On 8/28/2013 9:31 PM, Mr. Luddite wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message
...
On Wednesday, August 28, 2013 11:12:24 AM UTC-5, F.O.A.D. wrote:
On 8/28/13 11:22 AM, wrote:
The religious underpinnings and overlay of 12-step programs are
off-putting for many addicts. A lot of people simply don't want religion
shoved down their throats.
There's a lot of substance/alcohol abusers who while in the `12-step'
programs , follow the religious overtones closely.
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Last year when I was involved with a family member's rehab and first
steps with recovery I got a copy of the "Big Book" to read what the 12
step thing was all about. I had never heard of the "Big Book" and had
only heard about the "12 step program" in the form of jokes. I had no
clue what they actually were. Pretty naïve I guess for a guy my age.
I confess that I didn't read the Big Book cover to cover, but I read
enough to get the history, ideas and concepts. I didn't think it
overly pushes religion at all, and certainly doesn't push any particular
theology. I got the it really doesn't care what you believe in as long
as you acknowledge that there are bigger things in the universe than
yourselves.
I was also fortunate to have several people who I had met (mostly
through the guitar shop) who confided their status as recovering addicts
to me. Prior to that I had no idea. They helped me and my wife deal
with my family member's addiction and explained their respective
adaptations of and implementation of the 12 step program as it applied
to them . Some took it more literally than others, but it seemed to
benefit them all.
I certainly don't think it "shoves" religion down anyone's throats.
A close friend is in Recovery for about ten years now... Cleaned up just
about the time his parents sold their farm and gave all of the kids a
million each. He has spent it running a recovery home and program for
addicts now for almost ten years... Heroin and the Oxy drugs are the
worst... they just never, ever let go. Met a couple guys a week or so
back, my age, work with riders. Pin holes for pupils, I hate it...