I was just starting to read a post about Recovery without Religion… an interesting topic for me because religious indoctrination is at the root of my childhood trauma(overshare?). Unfortunately, the post is all locked up.. perhaps from people arguing in the comments section?
To be clear, before I receive any hate mail, I don’t have a problem with god or the bible, just looking to explore all the other avenues to sobriety.
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I totally understand how that goes!
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To each their own. No judgement here! We all have our own story and reasons we are the way we are. You’re here and living for sobriety. That’s what’s most important!
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Since you’re new, I’ll let you know that AA and NA are completely non-religious. They were designed that way to make sure that they were inclusive for those in need but struggled with religion.
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Spirituality not religions. Big difference
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If you believe in a higher power of your understanding that is completely fine! It doesn’t always have to be god, it could be the earth, sky. Just my opinion
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Welcome
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I live in Idaho, but I’m not FROM Idaho. You can make all the assumptions you want, some of them are very accurate. I never even knew what a mormon was until I moved out west!
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Higher power? Sure… we can even call it ‘god’. I don’t have a problem with the idea of spirituality, shared belief systems or community. However, you will not find me at the local church drinking shitty coffee/chain-smoking my way to sobriety.
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Agreed 100% I don’t know how to express that my beliefs predate christianity… without offending anyone.
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Thanks Matt, I’m having a hard time finding in-person meetings. I live in a very small town. That’s how I ended up on here, online!
I moved to Idaho from a valley in Vermont that has LESS sunny days than Seattle. Backcountry snowmobiles brought me here, but the sunshine and sandy beaches keeps me here. Where I am in Idaho, is centrally located between all my favorite snowmobile zones from Canada to Colorado. Religion and politics definitely had no part in my major life decision…
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A higher power of your own understanding, doesn’t have to be god for sure. Could be the earth’ meditation etc.
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I respect this thought but I find it hard to agree with “completely non-religious”. Many meetings end with the lord’s prayer. The serenity prayer is religious. Yes, we can choose whatever we feel is a higher power, but most meetings I’ve been to (many different types) do have a strong undertone of “God”. As an agnostic atheist, it’s something that grew old for me and lead me to stop going for over a year. I am a huge fan of AA for the networking and support, but the god part does turn people away.
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I looked for an easier, softer way myself...I couldn't find anything. The only thing that worked for me was me finally admitting defeat. I was in so much pain, that I tapped out. At that point, I started having experiences that I could no longer deny the work of a higher power in my life. I stopped seeing coincidences as random events. Finding a power greater than myself was the only thing that removed my obsession to drink/drug.
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Sounds like you have a resentment towards AA/NA. You will not find me at the local church drinking shitty coffee/chain-smoking my way to sobriety. What is your experience with these places?
I do my best to not offend anyone, but it happens. What are your beliefs? Many beliefs predate Christianity.
Nat can you share the post you read please. Thanks!!!
Folks shouldn’t this be a place of non-judgement and to allow people to be and ask questions organically and honestly without judgement. I hope this site embodies that!!
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I see your point.
Good news is that as an agnostic A.A. has dedicated an entire chapter to you. I’m sure you know.
There is the statement in the book that they will talk about “God” but as you said it is your own conception. Also stated in the big book is the “you are not required to believe in anything”
I guess that why I view it as non religious.