Alcoholics Anonymous And The 12 Step Program
Bill Johnson
The organization known as Alcoholics Anonymous is widely known
for the great help it renders to people with alcohol addiction
problems. The organization carries out the program through a
foundation referred to as the 12 step program. Numerous addicts
attributed their successful battle with alcohol to the program.
And as a result of its phenomenal success, a lot of people have
included the 12 step program to help them combat other forms of
addictions apart from alcoholism and drug. Generally, the 12
step program is beneficial to anyone who desires to have
control of their lives and behavior.
The program consists of twelve levels, the first being
surrendering power. When alcohol, drugs or other dangerous
elements are present in a person's body, there is a tendency
for the individual's life to spin out of control. And at this
stage, such people feel the situation can still be controlled,
but this is usually not true, as there are certain cases that
simply can't be controlled, and accepting this fact is the
initial step.
Both the second and third steps encourage the individual to
look up to a superior power. And this is where lots of critics
of the 12 step program spotted a flaw, claiming the procedure
is too religious in nature. In fairness to them, they are not
far from the truth, because the second step states that belief
in a power by the individual is important, while the third
preaches that an individual must place his entire life in the
hands of the Supreme Being- God.
The next step, (fourth) is all about moral inventory and this
too has a religious undertone, and no one knows this better
than anyone who has sat in a confessional. The fifth level of
the 12 step program urges the person to admit his guilt
personally, his relatives, friends and colleagues, and lastly
God.
The next step bears a very close resemblance to the first-
surrendering power. However, instead of being helpless to the
dangerous element, the person becomes helpless to God. The
Supreme Being is saddled with the task of eliminating the
unpleasant sides of the person's personality. This approach is
obviously passive, and not surprisingly has come under the
hammer of critics.
The next successive three levels can be summed up as consisting
of atoning for the inequities of the person. This takes us to
the tenth and eleventh levels. The former seeks another moral
inventory, while the latter urges devotion and close ties with
God. The last level of the 12 step program offers spiritual
rebirth, and urges the person to proclaim his achievements.
Predictably, critics of the 12 step program are having a field
day tearing the program to shreds. From claims of it being too
religious, to assertions that the person is rendered powerless,
because the situation is no longer under his control the instant
he places everything in the hands of a supreme power.
About The Author: Bill Johnson
http://www.substance-abuse-01.com
http://www.body-and-mental-health.com
Find More Free Natural Health Information
Back To:
All Free Info about Addictions
Choose Natural Health Site Map
