Although I tried AA and NA for many years throughout my 20’s and early 30’s, I never felt like they were right for me.
I saw many others really enjoyed the programs, but I didn’t.
I always felt like there had to be a better way for me, personally.
I totally loved that other people were so into 12-step programs, but I also had to follow my own heart.
I had to figure out a path that resonated with me.
So that’s exactly what I did.
And my heart and intuition guided me down the exact path I needed.
My New Journey
I embarked on a new journey of following my heart and intuition, which ultimately led to me quitting opioids and other drugs once and for all, the creation of my best life, and the ability to help others do the same.
The following 12 steps were not consciously constructed at the beginning of my new journey.
However, I felt “guided” along the way, and it was truly remarkable the way everything worked out, one miracle after another.
Looking back on my Transformation, I know it was a duplicatable system that could help millions of people.
Epiphany in the Shower
The other day I was taking a shower, and the 12 steps I used on my path just popped into my head.
I frantically typed them out as fast as I could after getting out of the shower (while still in a towel), as I didn’t want to forget the information that had been given to me.
Now I can see clearly the exact 12 steps I took, even though they were unknown to me at the time I was “working” them.
The 12 Steps I Took on My Path
Many people have success using AA, NA, and other 12-step groups.
And that’s truly remarkable.
But for the people that don’t resonate with those programs, here are a different 12 steps that may fit you better, as they did with me.
Step 1. We admitted that we let our substance use go overboard, and that the decisions we made led to pain and suffering.
Step 2. We realized that no one is perfect, and sometimes life can difficult, so we made a conscious decision to have self-compassion and forgive ourselves.
Step 3. We realized that it was our fault we got into this mess, and it was our responsibility to get us out… that no one else is to blame, and that we are not victims.
Step 4. We came to believe that all of our problems in life can be seen as negative, or they can be seen as powerfully positive opportunities to grow and strengthen as a person.
Step 5. We decided that we would embark on a path of personal transformation, with our end goal being the Total Transcendence of Addiction.
Step 6. We began walking the path.
Step 7. To help us achieve our goal, we developed resolve that we would get rid of any Fixed Mindset attributes we had, and upgrade them for a resilient Growth Mindset.
Step 8. We intentionally sought out resources such as Personal Development, Exercise, Spirituality, and Support Systems that could help us complete our Hero’s Journey.
Step 9. We realized and admitted that every person has a unique model of the world, and thus it was our duty to find resources that resonated with us personally, and not what resources others told us we should use.
Step 10. We came to understand that we could have failures, setbacks, relapse, and other hardships.
Step 11. We made a conscious decision that during these hard times, we would try our best to keep a positive attitude and view our setbacks as things to learn from, and not failure.
Step 12. After recovering from addiction and transforming our lives, we made an intentional decision to either use what we’ve learned to help others struggling with addiction, or to not help others with addiction, but to contribute to the world in a different way that resonates more with us, knowing that contribution is an important element of life fulfillment.
There are Many Paths to Recovery
It’s important to understand that there are many paths to recovery. We are all unique and have completely different “models of the world.”
Which means that different paths to recovery will resonate with different people.
The only thing that really matters is that you’re true to yourself and do what feels right for you, and not go down any path of recovery that doesn’t feel right to you simply because someone tells you it’s the only way to recover.
I honor you for the courage it takes to recover from addiction.
You are an amazing person, and you can live up to your potential one step at a time.
Key Concepts
- People are different, and not all paths to recovery work the same for everyone.
- 12-step programs work great for some people, and some people don’t resonate with them.
- For the individuals that don’t resonate with 12-step programs, they can choose many other methods of recovery.
- The 12-steps I unintentionally used could work for many people, but they wouldn’t be the best path for everyone, as we are all different.
- The trick is to find a path that resonates with you, personally, or use your heart and intuition to create your own path.
If you have any comments or questions, you’re welcome to post them in the comment box below.
UPDATE: Lots of people have been posting very judgemental comments, and for those people, I highly encourage you to check out my article on The Outrage/Blame/Victim/Pettiness Epidemic. Thanks.
Statistically speaking AA and NA are complete failures. It is not an EGO that you have it’s a desire to get clean good job Matt !
