Alcoholism, Agnosticism, and the Question of Faith

“Arrived at this point, we were squarely confronted with the question of faith.  We couldn’t duck the issue; some of us had already walked far over the bridge of reason toward the desired shore of faith.  The outlines and the promise of the new land had brought luster to tired eyes and fresh courage to flagging spirits.  Friendly hands had stretched out in welcome.  We were grateful that reason had brought us so far but somehow we couldn’t quite step ashore. Perhaps we had been leaning too heavily on reason that last mile and we did not like to lose our support.  That was natural but let us thinks a little more closely.  Without knowing it, had we not been brought to where we stood by a certain kind of faith?” –pg 53 We Agnostics from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

There are times in sobriety that require a great deal of courage and faith.  For example when we first seek alcohol addiction help and make the decision to get sober or other life changes such as going to a drug rehab in California, getting a new job, moving or starting a family.  Whatever it is, change usually requires a great amount of courage and faith.  Faith that everything will be okay and that there is something better for us on the other side if we just walk through the fear.  Through AA and measures we take after drug addiction detox, we learn how to practice faith and courage. We learn that through the use of the steps and a higher power we can walk through almost any situation with grace and dignity if we choose.  We also learn to live life on life’s terms knowing that everything is exactly how it should be in that moment.  Once we have the experience with a situation we never have to be fearful of it or the unknown again.  For issues relating to our sobriety this is a great way to build up a defense against the first drink, kind of like insurance.  For example, we build experience with staying sober one day at a time.  We now know how to stay sober and it is no longer a scary foreign concept for us anymore but rather a part of our everyday life.

Blessings in Sobriety, Part Two

When we get sober most of us have resentments we have held on to our whole lives. Many of us are not too happy about being an alcoholic and feel like we were dealt a bad hand. While others may have a hard time seeing past the difficulties of staying sober after receiving alcohol addiction help. Shortly after getting sober either by ourselves or through some sort of California alcohol rehab we are able to clean up our wreckage and the fog begins to lift. Either through AA or an addiction program in Los Angeles we are shown how to work the steps, and begin to feel relief. After working the steps we can then go on to live happy, joyous, and free lives. As it says in the big book we are rocketed into the fourth dimension of existence. As a result of our freedom we are finally able to know what happiness is in the truest sense of the word and are able to see how blessed we are. Often times we look at our glass as half empty only being able to see what we don’t have or the opportunities we have missed out on but what we don’t understand is that those things we don’t have, those missed opportunities , or those moments we don’t get what we want are actually blessings. They are blessings because it just means that our higher power is making room for something far greater than any little plans we might have made for ourselves. As its said in AA “if you want to make God laugh make plans.”

Blessings in Sobriety Part One

“That he has no attitude of holier than thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endure- these are the condition we have found most effective. After such as approach many take up their beds and walk again… we feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations, and affairs. If we keep on the route we are going there is little doubt that much good will result.” – pg 18-19 There Is a Solution from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Through research we might stumble upon an affordable rehab, or read drug rehab blogs and realize that we too have just as good of a chance as others to recover. For most alcoholics we are so broken and lost that even the hope that we might be able to recover in itself is a blessing. Some of us come in and don’t know where to go for drug addiction detox, but once we find a place and get sober we realize we are much more blessed than we thought. We gain a group of friends and a support group. Loneliness fades and is replaced with love and happiness. Some of us go on to have families, go back to school, get our dream job, or our dream life even, but more importantly than any of that is the new set of thoughts, feelings, and actions we have available to us. We are no longer victims or full of self-pity. We come to learn how to love ourselves and others, as well as how to be comfortable in our own skin. Before we know it our lives and ourselves become much bigger than those people who came in just hoping to be able to survive long enough to get sober.

The 12 Steps, Fact and Fiction

The 12 Steps – Fact & Fiction

The number of negative stigmas associated with 12 step recovery programs is numerous. Whether through media, television or personal experience, a great number of people have been provided with ideas designed to debunk the benefits associated with these support forums. Those seeking aid in their addiction recovery must sift through the myths in order to obtain a better understanding of the true process and rewards found within a 12 step community. In this entry, we will seek to illuminate some of the more common myths and questions surrounding 12 step meetings.

