I think they know would that...makes your story sound like bs.

Are you yet another angry Atheist trying to make Christianity look bad??