The quick answer to that question is no. The 12 steps are a
spiritual program developed through Bill W and others’ own experiences of being
in the grip of alcoholism. Bill W. was not the first, but was himself the
beneficiary of another recovering alcoholic’s testimony of the power of working
a spiritual program for recovery from alcohol. Bill W. explained in the Big
Book that before recovery he was not an atheist and did not believe many people
really were. It was his assertion that atheistic belief would mean,
“...blind faith in the strange proposition that this universe originated in a
cipher and aimlessly rushes nowhere (Big Book, 2001, p.10). In fact, his
scientific heroes of the time even “...suggested vast laws and forces at
work....I had little doubt that a mighty purpose and rhythm underlay all. How
could there be so much of precise and immutable law, and no
intelligence? I simply had to believe in a Spirit of the Universe, who
knew neither time nor limitation” (Big Book, 2001, p. 10).
The 12 steps of recovery
You
see the 12 steps of recovery have one goal in mind: to bring those who become
entirely willing to obediently choose honesty and humility 24 hours a day to a
spiritual awakening not just once but again and again, each and every day that
the steps and relationship with a power greater than themselves are practiced
and applied through faith. Not blind faith, but faith that the steps
combined with power from our higher power sought out in prayer and meditation
consistently and daily WILL produce sobriety for sure! Then on top of sobriety
the steps will build strength, endurance, hope, direction, maturity,
self-control, the power to deny destructive selfishness, openness, community,
belonging, accountability, self-respect, freedom through the gift of
forgiveness, the reordering of behavioral choices, inner peace, mental clarity,
joy in living and pleasure in serving others.
Bill
W. taught that he had a sort of profound awakening in which past memories
aligned with the present testimony that was being shared with him such that God
was able to remove his unwillingness to believe in a power greater than
himself. The question from his friend, “Why don’t you choose your own
conception of God?” (Big Book, 2001, p. 12), led to the realization, “It was
only a matter of being willing to believe in a Power greater than myself.
Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning” (Big Book, 2001, p. 12).
Freedom in the 12 steps
You see, in the 12 steps there is a beautiful freedom given to each participant. Come as you are, where you are, and know that if you will acknowledge where your beliefs stand today and obediently and fully commit to working the steps that the God of your understanding will bring you to the faith you need to live the program successfully. This was called moral psychology by William D. Silkworth, M.D.; a doctor who worked with many alcoholics and whose writing is included in the Big Book. In Silkworth’s experience, alcoholism was a death sentence of sorts. He had not witnessed successful life change or recovery until he witnessed Bill W. share his story and his steps with those in the then institution for alcoholics. What Silkworth reports is that through what he terms “moral psychology”, Bill W. and the men he led out of alcoholism were able to achieve “unselfishness...the entire absence of profit motive...community spirit...[belief] in themselves, and still more in the Power which pulls chronic alcoholics back from the gates of death” (Big Book, 2001, p. xxvii).
Dr. Silkworth had been convinced that emotionalism, merely focusing on
behavioral band aids, or psychological tricks was not enough to help
alcoholics. He said, the approach had to have, “depth and weight” (Big Book,
2001, p. xxviii). Silkworth testified of his own experiences of powerlessness
when faced with healing an alcoholic and how he innately felt deep down that
there had to be a power greater than the alcoholic sickness to heal it because
human medicine/psychiatry had no cure. This has also been my clinical and
personal experience with addicts of all kinds. This includes anyone that has a
compulsive pattern, an addictive cycle, a “bad habit” they seemingly cannot
overcome and it is bringing any level of brokenness into their life, their
relationships, or their social/vocational functioning. The experience of
powerlessness when attempting to help the mastered is quite profound. It is not
until I, even I, surrender control of the healing to my higher power can I be
of any assistance to my broken client. Many people, many addicts, are skeptics
of the 12 steps and its programming. If that person is reading this, in the
Silkworth tradition, I would encourage you to read the AA Big Book front to
back, slowly and carefully with your ears open to hear and receive. As
Silkworth said, “perhaps [you’ve come] to scoff, [but you] may remain to pray”
(Big Book, 2001, p. xxxii). The 12 steps will not lead you to a certain
religion but they will lead you to a relationship; a relationship with a Power
greater than yourself that is the power you need to change your life for the
better.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Big Book. NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2001.
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