I do agree that abstinence is probably much better of an idea than attempting 'controlled' drug use.
But I think the whole 'higher power' thing is more about ego deflation than anything, which I can also agree is a good thing, to some extent of course. However, most people in AA seem to fail to realize that ego deflation is one of the objectives of the program, and simply act on blind faith of what other 'AA's' say about certain things. AA almost wants you to become an obedient little dog because it will save your life if you 'just follow directions.' Which I think takes the whole ego deflation thing a bit too far.
Some people in AA go as far as saying, 'Don't think about it, just do it! Your best thinking is what got you here in the first place.' Which is utterly hilarious. The Big Book even talks about 'intellectuals' and how they have a hard time staying sober because they are 'too smart' for their own good. Which is also hilarious. Like I said I agree that many addicts, and normal people in general, could probably use a nice dose of ego deflation, but when you say things like, 'Intelligence will not keep you sober, quit trying to think about everything!' you are basically saying don't be intelligent and just do what we say. Some have gone as far as telling others that they will not stay sober because they are too smart for their own good. Which is ridiculous.
The whole attitude that some people in AA have tends to sort of pervade throughout the majority of members because even though some people want to say, "Hey you're full of shit," they won't because they will be told that "With that type of attitude you're not going to stay sober." And it's pretty sad. The herd mentality is dangerously reminiscent of a religion, which is not surprising since AA, though members will deny this, is a RELIGIOUS program.
I do know some Atheists in AA, and they found a way to make AA make sense for them. Basically, take what you need and leave the rest.
With that being said I do support any method that one uses to get sober. While I don't believe addiction is a disease necessarily I do think there is something different about those in society that are addicts. And I do think seeking help is a good idea.
But I think the whole 'higher power' thing is more about ego deflation than anything, which I can also agree is a good thing, to some extent of course. However, most people in AA seem to fail to realize that ego deflation is one of the objectives of the program, and simply act on blind faith of what other 'AA's' say about certain things. AA almost wants you to become an obedient little dog because it will save your life if you 'just follow directions.' Which I think takes the whole ego deflation thing a bit too far.
Some people in AA go as far as saying, 'Don't think about it, just do it! Your best thinking is what got you here in the first place.' Which is utterly hilarious. The Big Book even talks about 'intellectuals' and how they have a hard time staying sober because they are 'too smart' for their own good. Which is also hilarious. Like I said I agree that many addicts, and normal people in general, could probably use a nice dose of ego deflation, but when you say things like, 'Intelligence will not keep you sober, quit trying to think about everything!' you are basically saying don't be intelligent and just do what we say. Some have gone as far as telling others that they will not stay sober because they are too smart for their own good. Which is ridiculous.
The whole attitude that some people in AA have tends to sort of pervade throughout the majority of members because even though some people want to say, "Hey you're full of shit," they won't because they will be told that "With that type of attitude you're not going to stay sober." And it's pretty sad. The herd mentality is dangerously reminiscent of a religion, which is not surprising since AA, though members will deny this, is a RELIGIOUS program.
I do know some Atheists in AA, and they found a way to make AA make sense for them. Basically, take what you need and leave the rest.
With that being said I do support any method that one uses to get sober. While I don't believe addiction is a disease necessarily I do think there is something different about those in society that are addicts. And I do think seeking help is a good idea.
“Love is the only bow on Life’s dark cloud. It is the morning and the evening star. It shines upon the babe, and sheds its radiance on the quiet tomb. It is the mother of art, inspirer of poet, patriot and philosopher.
It is the air and light of every heart – builder of every home, kindler of every fire on every hearth. It was the first to dream of immortality. It fills the world with melody – for music is the voice of love.
Love is the magician, the enchanter, that changes worthless things to Joy, and makes royal kings and queens of common clay. It is the perfume of that wondrous flower, the heart, and without that sacred passion, that divine swoon, we are less than beasts; but with it, earth is heaven, and we are gods.” - Robert. G. Ingersoll
It is the air and light of every heart – builder of every home, kindler of every fire on every hearth. It was the first to dream of immortality. It fills the world with melody – for music is the voice of love.
Love is the magician, the enchanter, that changes worthless things to Joy, and makes royal kings and queens of common clay. It is the perfume of that wondrous flower, the heart, and without that sacred passion, that divine swoon, we are less than beasts; but with it, earth is heaven, and we are gods.” - Robert. G. Ingersoll
