Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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nickyj18022002 04/09/2014

As some people know I am an atheist in AA. I got sober using the 12 steps but seeing them in a slightly different (but still spiritual) way as I don't believe in god.

I have recently been looking into atheist/agnostic AA online as it can be a bit lonely to be the only one that sees things differently. I found a website that has several alternative versions of the 12 steps including humanist, Buddhist and atheist versions.

I just wondered what AA members thought of this. Do you think that the steps are sacred and should no way be changed? Do you think that as long as the spirit is expressed the wording can be optional/changed? Do you think that if people used a different version of the steps it wouldn't really be AA? Do you think more people would be attracted to AA if there were spiritual options that were less god focused? Or is changing the steps changing the message?

Very interested to know what people think.

Impermanence 04/11/2014

Blackbird: I use mindful meditation. It works for me. There is no god involved in it. Just you.

nickyj18022002 04/11/2014

Rivalino, through aaagnostica.org I found 3 meeting within easy travelling distance for me so I am feeling really lucky and grateful. I will be going to them for the first time next week. Been reading a lot off agnostica and finding it really interesting. There is also a chat room which I used last night. Interesting but unfortunately only open when it is pretty late in the uk.

Thanks for all the replies, good to now I am not alone in my beliefs.

deleted_user 04/13/2014

I am a tried and true AA member, sober 28 yrs this year. I am a believer in God also.No where in AA does it say what you have to believe in. Read the chapter to the agnostics in the BB.Also 2nd step says came to believe in a power greater than ourselves. That can be whatever you believe in. Science, Budda, Wicken,The wind, mother earth anything as long as it is greater than you are that you believe can restore you to sanity. The 3rd step says turn your life and will over to the care of God as you understand. There again it can be whatever you deem as your higher power.
Yes when the program started they were mostly People who believed in God, same as it is now. But if you are going to any group that is trying to shove their conception of God down your throat you need to find another meeting anyway. We aren't experts and all we are supposed to do is share what happened to us, but it has worked for many millions just the way it is written. Good Luck to all!

ExJerseyGirl2 04/13/2014

blackbird -- if you are agnostic or atheist, you might want to investigate SMART Recovery. It is secular, and no need to believe in a higher power. Its effectiveness rate is about the same as AA. There aren't as many meetings as AA, but they do have good online meetings and support.

weinere46 04/14/2014

Nicky,
I was in A.A. for years, even sponcered. I think everyone is missing the goal of what A.A. hopes to accomplish, that is recovery and to stop drinking as a way of life.
As long as the goal remains the same than add, change, do whatever you have to do to the twelve steps, as long as you reach the goal.
REMEMBER This everyone...

akacountrygirl 04/16/2014

Some more insight on American Indians. It is like the daily reflections of A.A. but worded differently. Check it out.

WhiteBison.com

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