1 – 12 step programs are most certainly a religious or cult affair. This is common knowledge due to the fact that they meet in churches and keep to themselves.

False – 12 step programs can be found in a wide variety of places. Though some certainly hold their meetings in houses of worship, others can be found at the local YMCA, a coffee shop or independent AA facility.  Some meetings can cater towards religion, while others choose non-affiliation.

2 – What’s with all the god talk?

The “Higher Power” concept that is referenced throughout AA is employed as a way to help participants accept that there are forces in this world that are greater and more powerful than them. In this way, participants can better grasp the concept that they require help to overcome their addiction. A “Higher Power” can refer to a belief in god, nature, or anything else that holds a power greater than your own.

3 – What if I quit on my own… Do I still need AA?

Yes ma’am! Whether you achieve sobriety through Above It All Treatment Center or on your own, the need for 12 step recovery programs is one and the same. Sobriety is an ongoing struggle, and one that should not be fought alone. Committing yourself to continued recovery practices, such as AA, will provide you with the support, guidance and confidence you need to maintain your sobriety while learning the proper coping techniques to control it long-term.

4 – How long must I continue attending these meetings?

Attendance at 12 step meetings is very similar to working out. Even after you’ve achieved your fitness goals, you must continue working out to maintain your progress. Those who begin slacking at the gym will ultimately revert back to the same old starting point. Maintaining your sobriety is key, and will serve as your relapse prevention. And hey… ya never know… you just might learn to enjoy it!

5 – I’m much too busy to attend these types of meetings.

No you’re not. Consider how much time and effort went into keeping your addiction alive and well. You were able to find plenty of time to call into work, miss appointments and get your fix. What the heck are you doing with all that free time now? Nothing worth having is every easily obtained. If you’re intent on your sobriety, it will be your priority.

Blessings in Sobriety

“That he has no attitude of holier than thou, nothing whatever except the sincere desire to be helpful; that there are no fees to pay, no axes to grind, no people to please, no lectures to be endure- these are the condition we have found most effective. After such as approach many take up their beds and walk again… we feel that elimination of our drinking is but a beginning. A much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations, and affairs. If we keep on the route we are going there is little doubt that much good will result.” – pg 18-19 There is a Solution from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Through research we might stumble upon an affordable rehab, or read drug rehab blogs and realize that we too have just as good of a chance as others to recover. For most alcoholics we are so broken and lost that even the hope that we might be able to recover in itself is a blessing. Some of us come in and don’t know where to go for drug addiction detox, but once we find a place and get sober we realize we are much more blessed than we thought. We gain a group of friends and a support group. Loneliness fades and is replaced with love and happiness. Some of us go on to have families, go back to school, get our dream job, or our dream life even, but more importantly than any of that is the new set of thoughts, feelings, and actions we have available to us. We are no longer victims or full of self-pity. We come to learn how to love ourselves and others, as well as how to be comfortable in our own skin. Before we know it our lives and ourselves become much bigger than those people who came in just hoping to be able to survive long enough to get sober.

Learning About Alcoholism and Struggles in Sobriety at Rehab Programs in California

“These men were not drinking to escape; they were drinking to overcome a craving beyond their mental control. There are many situations which arise out of the phenomenon of craving which cause men to make the supreme sacrifice rather than continue to fight.” – pg xxx of the Doctors Opinion from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

While it is nothing compared to what we endured while we were drinking and using we can still experience struggles after seeking alcohol addiction help and getting sober. Some of these are life struggles but many times in the beginning of our recovery our main struggle is staying sober. It might seem impossible to stay sober but through taking contrary action like reading drug rehab blogs or looking into rehab programs in California we find we do not have to go through it alone. We are not here to suffer. It is often said in AA meetings that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. This is so true. As alcoholics we have a tendency to turn struggles into suffering especially when we aren’t given the tools. We have an inability to cope with life on life’s terms and things don’t look the way we want them too. We have a hard time with reality, and staying in the moment. We are constantly either seeking elevated moods or wallowing in morbid reflection. Alcoholics are either desperately trying to kill themselves or desperately trying to survive. Not just physically but mentally also. Through the recovery process we become right sized. Our problems become right sized. We learn to be happy with what we have and ok or even grateful for what we don’t have.

