Have you been to AA? I have. The implementation differs in different groups and different locations. The one I went to was queer-oriented, and while they adhered to the "higher power" language, they made it clear that this could really be anything, including the fellowship of AA.
I've been to a number of AA meetings trying to find less religious groups. While some have members who aren't religious, the 12 steps are a religious doctrine. The entire method and approach are derived from the Oxford Group/Moral ReArmament, and the structure is a cultish church structure. I've yet to see an AA meetings without the 12 Steps, and those steps are religiously oriented - you are submitting to some form of god (a higher power may not be God, but it's a god), and repenting for your sins.
AA can work for some people but studies of AA's efficacy show it's effectively a placebo effect. I'd recommend against it, personally, since the organization itself is really odious and the suicide rate of AA members is far higher than people in any other treatment form, and there's been a lot of cases of sexual abuse covered up and other typical cult behaviors.
Where are you? I went to a queer oriented AA group in the Northeast, which may have been why it felt considerably more secular than what you're describing.
The power of fellowship is incredible. I immediately had people following up after my first meeting, and reaching out to offer e.g. sponsorship – this is as much for them as it is for you, I learned.
I eventually stopped going because I found that with a year and a half break I was able to shake my addiction and put it in its place. If I ever fall back upon a dark path I am glad that there are folks like the ones I met who are coming together to help themselves and each other.
I had a friend go through AA. He doesn't do heroin anymore, which is great, but he is pretty big into Jesus now, which is a bit disheartening to see. Better then overdosing for sure.
Have you been to AA? I have. The implementation differs in different groups and different locations. The one I went to was queer-oriented, and while they adhered to the "higher power" language, they made it clear that this could really be anything, including the fellowship of AA.
I've been to a number of AA meetings trying to find less religious groups. While some have members who aren't religious, the 12 steps are a religious doctrine. The entire method and approach are derived from the Oxford Group/Moral ReArmament, and the structure is a cultish church structure. I've yet to see an AA meetings without the 12 Steps, and those steps are religiously oriented - you are submitting to some form of god (a higher power may not be God, but it's a god), and repenting for your sins.
AA can work for some people but studies of AA's efficacy show it's effectively a placebo effect. I'd recommend against it, personally, since the organization itself is really odious and the suicide rate of AA members is far higher than people in any other treatment form, and there's been a lot of cases of sexual abuse covered up and other typical cult behaviors.
Where are you? I went to a queer oriented AA group in the Northeast, which may have been why it felt considerably more secular than what you're describing.
Wishing you the best.
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Did it help? Going to AA I mean
Yes.
The power of fellowship is incredible. I immediately had people following up after my first meeting, and reaching out to offer e.g. sponsorship – this is as much for them as it is for you, I learned.
I eventually stopped going because I found that with a year and a half break I was able to shake my addiction and put it in its place. If I ever fall back upon a dark path I am glad that there are folks like the ones I met who are coming together to help themselves and each other.
I had a friend go through AA. He doesn't do heroin anymore, which is great, but he is pretty big into Jesus now, which is a bit disheartening to see. Better then overdosing for sure.
Transfer of addictions. We're all slaves to dopaminergic reward, even if that means preaching the good word