Addictions and Getting Recovered

Twelve-step programs have been proven to be the most effective method for getting recovered from addictions. In additiona to the long and demanding process of completing the twelve steps, there are puzzling program cliches, confusing jargon, and various myths and inaccurate information about what addictions and what twelve-step programs are, exactly.

With the drastic increase in the number of professionals and healing/treatment centers, the huge influx of people into twelve-step programs, the many new versions and applications of twelve-step programs, and too many false promises about what twelve-step programs can do, there's been a disastrous blurring of the boundaries between therapy and twelve-step programs. The efficacy and spiritual integrity of twelve-step programs has not withstood this tidal wave of change, and the spiritual solution presented in the original twelve-step participant is clear on the crucial importance of maintaining the independence of each process.

There are Abstinence Available Addictions (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) and Abstinence Not-Available Addictions (sex, work, relationships, anger, religion, etc.). The second category, because of the nature of the addiction itself, causes call manner of confusion and irresponsibility in both the twelve-step and professional communities. Addicts get lost in this confusion and too often the consequences are relapse or death.

There is a perennial philosophy at work in the twelve steps, but very sadly, most alcoholics or addicts, even though they have the instructions, miss it almost completely. Addictions are the self-destructive outcome of deep spiritual dislocation. There's a beautiful synergy to the world and twelve-step people are part of that synergy - they add to it - but where do they fit? If they buy into the historical and cultural perspectives of additions, there's shame and isolation - they lose. If they buy into the twelve-step myth that they're unique and that "outsiders" can't help them, they're arrogant and isolated - they lose. If twelve-step people participate in the social hypocrisy rampant in the groups, they may be popular but won't become spiritual - they lose. Any of these take them out of the universal synergy.

This book is my explanation, in real terms that people can understand, of how to escape these destructive and isolating traps, how to negotiate through the twelve steps, and become spiritual (get recovered). This is not a quick-read book. It's a very detailed examination of the contiuum from addiction to recovery, and examines the myths and realities and twelve-step programs and transformation.

The author is greatly indebted to Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. for their generous permission to quote at length from their published material. The material quoted and excerpted from Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, and other published material they hold copyright on is used with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Permission to use this material does not mean or imply that AA has reviewed or approved the contents of this work, nor does it mean or imply that AA agrees with the views expressed herein. Alcoholics Anonymous is a program of recovery from alcoholism only: use of their material in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after AA, but which address other problems, or in any other non-AA context, does not imply otherwise.