By Steve K. The literature of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) suggests that alcoholism is an illness of the mind, body and soul; and that by healing spiritually the alcoholic will heal mentally and bodily as well. I would also like to suggest that the alcoholic heals emotionally, and contentiously, morally, as part of the recovery process. […]
By Steve K. There is a common myth in recovery circles, often perpetuated by the literal interpretation of the literature, that long term sobriety equals a life of being “happy, joyous and free.” However, the reality of “life on life’s terms” often brings with it suffering and adversity and the related negative impact in terms […]
By Steve K. While I’m committed to the practise of spiritual principles as a part of my recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, the emphasis within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on being accepting, compassionate, tolerant, unselfish and loving etc, and of “practising these principles in all our affairs”, combined with literal interpretation of fellowship literature, […]
By Steve K. I’ve often heard it said in AA meetings, ‘I don’t know how the Twelve Steps work – they just do.’ I have never found that statement particularly helpful. Taken literally, the Steps suggest that we can recover from our illness by accepting it, by belief in God or a higher power, by […]
By Steve K. I attend a weekly AA meeting which I consider to be my “home group” and have done so for a long period of time. I value the group and in general it has had a good balance of people experienced in recovery, as well as newer members. Recently, a local residential treatment […]
By Steve K. The experience of surrender is the gateway to recovery from addiction. To paraphrase the first Step of the AA 12-Step program, at this moment we experience an acceptance that we lack control and that our life is unmanageable. Our ego surrenders its will through the pain and suffering of addiction. Our denial is […]
By Steve K. Humility is having a realistic view of oneself as a limited, imperfect human being, and being honest without pretence in the portrayal of oneself to others. Humility acknowledges the need for others and reaches out towards them. It requires good self-awareness and self-acceptance, and is a strength rather than a weakness. False […]
By Steve K. Spiritual development or awakening, and reduction of our fear-based ego, is the main aim of the 12-Step approach to recovery from addiction. The belief is that, if we change in this respect, we’ll be able to let go of our addictions and live more fulfilling and satisfying lives. We will move away […]
By Steve K. I recently became fully aware of certain unconscious motivations that have been directing, to a degree, some of my behaviour. At a conscious level, I was trying to help someone early in recovery and still believe that this motive was genuine. However, underlying these efforts I was also being driven by powerful […]
By Steve K. Step Six “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” And… Step Seven “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” Steps Six and Seven of the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) involve willingness, humility and practice. Step Six requires a genuine willingness to be free of […]
12-STEP PHILOSOPHY 