| Subject: |
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Re: recovery |
| Name: |
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david |
| Date Posted: |
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Aug 26, 06 - 5:10 PM |
| Message: |
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I too have never posted and just came upon this site today for the first time. However, I believe your question is important and want to offer my insights. I used to run a homeless shelter and we dealt with a lot of alcoholics (as a 'dry' shelter - all were ostensibly recovering). Some of our counselors were also in recovery and AA, or other appropriate 12 step groups, were a requirement for those at the shelter. If they refused - it was interpreted that they were not 'serious' about recovery and their stay would be restricted to a shorter time. Though I had misgivings on this policy and dogmatic approach - the core imperative to get folks to focus on making a change - given their homeless status - was overall a positive.
The knock on 12 step programs was to compare them to a 'religion' and that compelling attendance is no better than compelling adherence to certain faith - which most would find objectionable. As a religious studies major and devoted Catholic, I found the critique interesting and the response - exhibited in the rational recovery approach - to have some validity.
In short, I would say that 12 step programs do offer a kind of creed, guide to behaviour and a community of support that has strong parallels with religion. In this respect, it can provide an important and in some cases perhaps necessary 'program' for many people to live a better and healthier life. However, this does not mean that it is necessary for all. Also, some may benefit temporarily but may not need this support throughout their lives.
It does have parallels to religion. One need not be an active adherent to a specific faith tradition to 'live a good life', 'be a good person' or even to be 'close to God'. The passionate and evangelical adherence of many people of faith - "this is the only Way" - can be likened to the passion of devotees in the 12 step program. Their claims may be true for them and may be true for others who continue to 'backslide' if not actively engaged with the specific tradition - but should not be simply and uncritically accepted for all. Regular attendance at church does not automatically help a person live a good life or be close to God - nor will regular attendance at a 12 step program magically provide what you may need.
Though not familiar with the details of the Rational Recovery program - I have no doubt that for many it may provide a perfectly acceptable alternative to a 12 step program. However, for many, neither program may have all the answers. Perhaps a 12-step program may provide an emotional support - but you may require an additional kind of support to appeal to another aspect of your person (such as your intellect, not that 12 step programs can't provide this as well for some).
As someone who has a deep respect for 12 step programs, as I do for the value of a strong faith tradition, I would not say that it is 'sacrireligious' for you to question or explore alternatives. Ask yourself how important the support is to you? How important are the structures and disciplines to you? How much value does the creed or beliefs bring to your ability to cope day to day? If you are honest with yourself and ambivelent with your answers - it is not unreasonable to explore complementary or alternative systems/programs. Understand that the passion and dogmatism of the faithful adherents may be valid and true for them and others - but that does not make it a universal truth.
Just my opinion.
Hope this helps |
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