My friend who lives in Boston has a drinking problem and wants to go sober. He has been to AA, but it doesn't suit him as he finds the spiritual approach uninspiring as he is a committed atheist. Are there any non-spiritual groups that help alcoholics?
2006-08-14 06:46:51 · 9 answers · asked by Existentialist_Guru 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
There are. There's Rational Recovery and S.M.A.R.T. Recovery are pretty good (I like SMART's methodology-- from a cognitive behavioural standpoint it makes the most sense).
There is an excellent book called "Overcoming your Alcohol, Drug and 12 Step Habits." Also, anything on choice theory by Bandura is a good read.
Your friend could also start his own group. The social support that AA gives has consistently been found to be the main reason it works (unlike AA members who will tell you it's because of their higher power).
Good luck to your friend!
2006-08-14 06:55:07 · answer #1 · answered by cleeps 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he can go to a counseling center that specializes in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. My husband has been in AA for 13 years and I go to some of his meetings when he gets his anniversary pins and I did note that they always say the "Our Father" at the end of the meeting and when you do the step work you do have to accept God as your higher power so I can see your point that he would have a hard time at AA since he is an atheist. There is a place near my house called "Pathways" and they have alcohol counseling both in individual counseling and group counseling. Maybe he can check where he lives if they have this type of service. Good Luck.
2006-08-14 06:54:31 · answer #2 · answered by New York Mama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AA doesn't commit to a specific spiritual philosophy, or even a belief in a 'god' so to speak. just that there are certain things out of your control in life, and in order to help yourself you need to put your faith into some kind of power greater than yourself, it could be the cosmic background radiation for all they care.
try to convince your friend to go back or find a different AA group to meet with, since it really is a wonderful program which has helped MILLIONS stay sober
people complaining about AA's 'religious' issues really need to get a life and get off their high horse, either that or they really don't understand the program.
2006-08-14 06:52:09 · answer #3 · answered by banzai 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try the group Rational Recovery. They publish a book called The Small Book, they have taken the religious aspect out. I think its great. You can probably look them up online
www.rational.org
2006-08-14 06:52:51 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you're right, AA is notorious for imposing religion. new hobbies are always good. maybe have him try a martial art, or get involved with the community. having more things to fill up his day means less time to get drunk.
2006-08-14 06:55:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My girl and i both have heroin problems and on clean times on methadone the best was something called Rational Recovery.
2006-08-14 06:56:43 · answer #6 · answered by ken q 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He should read the book "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey.
2006-08-14 06:53:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OH YOU MEAN THE HIGHER POWER SERENITY PRAYER I TOO AM FROM BEAN TOWN TELL YA FRIEND TO GET A SPONSER TO HELP HIM STICK WITH THE PROGRAM IT WORKS YEA TELL"EM TA TAKE IT EASY
2006-08-14 06:52:03 · answer #8 · answered by Penney S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
find something better than alcohol... sex
2006-08-14 06:55:26 · answer #9 · answered by RockergurlSoS! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