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Outvoid · 10-04-2009, 07:23 PM

Greetings to all...

Before I begin, let me say that I am not starting this thread to debate with anyone. I am genuinely curious as to how secular sobriety programs work.

In 12-step programs, one of the key elements (as I'm sure you're aware) is the concept of a "Higher Power". This does not mean a "god", though many do choose to think of a "god" as their "Higher Power".

I am a former atheist and I work with many agnostics and atheists coming into 12-step programs, especially reguarding step 2 ("Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity").

What I have always counciled people is that this does not mean they have to accept some supernatural interpretation of a "higher power". Instead, it simply means that one has to accept the idea they are not fully capable of 'fixing' their problems on their own.

If we were able to solve our own problems about our addictions, we would've already done so. Right?

When I first came into SAA, someone told me, "Unless you believe in God, you will not succeed in this program." -- To which I say: Bullsh_it. One does not have to believe in a god to achieve sobriety. Believing in a "god" can make things easier, I think, but it's not absolutely neccessary. One can start the process of stopping the addictive behaviors one has one day at a time by having a desire to do so, working with a sponsor, going to meetings, and sharing with an open heart.

However, I am interested in knowing how secular recovery programs work because I do encounter many agnostics (and a few atheists) who really struggle with the concept of a "higher power", not just in a semantic sense, but in the notion that they are not, personally, in control of their own life.

So my first question is: to those of you who are achieving sobriety in secular recovery programs, what do you use to substitute the concept of a "higher power", or if you don't use this conception at all, how do you deal with encouraging humility in a newcommer to your program?

My second question is: to those of you who have tried traditional 12-step programs, what sort of negative experiences have you had (if any)?

Thank you very much for your time.

--Outvoid--

10-04-2009, 07:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Outvoid Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 61	Secular sobriety questions... Greetings to all... Before I begin, let me say that I am not starting this thread to debate with anyone. I am genuinely curious as to how secular sobriety programs work. In 12-step programs, one of the key elements (as I'm sure you're aware) is the concept of a "Higher Power". This does not mean a "god", though many do choose to think of a "god" as their "Higher Power". I am a former atheist and I work with many agnostics and atheists coming into 12-step programs, especially reguarding step 2 ("Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity"). What I have always counciled people is that this does not mean they have to accept some supernatural interpretation of a "higher power". Instead, it simply means that one has to accept the idea they are not fully capable of 'fixing' their problems on their own. If we were able to solve our own problems about our addictions, we would've already done so. Right? When I first came into SAA, someone told me, "Unless you believe in God, you will not succeed in this program." -- To which I say: Bullsh_it. One does not have to believe in a god to achieve sobriety. Believing in a "god" can make things easier, I think, but it's not absolutely neccessary. One can start the process of stopping the addictive behaviors one has one day at a time by having a desire to do so, working with a sponsor, going to meetings, and sharing with an open heart. However, I am interested in knowing how secular recovery programs work because I do encounter many agnostics (and a few atheists) who really struggle with the concept of a "higher power", not just in a semantic sense, but in the notion that they are not, personally, in control of their own life. So my first question is: to those of you who are achieving sobriety in secular recovery programs, what do you use to substitute the concept of a "higher power", or if you don't use this conception at all, how do you deal with encouraging humility in a newcommer to your program? My second question is: to those of you who have tried traditional 12-step programs, what sort of negative experiences have you had (if any)? Thank you very much for your time. --Outvoid--