I am pagan, and it is very hard making sober friends who dont push the God and higher power philosophy, they dont seem to understand that for me it's discouraging to hear that "its only through God" that i can stay sober. I need a place where i dont feel judged or forced to pretend to be included. I'm 9 months sober. By myself. I would just like a safe place, with good sober people without religion being a huge factor.
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Hey I'm so glad to hear that your pagan I too have pagan beliefs and am in constant struggle relating to people in recovery for the same reason I completely understand the feeling it's nice to hear that I'm not alone on that one
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We often have to "pretend " to fit in just to have a support system! I really want to start a non biased system where I live and from around the world.
Some is just them faking it for show. Toxic recovery, I call it. They get all about their shoes so you ain't looking at them, but I can see past the glam.
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Hey ill add you. Im also 9 months sober. And im not much into the whole god thing myself
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What works for one person may not work for another and that's ok for me believe in God and that's works for me that doesn't mean I'm going to push my beliefs on you
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I can relate to your experience. I too believe in the craft and I struggled with the GOD thing too. However you will find your path. I did and tomorrow I celebrate 18 years. If you need some support I'll be glad to help.
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I'm sorry you feel that you have to mask, Audry. I do hope your space and the support you seek come to you to accept you as you are. đź«‚đź’ś
The Judeo-Christian religion has a lot of flaws and the Catholic church is about the most hypocritical institution there is in my opinion. Hard to rely on God that really doesn't seem to be there.
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I struggle with the Higher Power thing too. I just think about the Holocaust and the 6 million Jews that died that were more religious and bigger believers in God than me and they must’ve been praying every day to get outta there and God didn’t lift a finger (or really went the long way.) to get em out but for some reason he’s going to help me, who was absolutely awful in active addiction, merely get sober? I still believe in a HP I just don’t necessarily believe he’s up there performing miracles for those that believe and pray and read the Bible. I think my HP is rooting for me, and is a good moral compass, but is most likely just like, yea, good luck, I’ll see ya when you cross over. 
I like Smart Recovery meetings sometimes. Have yet to try Recovery Dharma. But a majority of meetings I go to are 12 step. I just take what makes sense to me and leave the rest.
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Have you looked into SMART Recovery? I hear they take a more practical approach and less spiritual. Or maybe Dharma meetings.
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Just read this and suggested some of the same things 
sorry for being redundant lol
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Audry, first congratulations on 9 months!! Doing that without a support system is incredibly hard, and you’re here now, which means you’re building one.
There are people in this community who recover through spirituality, some through religion, some through neither. All of those paths are valid here.
You shouldn’t have to feel out of place or. It connected in order to access support.
This space is for everyone in recovery, regardless of what (or who) anyone believes in. If God works for someone, that’s their path. If paganism, Buddhism, atheism, or just sheer willpower works for others, that’s equally valid.
What connects us isn’t our beliefs, it’s our commitment to staying in recovery and supporting each other through it.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s keep going!
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Addiction often involves a loss of control…believing in a Higher Power helps many people accept help, let go of guilt/shame, and find hope.
It’s not about religion…it's about spirituality and surrender.
It can be a focus on the universe, or mother earth, or moon cycles for you.
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I totally understand where you are coming from. It is so difficult to sit in a meeting and literally every single person speaks and talks about God, Jesus and the Bible. Thought this wasn't a "religious" program?? Even when they say, well, it can be a god of your understanding. They don't get it.. if someone doesn't believe in a god, there aren't any of my understanding. I just try to listen to the stories and take what I can get that I feel might help me.
I’m 4 years sober and went to my first AA meeting
It was all about god and I’m all for ppl having their own religions but can’t there be a program without it
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I would suggest you try secular NA secular AA or lifering no one should have to feel like an outsider at meetings Goodluck hope you find a safe space
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Hi, I just wanted to reach out and say I'm here if you need me. Just because you don't believe in God doesn't mean you can't stay sober. I'm sorry that anyone has made you feel excluded. They oughta be ashamed. We all know how it feels to be isolated and excluded. And God teaches acceptance and love above all else. Everyone's sober journey is different and you're doing great. Please reach out if you need someone though.
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I agree I don't think people should put you in that situation I don't judge.
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Hi Audry,
Congrats on 9 months! That's amazing.
I learned early on in my program that a higher power can be whatever you feel closest to.
Some choose to use their home room or the NA or AA program as their higher power.
I understand it could be annoying or overwhelming sometimes.
Maybe, every time you hear a religious word that makes you feel uncomfortable, think about replacing it in your head with something that you are more aligned with?
Respecting others beliefs even if we do not agree or understand them is something I have learned to do.
Change ourselves and help those that ask when we can. Keeps my life simple.