It is sometimes easier to approach 12 Step recovery programs without any specific religious ideas because it allows one to be more open to the idea of a personal conception of a higher power. However, many people already have deeply held beliefs about God as a result of their religious beliefs. Fortunately, 12 Step Recovery is open to all, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. 12 Step Recovery is all about spirituality. After we make the initial step of admitting that we are powerless over alcohol and drugs and that are lives are unmanageable, we reach the 2nd Step, which states: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” In time, we come to develop a personal relationship with our higher power, turning our will and lives over to its care. We may find that we have a religious belief in God, but have never had the faith to turn our lives completely over to Him. Faith, however, is a necessity in 12 Step Recovery. We realized that our own power was insufficient to overcome our addiction and alcoholism, so we must have faith that our spiritual connection will allow us to tap into a power greater than ourselves. We cultivate our faith in our higher power until we feel that we are able to make conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation, and no longer run on our own flawed self-will. We find that, if we are to maintain our sobriety, we turn to God throughout our day whenever we face indecision and rely on His will over our own. In a sense, we “let our hand of the wheel” and allow God to do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. The Big Book suggests that we begin each morning with prayer and meditation, and specifically touches on the religious inclusiveness of the program by stating: “If we belong to a religious denomination which requires a definite morning devotion, we attend to that also. If not member of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing. There are many helpful books also. Suggestions about these may be obtained from one’s priest, minister, or rabbi. Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.” If we have a religious understanding of God, we are ahead of the game, so long as this understanding is one in which be can place our faith and cultivate a personal relationship.
Your story doesn’t have to be one of suffering from addiction and alcoholism. You can make the decision to seek help and begin building a better life of hope, faith, and courage. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers a variety of treatment techniques to guide you toward a life of permanent sobriety. For more information about treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
