When embarking on a goal of abstinence from alcohol/drugs, which for many is the only realistic goal, self-help groups are certainly a key resource, whether or not the individual is involved in professional treatment. Self-help groups (which would more accurately be called mutual-help groups) offer a number of advantages – some level of relatively constant availability, a sense of comradeship with others in the same position, a venue for support, acceptance, congratulation, empowerment, etc., a wealth of practical advice – as much as needed, and at no cost (and no need for managed care authorization).
By far, the majority of self-help groups follow the Twelve Step model (mainly AA and NA). SMART Recovery also has a meaningful presence, at least in Massachusetts, but the sheer number of available meetings pales by comparison. (Comparing these two programs can wait for a later column.) In some states, other programs such as Women for Sobriety are also prevalent. Given the prominence of AA/NA, not to mention the impressive history of 12-step programs since their inception in 1935, it makes sense for most people in what is often called “early recovery” to at least sample AA meetings.
My experience, however, is that the majority of people, early in their exposure to AA, don’t like it. There are a range of reasons given, including a perception that “their problems are worse than mine” (and of course, an underlying preference to avoid getting involved with an organization that symbolizes loss of the beloved substance), but the obstacle about which I hear most frequently is “the God stuff.” There is, of course, no denying that AA itself began as an offshoot of the Oxford Group, a non-hierarchical Christian movement of the 1920s and 1930s which emphasized many of the themes still echoed in AA (but in the context of seeking to place oneself, nation, and world under God’s control). On the other hand, AA is explicitly not a religion, and invites multiple and individualized interpretations of “higher power;” in reality, there are many atheists and agnostics who make use of the AA program. But the wording of the 12 Steps can be a problem. The term “God” is used repeatedly, followed twice by the phrase, “as we understood Him” – making it sound as if the adherent must surrender to a God of the sort that could have a gender, and that in fact the gender is male.
A person of more secular, 21st Century sensibilities may well conclude, “This is not where I belong,” and walk away from a program that could, in fact, have much to offer him or her. In order to continue making use of AA, s/he must view terms like "God" and "Him" as metaphors for some alternative concept of a higher power. Some ideas on how that might be done coming soon.
© 2010 Jeffrey Fortgang
