You may join a 12 step program and not believe in God. This is supported by the twelve traditions. 12 step programs suggest a belief in a higher power or believing in something greater than yourself. Something more powerful, that's easy because the force of the ocean is more powerful than I. Please don't let the god stuff get in your way. I have learned to teke what I need and to leave the rest. A.A. & Al-Anon help me. Look in you area for support groups which aren't affiliated with the higher power concept. I have seen them in the Philadelphia, PA area also in Rehoboth Beach, DE. This site is helpful, maybe you don't need another support group.

I agree with "Willem" that the 12 steps mean higher power to many people and theirs is not God.

The US Constitution is a true higher power for us all, link it below;

www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.overview.html

The Declaration of Independence works too even though it says "Creator" it also says that all people are created equal ... with the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The gov is a true higher power and so it gives us law and order in our Country.

No 12 Step group would ever argue against that higher power.

Hi, I have been going to alanon for a few years and still have trouble with the god talk I am trying to think of something to relate to as a higher power. Nature works for me most of the time, sometimes when i'm out walking i can feel a closeness to something but i don't know what it is.

Your higher power can be your group or a light bulb. Just so long as it's not you or another person, and you learn to know that you are not in control.

If you think you are in control, then by all means step back into the ring!

I have been in and around AA for over 21 years. I agree with everyone here. AA's 12 Step Program really works.

Also, it is wrong for people in meetings to equate the Higher Power with God. The most a person should say is, my Higher Power, whom I choose to call God. Even that is annoying, but permissible. Anything more and you should raise an objection in your comment. Belief in God is not a requirement for membership.

12 step programs can be used without believing in god i agree..you can use the group as a higher power, i have done this...however i believe you have to be prepared for disappointment...people do have this capacity to disappoint.....as if you didnt already know this ;*)

I remember talking to a woman many years ago who used a Ryder truck for her Higher Power. She said it worked for her because 1. it was available whenever she needed it, 2. she could load as much stuff in it as she wanted to, and 3. it made her smile.

12 Step Groups work if you work them. You make your own program and follow it the best you can. The steps are there to guide you not control you.

Another way of definig GOD is as an acronym- good orderly direction.