What Is Alcohol Or Drug Addiction? And now for the 12 Step View:

The original 12 step program was that of Alcoholics Anonymous. This program was developed in the mid to late 1930′s. In this era treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction was essentially commitment to asylum, jail, or death.

The fundamental and then, at the time radical, view was that alcoholism could be viewed as an allergy. The use of alcohol by chronic alcoholics is a

“manifestation of an allergy; that the phenomenon of craving is limited to this class and never occurs in the average temperature drinker. These allergic types can never safely use alcohol in any form at all; and once having formed the habit and found they cannot break it, once having lost their self confidence, their reliance upon things human, their problems pile up on them and be, astonishingly difficult to solve.”

AA Big Book pp. xxvi, The Doctor’s opinion

I must admit that the first time I heard alcoholism referred to as an ‘allergy’, I was a bit taken aback. To me, an allergy was something more like sneezing from ragweed in the springtime. However, much was explained when I looked up the definition of the word allergy. It essentially means, ‘an uncommon reaction to a common substance.

An example often utilized that helped me was to think of an allergy to strawberries or shellfish. They are common substances, but for those with an allergy to them their uncommon reaction to them might be wheezing, difficulty breathing, and perhaps a rash.

For an alcoholic, the common substance is alcohol. The uncommon reactions spoken of are obsession and compulsion. These only affect people with the ‘allergy’ to alcohol’

The foundation statement of the 12 steps , Step One states:

We admitted we’re powerless over alcohol (our addiction), and that our lives had become unmanageable.

Step one simply a statement of the problem, and that is we have developed a lack of control over our addiction and that bad consequences have occurred.

The problem is a primary illness, not caused by lack of moral judgment, nor lack of values or knowledge. The problem is described as in Allergy of the Body and an Obsession of the Mind.

“The physical aspect of our disease is the compulsive use of drugs: is the inability stop using once restarted. The mental aspect of our disease is the obsession, or overpowering desire to use, even when we are trying our lives. The spiritual part of our disease is our total self-centeredness” Narcotics Anonymous.pg.20

The dilemma that occurs is that if we cannot use because of our body, and we can’t quit because of our mental obsession then we’re truly powerless over chemicals.

The Narcotics Anonymous text states:

“We have a disease: progressive, incurable, and fatal. One way or another we went out and bought our destruction on the time of payment plan! all of us, from the junky snatching purses to this weak little lady hitting two or three doctors for legal prescriptions, have one thing in common: we seek our destruction a bag at a time, a few pills at a time, or a bottle at time until we die.

This is at least part of the insanity of addiction. The price may seem higher for the addict who prostitutes for a fix then it is for the addict who merely applies to a doctor. Ultimately both pay for their disease with their lives. Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results”

The NA text page 23

This brief section on the 12 step view is in no way intended to be a course of instruction on Step one nor the 12 steps. I provided this to show a slightly different view of addiction and alcoholism from the Medical View.

There are some definite commonalities between the two views such as loss of control over the substance. Continued use despite negative consequences, and the fact that untreated the disease is both chronic and progressive.

Editor Note: Please realize this post is an opinion of the author, there is no way I am claiming to have a ‘correct’ or the ‘only’ point of view on the interpretation given.

Click here for Part 1 – What Is Alcohol Or Drug Addiction – The Medical View

The vast majority of drug and alcohol rehab programs either recommend or utilize components of 12 step programs. Why is that?

The answer is relatively simple. The original alcoholics anonymous 12 step program has been around longer, worked for more people, and has been proven in many studies be more effective than any other program of recovery when used in conjunction with clinical therapy. It’s tough to argue with success. That being said, it would almost be almost irresponsible not to recommend them.

The major reason alcoholics and addicts use their chemicals seek relief in the present moment. They are willing to forgo long-term negative effects of drugs, for short-term release and relief of emotional or physical discomfort. In other words the drive for instant gratification, overrides the fact that in the long run, using drugs or alcohol is not a sustainable option. But due to the nature of the disease and addicted person wants to get high and stay high. That is impossible.

12 step programs try to shift people to living a life based on short-term relief of immediate emotional discomfort, to a life based on long-term moral principles. It teaches principles such as honesty, faith, integrity, courage, etc. is doable, but a challenge to the very nature of addiction consists of short-term gratification, rather than long term fulfillment.

Another major reason drug and out call rehabs recommend 12 step programs spur the creation of social support. It has been studied and proven many times that people do much better in addiction recovery when they have social support and help. 12 step programs provide of like-minded people heading in the same general direction of recovery within clearly stated guidelines.

Our 12 step programs for everyone? Obviously, nothing is for everyone. However, it is truly unfortunate to see people give up forgiving the most successful path to recovery a fair chance.

