Quote:
Originally Posted by doorknob  Fifth, once we understand our behavior, which has often been self-destructive and harmful to others, we try to develop the humility to amend our destructive habits, to be willing to change our attitudes about life and to repair our damaged relationships with others. We strive for a "completely new set of conceptions and motives" in our lives. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p.27 and 6th through 9th steps.)
Sixth, after we are free of our addictions for a period of time, we strive to find ways to continually stretch our humanity and to become participating members of the larger community, always remembering the lessons we learn in recovery and looking for ways to be of use to others and to addicts like ourselves. (11th and 12th steps.) |
I'm still having trouble with this part. First of all, its makes it sounds like I'm suffering from several character defects which led to my addiction in the first place. I don't believe that's true. I don't think all addicts share some special personality type. We became addicted because of the addictive nature of our DOCs, not because as "addicts" we were predisposed to.
I don't need to develop a new set of beliefs or conceptions about life in order to recover. I guess what I'm trying to say is that my addiction is separate from my moral convictions.The atheist version is still saying I need to become a new person in order to recover, whereas recovery to me is simply stopping the addictive behavior so we can learn to cope with life without the drug.