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This is one of the reasons that Big Book study groups have become so popular among recovering alcoholics. Apart from dissecting the Big Book so as to have a firmer grasp on the 12 Steps and program and in general, it also is designed to help us decipher the intricate language and wording used from a different time period. Old timers and recovering people with more experience can explain in layman’s terms just what the author Bill W. Was trying to relay in a far more easily digestible fashion. All addictive behaviors have their roots in our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Addictions can be used to mask our feelings and distract us from pain.
It’s a path of healing; of reuniting us with our true Spiritual Nature. Religious parents may not pay sufficient attention to signs of scrupulosity in their children because they are occupied in taking pleasure in their child’s religiosity. Scrupulosity can manifest as young as 5-7 years old. If you are in doubt as to whether you have sinned, you should mistrust your own judgment and provisionally conclude that you did not.
Recovery is a Journey
Once we have done all we can to rectify our mistakes, we should let them go. We are not perfect and should not expect ourselves to go through life without ever making mistakes.
- Alcoholics Anonymous often makes reference to the publication of WIlliam James, “The Varieties of Religious Experiences,” which was published in 1902.
- In the case of the addict, alcohol (or some other substance or activity) is used as a medication to treat the spiritual malady.
- The hook in their presentation was an answer to their alcohol problem, of course.
- Many people are initially turned off to the idea of the program because they believe it preaches religion and God, and many addicts and alcoholics have no desire to pursue a religious answer.
However, when we entered into a recovery model that included the spiritual, we found a solution. The Big Book explains, “If, when you honestly want to, you find that you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount spiritual malady you take, you are probably an alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer.” We embark upon a journey of recovery that allows us to develop a deep spiritual connection.
The Spiritual Malady of Addiction: What Is It Exactly?
If you suffer persistent physical symptoms, it is important to seek medical help. However, becoming more aware of your physical and emotional needs as well as spiritual needs can improve the situation dramatically. The solution to this sickness can come from making very small, consistent changes. These actions will boost our sense of being in control of our lives. A tiny new habit like drinking more water, taking a walk or meditating for five minutes, can help us get out of this downward spiral.
- Clinical research which appears to indicate that spirituality is not the chief mechanism of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous is critiqued.
- The alcoholic who evolves spiritually receives inner wisdom – an intuition and understanding – a noetic mindset that goes beyond the traditional five senses.
- So when it comes to spiritual healing, please be mindful of these traps and practice healthy caution.
- Once we have done all we can to rectify our mistakes, we should let them go.
- Self-reliance can also be dangerous because it can lead to pride.
- The second dark twin is perpetrated by spiritual “healers” and practitioners who are aware – either on a conscious or unconscious level – of the first dark twin of spiritual healing.
I gave many more things to address but the last year or so I’ve felt stuck. I asked for guidance and was presented with a secure job with benefits and pension (which i have never had for my own ever)! How wonderful that the universe ALWAYS provides for me. I had asked that it provide a path and it did but I’ve been feeling almost abandoned since. I know I haven’t been but I feel like I’ve been put in a holding pattern.
The AA conception of addiction
One of the most important things in AA is finding a sponsor – someone who has been through the program and can help guide you through it. If you’re struggling with the concept of God, try to find a sponsor who shares your views. That way, they’ll be able to relate to your experience and offer advice from https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a place of understanding. It doesn’t have to be religious – it can be anything that gives you strength and hope. For some people, nature or the universe might be their Higher Power. One of the great things about AA is that it’s flexible – you can make it work for you, even if you don’t believe in God.