outvoid,
Instead, it simply means that one has to accept the idea they are not fully capable of 'fixing' their problems on their own.
That is my understanding as well. Not necessarily 'god' or traditional conceptions of an HP...but admitting that one is powerless over the addiction and that external help is required to repair it. The real question is the
nature of that "external support".
If we were able to solve our own problems about our addictions, we would've already done so. Right?
Sure, but let's not discount the fact that ppl
choose to go to AA meetings, surround themselves with sober ppl, stay busy with healthy activities, eat right, sleep right, etc, etc. Very, very few people are physically coerced into becoming sober (prisoners are the exception).
IMO, the 'choice' to be sober is ultimately up to the individual. The key is acknowledging what can and cannot be changed, and what they 'choose' to do about it. But that requires external help. Hardly anyone can do it on their own - I mean, no one lives on an island, right? They need the support of friends, family, community, church, AA, secular programs, etc.
what do you use to substitute the concept of a "higher power"
Humanity as a whole. The community in which I live. My supportive family.
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)?
Well, you can read 'my story' under the 'stories' forum above. This forum has rules about bashing 12-step programs, so I won't get into details. Feel free to PM me.
