An Atheist at Alcoholics Anonymous

The following essay is a powerful and articulate personal story of addiction and recovery by Frank B, an atheist who found sobriety and salvation in AA through human love and compassion. Although ‘spirituality is central to the Twelve Step programme….  [Frank] discovered that even the godless can be saved.’ (1) His story was originally published in […]

Naturalistic Spirituality – A Spirituality of the Actual, Possible and of Action

The following essay written by Hugh Taft-Morales of the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia, outlines a humanist approach towards a naturalistic spirituality for those who don’t hold a traditional belief in God, or subscribe to religious orthodoxy. A genuinely ‘spiritual, not religious’ perspective that suggests a ‘spirituality of the actual’, a ‘spirituality of the possible’, […]

The Separate Sense of Self and Addiction

By Steve K. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) suggests that “selfishness – self-centeredness” (p.62) is the root cause of the alcoholic’s problems. That they are “driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking and self-pity.” (1) There is no doubt that addiction, of any description, quite often leads to self-centered and selfish behavior. Addiction tends to […]

Recovered vs Recovering

By Steve K. As a member of a 12-Step fellowship I’m aware of the ongoing debate in relation to using the terms “recovered” vs “recovering” alcoholic or addict.  Ultimately, how someone describes themselves is a personal matter of preference and relates to their self-perception. I also think that how they interpret the above terms dictates […]

Recovery Is Contagious

By William L White. A talk given at the NorthEast Treatment Centers (NET) in Philadelphia, PA celebrating its recovery services at its 40th Anniversary, April 14, 2010. Many of us in this room know that addiction is contagious. Addiction was not a purpose we set out to achieve. We grew up in a world that castigated people […]