Thank you Bill. It’s a desire to help people learn that people got clean for thousands of years without AA, and millions more will continue to get clean for thousands of more years without AA as well. It’s just common sense.
Bill, not sure how AA and NA are complete failures. I’m 35 years sober, AA is in countries all over the world with millions of members. That does t say failure to me. Sorry you feel the need to know slam something that could help someone.
It is a common misconception (especially among members) that AA is a “program”. It is actually a fellowship that offers a suggested program of recovery. When any member asserts their “truth” and it differs from mine. I silently tell myself ” if you believe it AND IT’S KEEPING YOU CLEAN then it’s true (FOR YOU).
Wonderful stuff! I love this. Makes total sense to me. Great comment and thanks for posting here.
Good on you, Matt! I’m 39 years sober in AA and I applaud your thinking outside the box. Thanks for sharing your steps, thoughts and concepts with the rest of us and I hope you have continued success with it. I hope others can find success with it too.
God bless!
Oh my! You’re my hero! I learned some of the most amazing things for men and women I met in the program that had really long-term sobriety. But I can honestly say that I’ve never met a soul with 39 years clean. Truly wonderful!
And I greatly appreciate your sincere feedback you’ve gifted me. It means a lot to me. God Bless you too!
Matt, you’re a brave guy who is putting good out into the world. AA has kept me sober for 20 years, but we’ll always be the first to say that there are other ways.
Leslie, that is so amazing. 20 years? Well done. And some of my absolute best friends have long-term healthy recovery in AA, and they are so amazing, and they also think it’s great that others find things that work so well for them.
One of the main tenants of AA is open-mindedness and the exact definition of this from the dictionary is “willing to consider new ideas, unprejudiced.” And I absolutely live by that along with most of the other AA teachings. I just don’t go to meetings.
People can believe in God and not go to church, people can live by the teachings of Christ and yet not consider or label themselves Christians, and people can certainly choose their own life path and disregard warnings from other people, especially from total strangers.
Thanks for your kind feedback, Leslie, super appreciative for you saying this. You’re a very wise person, and I’m really stoked that you’ve turned your life around and have been living a new life for two decades. Amazing.
Beautiful! I will be celebrating 13 years of recovery this August. My foundation was 12 step based for the first 9 years when I discovered that no matter how hard I was working it, I was miserable. Events in my life during that time helped me continue my self-discovery where I eventually found a non 12 step based program called Choose Again in January of 2018. Choose Again is not a program designed for alcoholism/addiction, instead, it has helped me discover the ROOT of my addictions. This was always a missing piece for me. Today, I am truly living my best life! I feel and know that I am free. I still attend 12 step meetings, however, I have found fulfillment in integrating the spiritual principles of what is working in my life. I am so grateful I let go of the guilt I was feeling when I realized 12 step wasn’t enough for me. “We only know but a little….more will be revealed”….even the founders of 12 step understood that 12 step is not an end all be all. This is the message I carry today because it is all recovery to me.
Everyone is free to find what works best for them. Thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope!
Wow, Courtney!! Thanks for writing about this. I’m going to do some research on Choose Again as I’ve not heard of them until you mentioned it. It sounds really helpful, and I’m so glad you decided that there are complementary and integrative modalities of treatment that intertwine and fuse well with other programs, such as AA.
My favorite part is the end of your post.
“Everyone is free to find what works best for them.”
– I really couldn’t have said that concept better myself. FREE is the keyword. FREE to think for ourselves and not let others tell us how to live our own lives. Free to choose what recovery methods fit us the best. FREE to let others know what has worked for us so they can also have more things to choose from. And FREE to share whatever message we have for people that is authentic and from our hearts, even if we get attacked by people that don’t think there is another way other than AA.
Hi Matt.
I too have been in and around both NA and AA for a long time. I’ve just gone back and life is so much better. I don’t believe either program is a one size fits all or has trademark on the words 12 steps. Your right, there has to be another way. I like your idea it sounds real and less clinical. Best of luck with your life. And I wouldn’t get too upset with people accusing you of running on ego. That is what they have been trained to say.
Hi Damien,
Thanks for the feedback. I think a lot of people that have been in the program really believe with conviction that AA/NA has a “monopoly” on recovery. But I’ve corresponded with over 10,000 people doing this work, and least with who I’ve talked with, far more people recovered without 12-step than in it.
