as preached at most of the meetings I go to, It seems all I need to do is follow the 12 steps and I will be in sync with the cosmos and will be living on a buddhist like spiritual highway
2007-01-18 12:46:25 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
screw psychiatry, social workers, and all ddiction research, who needs it, God will save me
2007-01-18 12:50:43 · update #1
I believe if you buy into the whole "spiritual answer to a spiritual disease", you can end up with more problems than you started with.
AA isn't about quitting drinking, it's about parroting the AA line. You can relapse every week as long as you use all their words, but question the program in the least and they'll be all over you.
2007-01-21 05:34:09 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that anything is truly the answer to all of life's problems. If you are going to AA to stop being an alcoholic, I applaud you, because I know that is a hard step to take after growing up in a family of alcoholics. You deserve a big pat on the back, and I will keep you in my prayers. If you are going because you think it will answer all your problems, I don't think that's the right reason to go. I'm not so sure that the Buddhist are the only people that think they live on the right spiritual highway either...for some reason these days everyone wants the easy way out and everyone wants the easy answer to all their problems. (I'm not saying or implying in anyway that this is why you asked your question, I just don't want anyone to get offended by my answer).
I wish you the best of luck in your endevors.
2007-01-18 12:52:43 · answer #2 · answered by stacijo531 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"...all that is asked for in AA is that you believe in a power greater than yourself..." One that you pray to, who answers those prayers. By definition, a god. Read the literature. You might be able to make a case for non-denominational, but never non-religious. AA is a splinter group that came out of the Oxford Group, a Christian sect that at one time was called the "First Century Christian Fellowship". They, too, boasted of being "spiritual not religious". But whether AA is religious or not, the important thing is: Does AA work? The answer is not as good as receiving no treatment at all. AA has about a 5% success rate, quitting without any treatment has about a 5% success rate, but AA has a higher mortality rate. George Vaillant, former Harvard professor, researcher, and AA trustee, performed the largest study of its day, attempting to prove that AA worked. He said of his findings: "Not only had we failed to alter the natural history of alcoholism, but our death rate of three percent a year was appalling." In the US over 60% of all newcomers arrive under mandates from the courts, government agencies, and employee assistance programs. According to AA's Triennial Surveys, 95% drop out within their first year. If AA was so successful, why do so many leave? AA has created the AA-critical movement by ignoring its own traditions. AA churns out far more disgruntled ex-members than it keeps.
2016-03-29 03:55:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
AA/NA or any 12 step meeting is a process. Working the steps brings you closer to knowing your true self and replacing the symptom of drug or alcohol use with spirituality. Addiction is a disease that is terminal and progressive if gone untreated. Meetings with step work is the treatment. Recovery is not mere abstinence of drug or alcohol use. You don't "follow" the steps, you "work" the steps. This disease is not to be taken lightly. It will kick your ***, take everything you have including your life if not arrested. It is not a religious program, therefore your statement implies further education needed on your part.
Religion is for those who are afraid to go to hell.
Spirituality is for those who have been there.
2007-01-18 13:02:24 · answer #4 · answered by Babette S 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no of course AA in and of itself is not the answer to everything. it is, however, a tried and true program that provides a roadmap to dealing with alcoholism and all of the areas it has affected your life. also,it provides priceless group insight as well as personal support for those who SEEK it.
take it one step at a time, and dont get caught up in the spiritual side of it until you are ready to explore that. keep it simple. take what helps you and leave the rest.
i will tell you this...no where else will you find a group of people that are more genuinely interested in your success. you will come to realise that they will be there for you through anything.
get a temporary sponser if you dont have one already...and share these thoughts you are having. give this program a chance.
all the best:)
2007-01-18 13:09:58 · answer #5 · answered by dali333 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
God will save you, but the right one, not some new-age idea of a god.
And no, AA is not the answer to all of life's problems and questions, God is the answer.
Instead of having a cocky attitude about it, why not try it, really try to understand how God is there for you? What have you got to loose?
2007-01-18 13:02:36 · answer #6 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
All you need is a desire to stop drinking. Follow the steps as well but you have to want to stop, AA can't give you the will you need that yourself. AA is a support group of men and women who are going through similar things.
2007-01-18 12:51:13 · answer #7 · answered by Serinity4u2find 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dont use the meetings to solve all your problems, use them as a stepping stone, a time to see that there are many others with the same problems.
2007-01-18 13:15:48 · answer #8 · answered by QueenA 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No it is not the answer to having a crown pop off a tooth.
2007-01-18 12:49:25 · answer #9 · answered by All hat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