Fear and Sobriety (Part 2)

Many of us experience fear around many different things. It can either be healthy or unhealthy. Healthy fear is when it’s used as a defense mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus such as pain or the threat of danger. There are also common fears such as fear of death, the unknown, and fears in cultures. Alcoholics can also add fear of failure and fear of success to this list. Unhealthy fear is when it is not based in reality and keeps you from living life. For us alcoholics especially in the grips of our disease we can find the fear paralyzing. Not knowing what is going to happen, or fear of not being able to get sober often times stops us from getting alcohol addiction help. When we overcome those fears and decide to get sober we are faced with new fears such as can I do this on my own? Is there an affordable rehab I can go to? or would a 30 day rehab and drug addiction detox program be best for me? Once we make that choice then the life fears along with reality start to set in. How do we live life? Will we ever be happy again? What do I do with myself? Who am I? Etc. The great fact for us is that through getting sober and working the steps we find a higher power of our own understanding and while there is fear from time to time it’s never paralyzing like it was when we were using because we have faith and are taken care of.

Fear and Sobriety (Part 1)

“Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self seeking, and self-pity”-pg 62 How it works from the big book of alcoholics anonymous

“The greatest enemies of us alcoholics are resentments, jealousy, envy, frustration, and fear.” -pg 145 to employers

It is natural to have fear around the unknown as well as seeking out alcohol addiction help and getting sober. It is a huge life change and we are asked to give up the only life we know and have faith in something we have very little or no experience with. Sometimes we have to give up the things we have that are no longer working for us just for the hope of something better. If we are having trouble with overcoming our fear a 30 day rehab can help. Though the recovery process might still seem difficult through the help of a drug addiction detox your goal of getting/staying sober will feel more attainable. Once we are sober and see these new tools working for us we can begin to have more faith and a new found ability to walk through fear, regardless of what our fear is based off of. Many alcoholics live in constant fear when we get sober. It s an emotion that is familiar to us. While fear is something that will inevitably pop up at one point or another in our lives, regardless of being sober or not it no longer has to be debilitating and run our lives/actions. The more we walk through fear the less fear we will have. We can then begin to decide what we do with it. Do we let it hold us back from living life and miss out on amazing opportunities, or do we power through and prove to ourselves that we are taken care of no matter what and see what we are capable of? The choice is ours!

More on the Alcoholic and Acceptance

“AA and acceptance has taught be there is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us, that we are children of god, and we each have a right to be here. When I complain about me or about you, I am complaining about god’s handy work. I am saying that I know better than god. For years I was sure the worst thing that could happen to a nice guy like me would be I would turn out to be an alcoholic. Today I find it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. This proves I don’t know what’s good. And if I don’t know what’s good for me then I don’t know what’s good for or bad for you or for anyone… before AA I judged myself by my intentions, while the world was judging me by my actions.” Acceptance Was the Answer pg. 418 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Leave it to alcoholics to always think we know best. What’s best for us, what’s best for others, what are the best choices for god to make for us? We are always trying to control everything, always trying to manipulate our environment to fit our expectations. It isn’t until we let go, fully surrender, and receive alcohol addiction help that we start to realize we don’t know what is best for us or our loved ones. We learn in places such as, a 30 day rehab, AA, or an affordable rehab how to get to the place where we can turn it over and realize that there are bigger and better things planned for us then our small plans we have for ourselves.

Acceptance (Part 2)

“Shakespeare said ‘All the worlds a stage, and all the men and women merely players.’ He forgot to mention that I was the chief critic. I was always able to see the flaw in every person, every situation. And I was always glad to point it out, because I knew you wanted perfection, just as I did.”- Acceptance was the Answer pg 417 from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Acceptance can be difficult when it comes to seeking alcohol addiction help and getting sober, especially because of the feelings of powerlessness that are usually involved. Often times we have an idea or expectations of what our life should look like, how our friends should act, what we “deserve”, what type of job we should have etc. our expectations all come down to people places and things and can greatly affect our ability to accept things as being exactly how they should be in that moment. We rob ourselves of happiness that way because while we may be getting what we need it’s not always what we want. Many alcoholics think we have better plans for ourselves then our higher power but when we step back and let things just happen then we can see exactly how things work out better then we could have ever imagined if we accept life on life’s terms. Many of us don’t know how to do that but through the help of places like a Los Angeles rehab or other California rehab centers there is hope; a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us.