Addiction & Recovery

Rhiannon12866

(235,392 posts)

19. We read "How It Works" at every meeting I've ever been to

Sat Jun 29, 2019, 07:54 AM

Jun 2019

Which includes The Steps. From my perspective The Steps really are the program, learning how to feel better about yourself and leading a better life. A woman who had more time than me once said that she wished everybody had this program, which I took to mean that people would be happier generally if they worked at cleaning up all the crap in their lives that keeps them unhappy and stuck.

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Secret of AA: After 75 Years, We Don't Know How It Works [View all] Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 OP

one day at a time rampartc Jun 2019 #1

When I started going to meetings, that's what worked for me Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #3

good work. rampartc Jun 2019 #4

I wish I could access DU.2 Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #9

I know that AA and NA don't work for everybody, TexasTowelie Jun 2019 #2

That's actually where I got stuck - the "faith" component Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #6

I don't remember if you told me about your sponsor passing, TexasTowelie Jun 2019 #11

Thank you so much - I miss her every single day. :( Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #13

There is a lot of magical thinking/statements around the 12 steps... RockRaven Jun 2019 #5

I agree that making it up as you go along is what can trip beginners up Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #7

the final thought expressed there stopdiggin Jun 2019 #8

One thing that I've noticed - talked about it with some friends today Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #10

and you have my support 100% stopdiggin Jun 2019 #12

Thanks! Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #14

AA is a religious organization. "The higher power" requirement Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #15

Not at any group that I've been to Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #16

Every one I've been to, they recite The Serenity Prayer Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #21

I know, most do say the Serenity Prayer and some decide to close with the Lord's Prayer Rhiannon12866 Jul 2019 #39

Plenty of atheists in AA. It means a power greater than yourself. JDC Jun 2019 #18

Yep. That's what tell you to find. A tree, a bird, blah blah. Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #20

Well, why can't you turn your will and life over to the care of a tree? (Step 3) progree Jun 2019 #22

Chapter 5 in the AA Big Book is literally called "How it Works" JDC Jun 2019 #17

We read "How It Works" at every meeting I've ever been to Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #19

I know that AA has helped many people Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #23

Nothing religious about it anywhere I've been, despite what the courts say. Clearly progree Jun 2019 #25

Ummm...#3 is right out of a Baptist hymnal Funtatlaguy Jun 2019 #26

I see it as religion too, but I know I must be mistaken progree Jun 2019 #27

"some are incapable of being honest with themselves, they are the unfortunate ones, they seem to demosincebirth Nov 2019 #40

AA Comatose Sphagetti Jun 2019 #24

It doesn't work for those who don't believe in the Bible. lark Jun 2019 #28

Well, it's worked for me and I'm pretty much an atheist, too. Rhiannon12866 Jun 2019 #30

I'm glad you found a good group that helps you. lark Jun 2019 #31

Your son cannot legally be coerced into a religious program. Many have fought for that right progree Jun 2019 #32

In NE FL courts were still doing this in 2008. lark Jun 2019 #33

Yes, one has to fight these, unfortunately progree Jun 2019 #34

Hopefully my son will stay out of jail, but unfortunately that's not a given. lark Jun 2019 #35

I hope so too. progree Jun 2019 #36

This message was self-deleted by its author happyaccident Jun 2019 #29

The secret: "Keep Coming Back" Iggo Jul 2019 #37

I'm pretty sure that all the As say that! Rhiannon12866 Jul 2019 #38

6 Words for me...Serenity Prayer, Keep Coming Back, Listen Stuart G Nov 2019 #41