SelfhelpMagazine

by Richard B. Patterson, Ph.D.

What Gandhi said about religion certainly applies to recovery: "There are many roads to the same point." Although some in Alcoholics Anonymous might take issue, recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction does not require a belief in God or a "higher power." Clearly, there are persons who manage to quit drugs or alcohol through other means. Obviously, the approach of Alcoholics Anonymous has much to recommend itself, particularly the fact that it is an approach that has benefited millions. But some persons find the spiritual emphasis to be a major roadblock. Such persons would first do well to read the chapter "We Agnostics" in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. This chapter makes it clear that a belief in a personal God is not a requirement to recovery.

Some persons define higher power to be simply the group consciousness of AA itself. One man I know found a workable concept of higher power through the writings of physicist Stephen Hawking. The point is to connect with a power larger than one's own ego. There is much flexibility. If, however, the spiritual approach remains an impediment, there is an approach known as Rational Recovery which follows a plan of action similar to that of AA but without the spiritual emphasis. Many have benefited from this approach.

I'd say that a place to start would be to reflect on your hesitation with the AA approach. If it is based on a series of hurts connected with organized religion, then I believe you would find yourself not alone. On the other hand, if your hesitation is based on some genuine, strongly felt beliefs of your own, then certainly explore other approaches such as Rational Recovery. If a person really wants sobriety, there is always a path that can work.

About the Author:

Richard B. Patterson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in El Paso, TX. He is the author of three books on psychology and spirituality.