A FRIEND I have a friend who helps me when I’m in need.

My friend answers my calls when the demon wants to feed.

We haven’t known each other for years, only for a short while.

He gets me out of my head, informs me when I’m in denial.

Wise with experience, he’s been down this road before.

Serene Choices he helps me make with getting high no more.

My friend talks me down when my addiction starts to flare. N

ever dishearten, always bolsters with the utmost care.

My friend doesn’t want repayment, even though I couldn’t repay him enough.

He’s wise with my temperament, and when needed his words can be tough.

Even with the hectic and strenuous activities of his day,

He’s still engaged in my program, to have his strength I can only pray.

My friend is a great teacher of sobriety, and a slayer of the monster.

He’s my friend, my family, and people call him my sponsor.

Travis Grider 3/10

1.    I declare my complete control over alcohol and everything else; and further declare that my life is in perfect order. 

2.    I recognize no power as great as I am; nor any person as smart as I am, and if you don’t like it, come outside. 

3.    I made a decision to run my life and everyone else’s life suit only me, and I pity those who get in my way. 

4.    I made a searching and thorough inventory of every one other than myself, and find them woefully lacking in all respects; and I never hesitate to tell them so. 

5.    I admitted to no one, including God and myself, that there could possibly be anything wrong with me or my actions. 

6.    I went to extreme efforts to protect and increase my defects of character and I did a little drinking besides. 

7.    I continued my obnoxious and arrogant air of asking no one for anything, my Big Eye was for telling, not asking. 

8.    I kept a complete list of all persons who had harmed me, either real or imaginary, and swore to get even with them all. 

9.    I got even where possible, except when to do so might injure me. 

10.    I continued to bitch and whine about everything to everyone and, when I was right, promptly reminded them. 

11.    I sought through scheming and conniving to materially improve myself, at the expense of my fellow man.  I never hesitate, when the opportunity presents itself to bring disaster and misery to anyone who happens across my path. 

12.    Having had a complete moral, physical, financial and spiritual breakdown, all of my remaining effort was directed toward dragging those near me and dear to me down to the same depths of despair.  And I did a little drinking too.

Talk about keeping a program of recovery simple…Watch this quick video.

“Gratitude” by Father Joseph C. Martin

The 12th Step, “having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we try to carry this message to the alcoholic and to practice these

I discovered this alternative 12 steps wording while prowling around my files. Unfortunately, there was no attribution, I don’t know who wrote it. If anyone knows post a comment and I will give the author credit.

I thought it was good enough to print, though not original content.

Alternative Step 1: I realize that I am not in control of my use of alcohol.

Alternative Step 2: I acknowledge that a spiritual awakening can help me to find a new direction.

Alternative Step 3: I am ready to follow and stay true to path I have chosen.

Alternative Step 4: I have the strength and courage to look within and to face whatever obstacles hinder my continued personal and spiritual development.

Alternative Step 5: I commit to become fully aware of how my use of alcohol hurt those around me.

Alternative Step 6: I am changing my life and developing my human potential.

Alternative Step 7: I am proud of my strength and ability to grow.

Alternative Step 8: I will do all I can to make up for the ways I have hurt myself and others.

Alternative Step 9: I will take direct action to help others in any way that I can.

Alternative Step 10: I will strive to be self-aware and follow the new path I have chosen.

Alternative Step 11: I will continue to develop my potential through helping others and strive to become fully conscious of myself and life around me.

Alternative Step 12: I will continue to develop my own human potential and spirituality and will actively help others who cannot control their use of alcohol.

This video explores the concepts of spirituality, alcoholism and recovery.

This clip describes the relation between the theories of Carl Gustav Jung, and the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous. It also elucidates the connection between Jung’s pioneering theory and its more contemporary applications. He addreses spirituality.

A year and a half ago the pain in my leg that got so bad I couldn’t walk.

I was finally diagnosed as having stage 4 lymphoma, cancer. As the doctor explained treatment options, I said ‘Let’s cut through the B.S, if I don’t get the treatment, I die right?’.

He was taken aback at my bluntness but said yes. I said that in that case , let’s get started. It is no fun for an addict sitting in a chair for 7 hours at a clip watching drugs being dripped into you. I did what the doctor ordered. I lived

The same thing happened 17 years ago when I was diagnosed with a chronic progressive and fatal disease called addiction to drugs and alcohol. At that time a treatment plan was presented to me. I had become willing to do whatever was needed to save my life. That included the recommendation I go to 12 step meetings, I went. It was hard, I did not know what they were talking about, I just did ‘what the doctor ordered.’ I lived

This video may help if you are ‘anti-12 steps’. I did not see it as propaganda, just some good facts, possibly answering the question, is alcoholics anonymous effective?.

