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by aestra 4463 days ago
>You should find those people, meet them and get out of drinking

I don't mean to be offensive but...

This can work, however it might not work depending on who you find. Many former addicts I personally know have replaced their drug habit with a religion habit. They are actively preaching religion at almost all times. This is probably due to the twelve step programs. If you aren't into religion or being preached at, you could be turned off by hanging around these people and thinking that's how your become if you quit, or you need religion to keep you from drinking.

I just know an addict, he avoids getting help because he believes that the 12 step programs are offensive. (I share the same opinion - however I acknowledge they work for some people and that's good - I just disagree they should be the "go to" programs for everyone) He knows AA doesn't work for him, but he doesn't know there are non-religious programs and people who have gotten better without religion.

Disclaimer: The following post is entirely my own experience. It might not reflect everyone's experience. It may or may not be useful. I am just an atheist who knows many former addicts. I have read the AA "big book" some, and I couldn't stand how they treated non-believers. They basically said non-believers can't get better without accepting the Judeo-Christian God. It quotes the bible excessively. Anyone who says AA isn't a religious organization is being dishonest or very selective.

2 comments

Agreed. AA is a religious program, and if you're not religious you shouldn't do it. It's also not backed by sound medical research, and about 50% of people drop out after the first 90 days.

What is effective about twelve step programs is the support network you build. It's important to have friends you can call on when you're thinking of going to the bar, or just want to take a walk or try something new.

> "It quotes the bible excessively"

Absolutely false. I can't locate a single instance. Care to provide some page numbers?

I admit, it has been a while since I read it and that is what I remember. I went back and reread some of it, and you are right I couldn't find any direct quotes. That was my mistake.

It does however have its roots in The Oxford Group.

You may find this of interest though:

http://healthland.time.com/2010/09/23/how-religion-was-edite...