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Fellowship and spirituality are important aspects of addiction recovery through a 12-step program. However, those very words can sometimes be misinterpreted. They may even deter you from wanting to participate in what you perceive to be a religious program. Is AA religious? It depends on your perspective. Finding your higher power, as defined by the organization, is actually a personal choice.
The first three steps in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step program state:
There are many ways to define “a Power greater than ourselves” that are not necessarily religious in nature. Note that the reference to God in this and many other areas of the “Big Book” refer to “God as we understood Him.” That can also be interpreted differently depending on your perspective.
You may even choose to replace the word “God” with the phrase “Higher Power.” The key is to understand that your life became unmanageable when you were addicted and turning to that higher power can help restore you to a healthier life, mentally and physically.
The image of AA as being a religious organization might keep you from getting the support you need through an effective 12-step program. Keeping an open mind is particularly important as you work toward recovery from your addiction, including participating in such a program.
You can start fresh with faith in a higher power, however you might define that. Step 2 asks you to believe that a power greater than you – greater than your addiction – can restore you. That does not necessarily mean you need to be religious to recover from your substance abuse.
You may feel that because the 12 steps reference a higher power and mention God that you have to be religious to participate. However, finding your higher power does not have to be a religious experience.
One of the myths that surrounds the 12-step program is that you need to pray regularly to be part of it. If you are religious, prayer can be helpful. If you are not religious, there is no requirement to pray. It is recommended, though, that you find a similar activity that helps you connect with the higher power you choose.
Another myth is that step 2 is only for those who are religious. Even if you are not religious, you cannot skip this step. Your higher power may not be the Christian God, but it is critical that you find something that is more powerful than your addiction so you can turn to it throughout your treatment and recovery.
Faith, spirituality and religion are highly personal. So is determining what a higher power means to you. In a 12-step program, finding your higher power is critical for continuing from step 2 through the remaining steps.
Spirituality and religion are not the same thing. Your spirituality and faith could be rooted in:
At Still Waters, we base our recovery program on 12-step principles. We offer an immersion program that is designed for you when you have not had success with other treatment programs, if you have relapsed after a period of sobriety or if you want to dig deeper into the work involved in the steps. Our program is staffed entirely by recovering alcoholics and addicts who are ready to share their experience, their strength and their hope with you. Contact us today to get the help you need in recovery from your addiction.
Amazing experience and amazing place in general. Helped me when I needed it most and still helps me. It is for those willing to take a deeper look at their life. They show you another way of living that’s so much easier. I feared change but have gotten a better life than I ever believed I would, should and deserved. If you qualify to go, GO. It can absolutely save lives. It did mine for sure.
Still Waters for Men
259 Red Bank Creek Rd.
Lobelville, TN 37097