My good friend Doug Cuddihy at Sobriety.tv sent me this video poem to view.

My good friend Doug Cuddihy at Sobriety.tv sent me this video poem to view. Doug’s site is certainly worth a visit as he has professional grade addiction recovery videos that are quite simply the best on the net.

This video is a two-fer. Two-fer a nickel, as it was done by Dave Harm who has another site I heartily endorse at DaveHarm.com. I endorse very few sites but these two guys are talented and have a wonderful message, Check out the sites and the video. Enjoy!

The question of whether a non-alcoholic should be allowed in AA has been a question causing debate for over 70 years.

Bill Wilson addresses two key issues in this speech:

1. AA’s singleness of purpose, and

2. The autonomy of each group

Now is the founder of AA the be all and end all? I don’t know, folks will still argue about that. Let’s see 1,000,000 AA members agreeing on something…NOT.

By Bill Urell

In Alcoholics Anonymous or AA, there is only one requirement to attend any meeting.

You do not have to sign up, pay money, or even talk if you don’t want to. You can go and just listen. Anominity is a tradition for 12 steps and it doesn’t matter what background you come from.

There is only one requirement for attending meetings and that is: A desire to stop drinking.

When I first went to an AA meeting, I thought I was joining a club of some sort. I was ready for the once over by the entrance committee or meeting some eligibility or screening requirements. There are none. Just go, simply attend. You will be surrounded by people from all walks of life who share one thing in a common, alcoholism. They are heading down the path of alcohol recovery by speaking and learning from like-minded individuals.

As with anything new, there may me some awkwardness or discomfort about going to your first meeting. With empathy and caring I say ‘Get over it’, just go. It really is that important to successful recovery. If you know anyone involved in 12 step groups, don’t be shy, give them a call and ask if you can go with them.

If you don’t know where a meeting is just call information and ask for AA. In most cities and counties, they maintain an inter-group hotline to give out meeting information. You can even go to Google on your computer and search: “AA meetings (your hometown, state)”, you will be amazed at the number of meetings near you that you did not know about.

I strongly suggest that you get involved and start sharing in the meetings and start working a program, as opposed to trying to learn by observation from the back row or the outside. It is one of those things you can study until the cows come home, but at some point you must take action. A thought is just a thought, an emotion just an emotion, but nothing really happens until you take action.

Bonus Tip: And to get the ball rolling if you are new, when the leader asks if there are any newcomers, raise your hand and say your name and “I’m new and can use some help”. That is it. I guaranty people will approach you after the meeting to offer help. That is why they are members of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Here are some other great resources on Alcoholics Anonymous:

Why You Should Consider Alcoholics Anonymous? – Whether your drinking alcohol has cost you a job, a relationship, your health or your freedom, an Alcoholics Anonymous session can be extremely helpful. The meetings will help you stay away from alcohol one drink at a time, …

How Can I Quit Drinking? – Alcoholics Anonymous will welcome you no matter what your level of consumption. This is a wonderful organization which does an immense amount of good upon this earth and they deserve more praise than we could possibly bestow upon them. …

Is Alcoholics Anonymous A Cult – What comes to your mind when you hear the word cult? Jim Jones Kool Aid? David Koresh? Charles Manson? The Texas Polygamist Compound? Maybe even Scientology. Do the words Alcoholic’s Anonymous come to mind? …

Rehabilitation of Alcoholics – Additional support for alcoholics and their relatives and friends is available from self help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).Typically these groups consists of recovering alcoholics & recovered persons, who can provide very good …

I met a lady recently who would have any man reaching to straighten his tie, sucking his gut and puffing out his chest. Little did I know I had met ‘Dangerous Deb’. I know I am going to get a big eyeroll for that comment, oh well. She uses radio to reach out and help people in addiction recovery.

Among a number of commonalities, we spoke a bit about how I use this blog and she uses radio to reach out to help those in addiction recovery and the odd knowledge of not even meeting those that might get benefit from outreach efforts. What a concept…doing the next right thing because it is the right thing to do. A far cry from the days of using.

There is a link in the Resource section to Recovery Radio Live The shows are simulcast on the web.

Their site is a work in process: please note their archived recordings of recent shows.

Gleaned from the site: Creator/host Ricky Leigh Mensh is a highly active and respected member of a major 12-Step program and sober for eighteen years. Mr. Mensh has also had a distinguished 25-year career in the music industry, which includes many years as an on-air host and programmer in commercial radio. “Recovery Radio Live” will appeal to families and friends of those in need of help, along with the enormous numbers of those already in recovery. This also includes a large number of highly regarded rehab centers serving as safe havens for those seeking to begin the process of recovery.

