..As a substitute for "a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps" (p60, AA Big Book)
"Neither he NOR ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING can provide such a defense. His defense must come from a Higher Power. " (p43, AA Big Book)
That includes Therapists, counselors, people who work in treatment centres, psyciatrists, sponsors, me, you.
ALL !!!! humans unfortunately..
This is why I do not get Sponsees to do therapy or such (if ever) until AFTER step 9. Ie when the spiritual malady Is overcome (p64, AA Big Book) and they are no longer in danger of drinking PROVIDED THEY STAY IN FIT ***SPIRITUAL*** CONDITION. (p85, AA Big Book)
Anyway. That's how I do it. That's how old timers did it when I was new. And that's what I saw working again and again and again.
So that's what I pass on. That's my experience.
Thankfully it seems to be the same as that of the first 100 members. (re first quote from p43, AA Big Book)
There's another reason, but ill explain that another time. Theres more to this, but I'll split it over a few posts.
Have a great Thursday!
"If you want to hide something from an alcoholic, put it in the Big book"
I did use therapy but it certainly didn't get me sober or keep me sober. However, I was very blessed that my therapist was also a recovered alcoholic of 20+ years. She doesn't usually treat alcoholics but made an exception in my case. The therapy came as a result of feelings and emotions uncovered as I did the steps and my therapist helped me to not only identify where they came from but validate how it affected me. Around the fourth step and fifth step. While I did my fifth step with my sponser, I shared the experience with my therapist. As an adult, I am responsible for changing that and I am doing that through the steps. For some reason, for me, AA, therapy and a spiritual life all seemed to work hand in hand and begin around the same time. The difference is I'm done with the therapy now. Not much left to uncover and recognize. But AA and my spiritual journey will continue forever.
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