Addiction: Drug Rehabilitation Facts

Question: Help for an addiction without relying on "higher powers"?

(Posted by: Sara on 2010-02-13 23:12:34)

I've been battling an addiction to a certain substance, but every single program I've been looking to for help requires its members to complete 12 steps which all giving up control to a "higher power " and admitting things to God and such. I don't want to have to lie and pretend to be going along with something that I don't believe in, but I can't seem to find any programs that can help me without involving religious or spiritual steps. angelo: because there are plenty of atheists on here and maybe one of them has had this same issue.

Posted by: cheir on 2010-02-13, 23:15:10

Rubbish - not every single program requires its members to complete 12 steps etc.

Posted by: Margaux part deux on 2010-02-13, 23:17:45

I feel so bad that there arent more groups out there for non-believers. I don't understand why spirituality needs to be involved anyway in addiction treatment. I would suggest you try talking to a private psychologist or maybe a rehabilitation center that doesnt use the "12 steps "

Posted by: Nani on 2010-02-13, 23:18:39

I'm sorry I can't help you, but I'm sure someone else will. I just want to encourage you not to leave out the spiritual part of you.

Posted by: Angelo D on 2010-02-13, 23:18:48

Why did you allow this question to be put in the religion spirituality section then?

Posted by: star on 2010-02-13, 23:20:12

But the spiritual governs the physical .. so how can you ignore the spiritual in the healing process ... ? its like yin and yang you've gotta u/ stand the spiritual - physical balance. if the spiritual aspect is perfect, then the physical is perfect. not vice versa ...

Posted by: guest on 2010-02-13, 23:28:04

Many people consider the power of the 12 step program itself to be the "higher power. " Clearly the programs have had more success than individuals at treating a number of addictions/ compulsions. Sort of a whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts idea.

Posted by: supastremph on 2010-02-14, 00:16:52

Replacing the attachment to a substance with the attachment to a god is a large part of the program's success because people with addictive personalities often have more obsessive tendencies. Try to use this to your advantage by finding something you are more passionate about than your drug use that will inhibit your use. It can be basketball instead of Jesus. Don't focus on quitting, focus on something else that will phase the use of the substance out of your life. The social element of participating in any activity that requires you to be clean helps, so group sports, etc. all help.