So that means that some people can recover using a different program of recovery. Such as Celebrate Recovery, SMART Recovery, Rational Recovery, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Christ-based programs, natural modalities, and even people that don’t attend groups in any form.
That’s really the evidence. That people can have success in a great number of different programs, so it all comes down to which one feels right for them.
And I totally agree, they have programmed to say those things. They are defending their program, but I wrote how much I loved AA and that so many people get results from it.
If they’re unwilling to accept that millions of people recover from addiction without going to any meetings, then that’s their own stuff.
I’m not upset with the naysayers.
I’m actually getting lots of great insights into how many people think about this topic, and I’m going to do a podcast episode on it soon.
Thanks so much for your feedback and comment, Damien.
It’s really nice of you to say these things. Much appreciation.
Precisely! The text that AA is founded upon is well over 80 years old and needs some serious revision s. IMHO, OF COURSE
Hi Tom,
Medicine, Psychology, Neuroscience, Nutrition, and pretty much every other field has progressed so rapidly, but addiction treatment has not progressed nearly at the same speed.
AA is a proven and easily duplicated system, and that’s just one of the reasons why I love AA. But there are so many advancements in related fields that people in AA could also benefit from learning from some other resources. There are many other great books, such as on nutrition, health, psychology, relationships, and much more, that some people might benefit from learning from.
I had cravings for years and years, and finally, a relative gave me a few supplements to restore healthy neurotransmitter levels, and within 2 days the cravings were gone.
Drugs and alcohol are physical substances that cause physical changes to a very important physical organ (the brain), and when you stop using substances brain chemistry is typically really unhealthy and thus the person cannot feel great until they restore biochemical wellness.
My main goal is to be a lifelong student of addiction and related fields and do my best to progress the field, to educate others, and to let everyone choose what is right for them.
Thanks for your comment, Tom. I do appreciate it.
My my name is Jim P, I never in my 35 years of sobriety in AA with a 12-step program
That was meant to be by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob, Not to have somebody just messing around with it and called their own little 12-step program, that’s insane, talk about an Ego I can’t even comprehend, yours welcome back brother, I’ve heard a lot of people try is there way, and it goes South really Quick.
Damn I still can’t believe this
It goes south really quick? Interesting theory. Since I haven’t been in my addiction in almost 8 years and I built the life of my dreams. And thanks, but no thanks. I will never go back, as I’m living my path and doing quite well. Appreciate your gesture though. 🙂
One of the best books I have ever read is called Many Roads, One Journey; 14 steps to self-empowerment by Charlotte Kasl. In it, she talks about the same idea as Matt, essentially that people need to be able to think for themselves and follow their own path in recovery, discovery. I left a mind control group years ago and there are things about AA that remind me of a cult. One of the tenets in a mind control group is that knowledge is controlled by the group and the group is considered more important than the individual. AA has some cultic elements; it says that it is the ONLY way to recovery & it tells people to trust the group above oneself. I like the fact that Matt had the courage to do the very thing we all need to do, which is to find our own path to recovery. May joy and love guide you along the way!
Hi Wen,
Thanks for the recommendation. I’m going to buy that book, as it sounds like I could learn some helpful things in it. Millions and millions of people have recovered from addiction without 12-steps, so that one fact right there disproves that all people need AA. I see why you left after reading your comment about it.
I left because I never saw a single person that “I wanted what they had.” Never once did I feel like it was for me, despite trying for years and years as they all told me I would end up in jail, in an institution, or dead if I stopped “coming back.” But I went on a path of personal and spiritual growth and transformation, and I became happier and healthier and more abundant than I ever dreamed and helping millions of people with this website.
I’m glad that you understand there are also many other great books on recovering from addiction. The Big Book is wonderful and has helped so many people it’s almost unfathomable, but it’s certainly not the “only” book that has helped people.
“Group Think” is an epidemic as is the “Outrage/Blame/Victim/Pettiness” epidemic. People are losing their marbles all the time and getting outraged over things like a blog post about someone that used a different method of recovery than they did.
Thanks for you kind words, Wendy, and I have no problem sharing articles on things that I feel could help some people, even knowing that it would get the “AA Police” and “Big Book Thumpers” on my butt.
