Why is it that whenever someone quits doing drugs or drinking alcohol that they become a religious fanatic?

Question

Is it because they just need a new addiction?

Answer 1

It is funny how these people never "find God" while they're chopping their breakfast on a mirror, or laying in a puddle of their own urine and vomit behind Mac's Package Store.

Answer 2

No it's not because they need a new addiction. And not ALL do become religious fanatics. (I'm sure most aren't fanatics anyway, but may seem that way to those who are not religious at all or who have never been to the "bottom" so to speak).

I work at a psychiatric facility that has a large and successful addiction rehab program and for a psychiatrist who specializes in addictionology.

For many recovering addicts, the only thing that finally turned their life around and made them feel strong enough to complete a treatment program was calling out to God. The M.D. I work for will tell you this and he is agnostic at best - really he's atheist and afraid to admit it. The power of faith to help a person make a truly life-altering and life-improving change is REAL. The recovering addicts are often then so thankful to God for helping them through, that they truly dedicate their lives to their faith, so to those who knew them before then do seem fanatical.

Answer 3

Yes, some have an addictive personality which needs to have a fix somehow.

Many people do drugs because they are vulnerable as well and religion does prey on the vulnerable, but remember it isn't always the case some people do get sorted out on their own.

Answer 4

I had spent a couple of years in their twelve step program and my personal impression was that it was almost cult like. They wanted me to accept certain ideas without question. They would say things like "You cant rely on your own thinking, it was your best thinking that got you here." They say that their success in sobering people up is proof of Gods existence but I dont see it that way. I think people simply rely on a new 'high' which stems from the good feeling of belonging to such a large organization. There are also more authoritative members who get a high from their prestige earned in the groups by how successful theyve been at staying sober. These members have 'followers'. Their were members who were 'winners' who had success at staying sober and their were members who never really fit in who wouldnt stay or would be in and out of the program. 'Stick with the winners' I would often hear certain people say. Considering that the founders of the program had a high value placed on love and tolerance I really didnt experience much of either, especially from long time members. Eventually I became so disillusioned by the organization that I left. Thankfully Ive been able to stay sober on my own. I would hate to actually have to rely on AA for life. My experience there was actually one of the reasons Ive slowly moved away from believing in a God.

Answer 5

Sometimes people who have had their alcohol or drug addiction removed by God are so happy, joyful and elated that they want to thank God continuously. Sometimes their joy and gratitude seems a little overbearing to us, but they are doing it out of their love and happiness with God. Would you rather the person stay a drug addict or alcoholic? You think that's a more attractive personality?

Answer 6

religious organisations prey on the weak and vulnerable.
they get involved in schools, drug rehab, jails, and go on missions to poor countries overseas under the guise of trying to help people when really there only intent is to convert them to religion.
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Answer 7

I wouldn't doubt it they were weak in the first place probably even weaker after the fact and I mean religion is very appeling enternal life and such isn't that what people have been searching for, for centuries?

Answer 8

The mind is still dependent on something and sometimes a similar eurphoria accompanies the experience.

Answer 9

Because it is usually God who saves them from their sins, sometimes he is saving them from killing themselves with drugs and alcohol. See how good it is when you have the right answer.

Answer 10

i think its the other way around. i think they've found peace and solace in their religion that they don't feel the need to do drugs or drink alcohol.