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The Twelve Step Program is one of the most successful self-help models in existence, so successful, in fact, that it has been modified and adapted by other groups. What is it that makes this program so versatile? 18 Comments Posted
but what happens if you feel like G-d isn't there to answer your plea? What if there's no sign that anyone is listening; or that anyone cares?
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some people do care. in the beginning of this article there are even examples of groups of them. i am not saying that these groups are what you are looking for but there are therapist, rabbi's or even toll free (800) telephone numbers. the real question is... what do you want them to hear?
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Chana, marvelously said. This view is so crucial to the addict. Without it, we perish in relapse. Let me also add that with G_d in control, we no longer have to live in constant regret about the past or worry about the future. As recovering addicts, we live "Just For Today." Our daily mitzvos have meaning and we can trust that G-d will reveal his will for our lives each new day.
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I 'm living in France and belonging to a twelve steps program, NA. I want to thank you for speaking about that kind of fellowship which could save lives. Be blessed...
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You say, "This program is one of the most successful self-help models in existence."
How do you know this?
I am well aware that 12 Step Programs make this claim, but where's the evidence? The fact that there are so many of them doesn't prove it's successful in helping people overcome their problems.
Psychologist and author Stanton Peele greatly opposes the popular 12 Step disease model of addiction which has warped our society's thinking in numerous ways and shows that there is no evidence that 12 Steps is anywhere near as successful as people claim it is.
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I have been a member of AA for a while now and have to say that not only did this program save my life but it brought me here and to Kabbalah and a new awakening. It gave me my life back and brought me to understand who my higher power really is, why I am on this earth and where I am going. I am not unique, I see this happening to others every single day.
Peace
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I am concerned that the serenity and the Lrds. prayer are not Jewish therefore when the time comes to recite them I feel separated frpm the group Is this a real concern or am i just maing reservations>?Hi, My name is Yossi and I am an addict!!!!
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I always had a belief, but I was confusing religion with spiritual. If one questions about a higher power and you have found your way to a 12 step program, ask yourself, why did I make it here in these rooms (recovery) and so many haven't? If that isn't a G-d of your understanding giving you back your life then I don't know. I too live JUST FOR TODAY, as the moment is all we are promised. I have no doubt that G-d surrounds me with love, light and protection. (so long as I follow this way, I have nothing to fear) Love and Hugs
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Yossi, hi, & I understand your problem with that prayer. I'm not a Jew, wife is, but I "think Jewish" more than anything else. That prayer, "Our Father...etc" bothers me also, from the masculine connotation, Christian heritage, etc. And there's lots of Jews, Christians, and just plain "God believing" folks in AA, etc, who are uncomfortable with it. So, what the hell, we deal with all of this by metaphor anyway, just have to let it go and move on. But, you are not alone in your question. And, oh yeah, Hi, my name is Chuck and I'm an alcoholic.
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Your post on the necessity of "G-d" (my interpretation, anyway) was spot on. Thank you for sharing it. Eighteen months ago, as someone claiming to have an existing belief in "G-d," I joined A.A.-- dejected and pitiable. Through working the 12-Steps and reading the Big Book of A.A. I was shown how to put my former flimsy belief into practice. I have since come to accept that a God Of My Own Understanding is at play in my daily life--a sort of Great Oz milling about backstage, pulling the strings, even though I struggle nearly daily at capitulating.
It's a comfort, to-be-sure, knowing, as you say, I am "not alone." Still I struggle with what often feels like a battle of wills: mine and G-d's. But what the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous has taught me is, basically, to get over myself (which I find I'm actually willing to do today!) It stresses too, in equal parts: have fun,clean house; trust "G-d." And at the end of the day, I can trust I'll sleep, gratefully, and with peace.
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If you've found a program that works for you, that keeps you clean, but, more deeply, helps you become a sane, loving and caring person, Amen! For me, NA has been a lifeblood. It does not necessarily "replace" anything else, be they psychiatry, rehab, Yoga, Judaism, etc., but it is spiritual and fellowship and sage wisdom from over 60 years of developed NA literature. I am also Jewish. In fact, more "frum" than I've ever been, but NA is a central part of my life that complements my Torah observance. The key to recovery--true recovery, not "white knuckling it" or independence from others--is recognizing that you need help from a Higher More Powerful and More Loving Source than yourself. I believe it is clearly G-d. You may believe it's your therapist. Fine, but how is your program working for you? Plus, don't get me started on recalling all the incredible anonymous success stories that have come out of NA since 1953.
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sadly so many in these groups think simply by saying I turn it over to G-d, that they have done all they need to. It is the true internallization and connection each of us has to our g-d and how we live our days to honor G-d that is the true turning point. Just saying it doesn't make the connection, living it does. G-d granted the strength within each of us to reach this goal.
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i purposely read this to see what chabad.og had to say about AA. it's good!
i don't remember when the last time i went to a meeting (i've been in the hospital for a year and lost my memory for a couple of years). but AA used to give me G-d every day!
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Working the Twelve Steps whether NA, AA or any A we learn that they all are a program of action. The Big Book tells us as does the
Tanakh or Bible that faith without works is dead. Nobody can get sober by osmosis. I know if you do what is suggested to do you can stay sober and live a wonderful life...
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I spent time in prison and tried this new G-D concept since this being my 5th time in prison something new sounded good.I have been a addict for my entire life and desperatly need help.I studied and kept kosher for five years but it was not enough.I found out the hard way that without A.A and the fellowship that goes along with it Religion alone without a community was not enough.I am so very pleased for this combination of Both these put together that I am confident their will ot be a 6th time.Thank u
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Never really had an an addiction in the popular or well-known sense of the word. Basically lived a good life. I even quit smoking after two years at around 21 all by myself one evening as I lay in the grass. I felt very proud of myself. But what I failed to realize was my addiction to pornography that can eventually become a monster and destroy and distort relationships. I thought I gave this up last summer but it was on Yom Kippur that G-d completely cleaned me from this bondage...that prison with golden bars. I realized that I had to be really willing to change, and to stop playing games with G-d. Yes means yes and no means no. I did revert back to that addiction for a while but I know without a doubt that it's no longer that monster that had a stronghold in my life.
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Hi Chana W,
I think the 12 steps should be in school K thru Campus College, and not just for those with severe problems, but for all, the wonderful simple 12 gems of steps to help us with life's little bewildering mountains.
We who believe Torah/Bible truth can so often miss the obvious, while searching the Torah/Bible for complex answers...
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