Our radio show airs Saturday’s on 850 AM WFTL 2PM-4PM EST. We broadcast live in the South Florida area and will be webcast live with a link on our home page to listen, and you can call in live @ 1-888-sober56. We’re trying to bring focus, support, and a common meeting place for the recovery community, people in recovery, their families, and anyone else who is themselves or is close to someone with substance abuse problems and/or addictions. Mr. Mensh will be joined in this broadcast venture by co-hosts “Indian Bob” & “Dangerous” Debbie S.

This video focuses on the basic concepts of AA step 1 as it was presented several decades ago. This is from the horses mouth, a close interpretation of the basics of AA as presented in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This alcohol addiction video is quite lengthy at 84 minutes. You might want to look for “Alcoholics Anonymous Back to basics CD1 Step 1″ and download it to a CD or your Ipod.

More step 1 struggles…

Have I? Run out of options? – At the AA meeting tonight, someone said something that stuck in my head. Well two things. That the fundamental point of Step 1 is to turn around and face it. That you have to walk into it, directly. And that you have to surrender to …

 From My pal at RecoveryIsSexy.com …

 Thanks Bill,

I enjoyed that… (post on the 12 steps bass ackward)… I also collect varieties of 12 Step experiences.

Just for fun I like this one;-

THE TWELVE-STEPS FOR COMMITTED BUREAUCRATS

1. We learned that we could handle anything perfectly as a bureaucrat, that we had total control.

2. We came to believe that there is no greater calling than to be a bureaucrat, that we ARE what we DO.

3. We made a firm decision to live our lives as consummate bureaucrats, resisting the need for self-care and the influence of anything outside our careers.

4. We made a searching and thorough inventory of all administrative knowledge, committing it to memory for all time.

5. We recognised our discomforts are the fault of people, places and things outside of us, that professional failing and weakness of character are inappropriate for bureaucrats.

6. We were entirely ready to deny our own negative feelings, doubts and misgivings.

7. We never let our mistakes, fear or feelings of inadequacy show.

8. We made a list of all people (especially non-bureaucrats) and institutions which had upset us and harboured resentments towards them all.

9. We refused to take action to resolve these tensions, but tried to get even whenever we could.

10. We continued to act as though everything was fine, always maintaining the correct appearance of a bureaucrat.

11. We diligently refused to accept new ideas, seeking only to live life on our own terms, as we feel entitled to.

12. Having rigidly clung to our original attitudes and practices, we continued to recommend them to other bureaucrats, joining together in our misery for the rest of our practicing lives.

However no bureaucrat would admit to having fun:-)

I collect variations of the 12 steps, usually with the idea of looking for a different way of explaining them. Occasionally a humorous version crosses my desk. I did not get a source for this (it was quite anonymous), and refuse to take responsibility.

The 12 Steps, Quite Wrong

1. I declare complete control over alcohol and everything else; and further declare that my life is in perfect order.

2. I recognize no power as great as I am; nor any person as smart as I am, and if you don’t like it, let’s step outside.

3. I made a decision to run my life and everyone else’s life to suit only me – and I pity those who get in my way.

4. I make a searching and thorough inventory of everyone other than myself – and find them a woefully lacking in all respects; and I never hesitate to tell them so.

5. I admitted to no one, including, God and myself, that there could be possibly anything wrong with me, or my actions.

6. I went to extreme efforts to protect and increase my defects of character and did a little drinking besides.

7. I continued my obnoxious arrogant air of asking no one for anything my big mouth was for telling, not asking.

8. I kept a complete list of all persons who had harmed me, either real or imaginary, and swore to get even with them all.

9. I got even where possible, except when to do so might to injure me.

10 I continued to bitch and whine about everything to everyone and, when I was right, promptly reminded them of it.

11 I sought through scheming and conniving to materially improve myself – at the expense of my fellow man. I never hesitate, when the opportunity presents itself, to bring disaster and misery to anyone who happens across my path.

12 having had a complete moral, financial, physical, and spiritual breakdown, all of my remaining effort was directed toward dragging those near me – and dear to me- down to the same depths of despair; and I did a little drinking too.

I found some other nice blogs on the 12 steps, check out my new friends:

Are You Done?

12 Steps to a Recovered To-Do List

Twelve Steps …

A LIGHT-HEARTED LOOK AT AA

“The slogans are the banisters to the 12 Steps.” “The 12 Steps keep us from suicide. The 12 Traditions keep us from homicide !” A warning to newcomers in AA: “If you’re looking for a relation-ship in AA odds are good you’ll find one. …

For My New Friends Who Visit For The First Few Times

AA History; Alcoholics Anonymous Resources; Beginners Meeting; Books for 12 Steppers; Courage To Change; Did You Know; Experience, Strength and Hope; First Step; Heard At Meetings; Helpful 12 Step Sites; In The Book; News; Opinion …