Addiction Recovery & Continuing Care Network
Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Chad on -
I may be in the minority here, but I stopped going to AA once I left treatment. I knew it was a good thing, and millions of lives have been saved by the power of the group. However, I never could seem to connect to it on an emotional level nor did I find it to be a useful process for me. I loved hearing from the people though, and that's where I believe the power of AA to be. I found refuge in mediation, qigong, and eventually the path of Buddhism. It's my way of calling into question my thoughts, motivations, and attitude. I love the path I'm on, and would never begin to say that what I follow suits everyone. I am happy for anyone that is sober and has found their personal path to mental, physical, and spiritual health. We all must do whatever is necessary to maintain our sanity. Peace.
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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Cameron on -
Ah, the twelve steps. Today I am struggling with Step 3, turning my will and care over to a Higher Power. One of my defects of character, I have found, is this need to control everything. Why? I think because of fear mostly. Anyway, I am currently reading a book by Meredith Gould called "Staying Sober: Tips for Working a Twelve Step Program of Recovery". I highly recommend it. It's informative, with lots of good ideas (that I, in my great wisdom, had not thought of), but also quite funny. We all need to laugh. Although even while I laughed, I felt like crying because of the truth that came through for me when I read this. I came across a different version of the 12 steps today, and I can vouch for the fact that I have tried all of these steps and they work very well. Especially if you wanted to have a messed up life. So, at the risk of getting myself in trouble over copyright laws, here they are:
"The Twelve Steps to Insanity" could be considered a parody, if it weren't such an accurate depiction of pre-recovery attitudes and behaviors. Take a good long look at it the next time you feel fed up with marching up 'n 'down the Twelve Steps. Do you really want to go back to the way things were?
The Twelve Steps to Insanity
g1. We admitted we were powerless over nothin. We could manage our lives perfectly, and we could manage those of anyone else who would allow it.
2. Came to believe that there was no power greater than ourselves, and the rest of the world was insane.
3. Made a decision to have our loved ones and friends turn their wills and their lives over to our care.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of everyone we knew.
5. Admitted to the whole world at large the exact nature of their wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to make others straighten up and do right.
7. Demanded that others either "shape up or ship out."
8. Made a list of anyone who had ever harmed us and became willing to go to any length to get even with them all.
9. Got direct revenge on such people whenever possible except when to do so would cost us our own lives or, at the very least, a jail sentence.
10. Continued to take inventory of others, and when they were wrong promptly and repeatedly told them about it.
11. Sought through nagging to improve our relations with others as we couldn't understand them at all, asking only that they knuckle under and do things our way.
12. Having had a complete physical, emotional, and spiritual breakdown as a result of these steps, we tried to blame it on others and to get sympathy and pity in all our affairs."
Yeah. I think that about says it all. Think I'll step with the "real" twelve steps.
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Permalink Reply by Michael W on -
wow...what you posted is awesome, Kathleen. It shows how much recovery you desire.
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Permalink Reply by Kathleen Cameron on
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I have considered the alternative and it is just not an option! Too much to live for....:)
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Permalink Reply by Tricia H on -
The 12 Steps.... were my saving grace. When I finally surrendered to this program and made a commitment to WORK for my sobriety (and sanity)... well, that's when life got good. I was so afraid of Step 4 but it was actually freedom from fear. Step 6 & 7 I felt like I had found a new best friend. So grateful for the 12 Steps and the fellowships.
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