Bedouin Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 Currently I'm in a long term alcohol/drug treatment program. This program is run exclusively for veterans, and I am very fortunate and grateful to have it available for me. Like any substance abuse program, a large part of the treatment involves attending AA and/or NA meetings. As most of us know, those fellowships place a strong emphasis on "God as we understood him." Seeing as how we're in the U.S., it's obvious that the judeo-Christian god is meant. Even though members are quick to say that it's a "spiritual not a religious" program, I know good and well that's bullshit. Several states have ruled that 12 step programs are unequivocally religious. My problem is that I am surrounded by people who have bought into the god shit, totally drinking the koolaide, and as a result, I have to sit in meeting after meeting being bombarded with god, god, jesus, jesus, god, god. I have made it clear that I am atheist. What bothers me is that I don't feel as if I have an equal right to express my thoughts. Sort of like coming out as gay. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deidre Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 I can imagine that's a tough spot to be in. If you stay in the program, maybe just start sharing more and more of your feelings, during your group sessions, from your view. You might not be the only atheist there and others too may feel like you do. I've often wondered if there is an alternative to AA for atheists in different cities, states etc... Seems like it's needed. Sorry, I don't have much in the way of advice, but good luck with this situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymistake Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 I like to remind myself that the Christbot is talking about his or her own brain. "The other day I had to go shopping so I asked my brain to make it not rain and then my brain found me a parking spot in the front row. I love my brain so much and my brain is so awesome." 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 I have a problem with the AA and NA being overly spiritual, but it doesn't need to be. I hate to spew out things that others in those groups say, but the truth is that you don't have to use "god" as your higher power. Truthfully, it works well if you simply come to believe that you are more likely to achieve sobriety if you allow someone to be able to help you. While there are good programs out there that are not spiritually based (Rational Recovery and S.M.A.R.T. Recovery come to mind) but unfortunately those groups often don't exist outside of the bigger cities. My advice to you is to simply acknowledge that you need others to help you stay sober and you will fit into the 12 step model and meet the "higher power" need. I understand that it sucks to have to listen to the religious crap that most of them spew out of their mouths. Its a wonderful byproduct of our Christian culture. If they don't like what you have to say, then tough for them. You can still be relevant in the meetings and contribute your thoughts and ideas without being spiritual or religious. Honesty is an important part of recovery and if they cant respect that and listen to what you have to say, then the problem rests with them, not you. Look into Rational Recovery or SMART recovery programs in your area. Here is a link to SMART recovery meetings. Here is a link for Rational Recovery. These programs do not follow the 12 step model and involve individual work, not group meetings. I am partial to SMART Recovery and think it is a great program. I am guessing that you are required to attend these 12 step meetings? If not, there are other things you can do to work on your recovery without all the BS of the meetings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midniterider Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 Currently I'm in a long term alcohol/drug treatment program. This program is run exclusively for veterans, and I am very fortunate and grateful to have it available for me. Like any substance abuse program, a large part of the treatment involves attending AA and/or NA meetings. As most of us know, those fellowships place a strong emphasis on "God as we understood him." Seeing as how we're in the U.S., it's obvious that the judeo-Christian god is meant. Even though members are quick to say that it's a "spiritual not a religious" program, I know good and well that's bullshit. Several states have ruled that 12 step programs are unequivocally religious. My problem is that I am surrounded by people who have bought into the god shit, totally drinking the koolaide, and as a result, I have to sit in meeting after meeting being bombarded with god, god, jesus, jesus, god, god. I have made it clear that I am atheist. What bothers me is that I don't feel as if I have an equal right to express my thoughts. Sort of like coming out as gay. Any suggestions? God as you understand him .... you understand him to be non-existent. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midniterider Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 Currently I'm in a long term alcohol/drug treatment program. This program is run exclusively for veterans, and I am very fortunate and grateful to have it available for me. Like any substance abuse program, a large part of the treatment involves attending AA and/or NA meetings. As most of us know, those fellowships place a strong emphasis on "God as we understood him." Seeing as how we're in the U.S., it's obvious that the judeo-Christian god is meant. Even though members are quick to say that it's a "spiritual not a religious" program, I know good and well that's bullshit. Several states have ruled that 12 step programs are unequivocally religious. My problem is that I am surrounded by people who have bought into the god shit, totally drinking the koolaide, and as a result, I have to sit in meeting after meeting being bombarded with god, god, jesus, jesus, god, god. I have made it clear that I am atheist. What bothers me is that I don't feel as if I have an equal right to express my thoughts. Sort of like coming out as gay. Any suggestions? non religious AA - new york http://agnosticaanyc.org/meetings.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moanareina Posted August 14, 2014 Share Posted August 14, 2014 I once attended a group that went through the twelve step program for identity issues. As much as I can remember I got something out of the first seven steps but then I got stuck. That was in my Christian days still. I think there is some value in it but I am not that convinced that it is the best you can do. While it helped me to let go of certain things it also put a lot of pressure on me. I liked the talking though. As I was reading your post I thought about the rules we had. I don't know if they where unique to my group but I am sure there are rules with your program too. Like: You talk about yourself and not in general terms. Not to judge each other. To be open and honest. You don't offer cheap solutions. To respect different believes and no discussions about faith differences. You can talk about your faith as long as it is about you. ... ... When someone went against the rules we pointed him out and where honest with him. It was a good exercise to learn to set boundaries. If you have rules like those you might point that out next time. Also one important rule there was, you only talked about the things you wanted to talk about. If someone would not accept that it was your good right to say: Sorry but that is all I want to say for now. Good exercise too. Because that is normal behavior...but so many have not learnt that. And the group is a good field to exercise. All that said I am not too much a fan of the program anymore. Especially not with the thinking that you ll never really be recovered. If there are other options, I would chose another one. Maybe psychotherapy or secular group therapy. Anyways, I say good for you that you take care of yourself. I think that is a big deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bedouin Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 Thank you all for your responses and suggestions. I have every intention of sticking it out here, and will use what I can from the fellowship. I will also attended the more secular "version" of AA. And really, I have no problem expressing my thoughts about god and religion. Thanks again all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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