The ONLY way to recover from alcoholism is to use God. Who agrees?

Question

If you go to an AA meeting they mention religion for a good reason. You NEED it to recover from the DISEASE known as alcoholism, and only God can help you.

I'm glad AA uses religion in their meetings. I'm with them all the way.

Go Jesus.

Answer 1

The only way to recover from alcoholism is to stop using alcohol.

Answer 2

As a former substance abuse treatment therapist I have to tell you that you are sort of right, but not quite. The AA and other 12 step programs are not "religious" in the sense of a believe in "God". The term is "higher power" and even an Atheist can be helped by the program. Higher Power can be anything outside of one's self. In the step that does mention God, it says "God as you understand Him", so that also is open. You do not have to be a Christian, Jew, etc. to be helped by the AA program. I used to help Atheist find a Higher Power that was not God. It can be the power of the group, or the power of Love, etc.

And for those here who said it was not a disease. Sorry, it is considered a disease by both the medical and mental health specialist. You do not 'recover', but it can be managed one day at a time. (Some can be helped with just the meeting, other need some time in formal treatment first and AA meeting on an ongoing basis the rest of their life.) I have many friends that are 'recovering' Alcoholics and they are very good people.

For more information and meeting near you look here:
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/?Media=PlayFlash

Answer 3

Churches have infiltrated many organistions, such as employment agencies, abortion/pregnancy councelling services so I don't see why AA associations would be any different. These positions are put up to public tender by the Government, religion and Government have always been in league with each other. Corporate churches generously maked donations towards political campaigns therefore it's somewhat bribery, really. Once the church obtains control of a certain organisation they are in a prime position as people who need help are usually vulnerable and therefore easier to convert. New converts means more money for the church. I would imagine that an ex-drunk would be good to recruit as all that money they once wasted on alcohol would then be given to the church in appreciation for not only ridding them of the demon drink, but also saving their soul! Very cunning, those Christians!

Answer 4

I do not believe AA works completely. They don't use religion. They use a "higher power". That higher power could be a doorknob if someone believed in it enough. Most people I know that have tried AA fell back into drinking shortly after they stop going or they meet new friends to drink with at the meetings. AA also labels you as an alcoholic forever. I have heard that it works for some people.

I don't believe that God is the only way to stop alcoholism. Some people are able to stop drinking on their own. BUT I believe God is the ONLY way to completely cure the addictive nature. This based on my personal experiences. I used to be a meth addict and tried NA for awhile. It didn't help me at all. After the meetings, I'd go out and use. I stopped using on my own, but I still had cravings to use. ONly after I became a CHristian did my desire/craving to use go away completely.

There are actual Christian alternatives to AA. One really great group is Overcomers in Christ. Instead of teaching you that you are forever an addict, they instead lead you to total healing through Christ and teach that you are a new person because of your relationship with Jesus.

Answer 5

AA, which is the archetypal "12 step program", does require submission to a higher power as part of ifs philosophy.
They actually don't keep statistics on how successful they are, but independent studies have shown it not to be very high.. In the region of 10%. Many people won't do AA because of the god thing.

I don't think alcoholism is a disease. It is a choice. You make a choice every time you take a drink...it's not like cancer.

Answer 6

You are mistaken. AA suggests that what you need is a higher power of your understanding. If you read the Big Book which is the main literature they even state that is might not necessarily be God. There is even a chapter in there addressed to agnostics.I personally have a close relationship with my God however it scares some when they think that they only way they can sober up is with religion. A lot of people have had horrible experiences with religion in their lives and the last thing they want is to sober up that way.

Answer 7

What's the difference between alcoholism and Christianity? Both involve a refusal to accept reality, both devalue the person, both are rooted in delusion and denial, both foster helplessness.

You don't recover from alcoholism by exchanging one emotional crutch for another, you recover with therapy and/or medication.

People avoid AA precisely because it includes this "higher power" nonsense and makes a religious experience out of what should be medical and psychological treament.

Answer 8

If they want to use religion, that's fine with me, I won't be really listening if I ever go, though. And alcoholism is not a disease, it's an addiction. -_- Jeez, I'm probably younger than you and I know what words are correct? And I think recovering from alcoholism is overcoming a mental addiction. Sure believing could help, but either way, you overcome a mental addiction with your own will.

Answer 9

I disagree.

"Q: There’s a lot of talk about God, though, isn’t there?

A: The majority of A.A. members believe that we have found the solution to our drinking problem not through individual willpower, but through a power greater than ourselves. However, everyone defines this power as he or she wishes. Many people call it God, others think it is the A.A. group, still others don’t believe in it at all. There is room in A.A. for people of all shades of belief and nonbelief."

And..

"A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. "

Answer 10

But I only see god when I have alcohol in my system. So how did Jesus helped you fight alcoholism? Did he smite you in the head and told you to stop drinking alcohol?

Answer 11

that's a crock--they recommend surrendering yourself to a higher power, not necessarily your god, and I have a friend who is a confirmed atheist who has been clean and sober three years now without any help from your skydaddy whatsoever--you're insulting some of the strongest people you could ever hope to meet and i am disgusted by you