I love AA so much, and I’ve seen it totally transform many of friends into the most selfless and kind people. That don’t attack others and that live the spiritual principles.
And as you and I have both seen, there are also the ones that do not live the spiritual principles 100% of the time, as in when they get defensive over something that is not worth them wasting their beautiful Sunday typing up some mean and closeminded things.
James, “love and tolerance is our code.” I commend Matt for living in the solution that works for him, and for sharing it with others.
<3
Any person that would try to recreate the 12 steps of aa is full of EGO. I have been sober for 11 years because of the steps and this is disrespectful to all people that love the 12 step program. In fact, the 12 steps of AA is used in over 100 other addictions. They helped me find God who solves ALL of my problems. Yes I believe people can get sober without the 12 steps. Do I believe someone should recreate them, absolutely not! That’s insane! I wonder how many people have died actually trying to work the 12 steps that you made up. The whole point is powerlessness. We need a power that would return us to sanity. This is nuts!
Hi Michelle,
I’m so glad that I got a look at how you think. No ego in your post at all. You sound like you have no ego and like you’re very open-minded and spiritual, some of the main pillars of AA. Great job representing your program.
P.S. – I doubt anyone has died because I just published this article yesterday. And I clearly stated this was not for everyone, as I believe AA is not for everyone.
You might try to chill out and not be so outraged and resentful, as that could lead to relapse since resentments are some of the main offenders. You can work your program, I can work mine, and others can work whatever program feels right for them. The world is not black and white. Be more open-minded and willing to accept others paths. They are truly cornerstones of the AA way. Which I love.
No ego here just a hopeless alcoholic that surrendered to God and to a way of life that I didnt come up with on my own. I learned to listen to other people’s suggestions that have been sober longer than me. That’s one of the main troubles with a real alcoholic/drug addict. We think we know what’s best and can do it our own way. Good luck with this. God bless you.
Glad you found a program that worked for you. I also clearly stated in the article that I felt I was “guided” down that path. I didn’t make those up at the time, but later I realized what I did. Best, Matt
AA steps and principles were taken from spiritual and religious people not Matt that created non spiritual steps.
Thanks for commenting on this. Appreciate it.
I’m glad you find significance in putting down others. Best, Matt
Michelle, I too have done well in AA, thanks to my Higher Power, the Steps, and the wonderful people with whom I share my journey. But AA does NOT insist that there is no other way to sobriety. And quite honestly, I think Bill and Bob would be appalled and embarrassed over the mean comments being directed at Matt, who is focused on helping people who struggle with opiate addiction. Being King of the Hill was never part of their vision for AA.
Thanks, Leslie. I’m sure they would be appalled as well. Not what they had in mind for helping people rise above that negative energy.
Matt I am curious what you think about the disease concept? I have followed my OWN steps for getting off of opiates and all the other drugs out there and I personally do NOT believe it’s a disease. I believe it’s a choice and that we have to cowboy up and take control of our destiny … I definitely believe that to help others is to help ourselves but I am sick and tired of people, especially doctors using the same old worn out mantra. I also believe in the power of God. With God all things are possible…. BLESS
I believe that each person has a unique model of the world and their unique beliefs and values are two of the most important factors that shape the lens of reality through which they see the world. And based on each person’s model of the world, they will come to certain conclusions. And I believe that none of us see the world or anything in it as it truly is, due to our filters of reality.
In my model of the world, I think addiction is far too complicated to break down in one sentence or even two. To me personally, it’s much more complicated than “it’s a disease or a choice.” But this is just based on my model of the world and to each person their own.
Matt, That makes a lot of sense when you say that addiction is complicated…. I enjoy the fact that you fully understand how different we al see and experience the world. It is refreshing to here someone speak to the fact that their is not a well defined one size fits all method to achieve sobriety. I hope and pray that people are able to access your site and find their path to living a clean and fulfilling life…BLESS
Hi Bill,
And I really enjoy the fact that you’re open-minded and realize that life, addiction, etc. are likely not so black and white, although if others believe that then I totally respect it and am glad they’re staying true to themselves.
I think a bit too out of the box for many people, but that’s all good. I’m not trying to convert anyone to believe what I do. I’m simply trying to educate, inspire, and empower people to learn everything they can about addiction recovery and improving their domains of life, and hoping that people will learn from many different people and ideas, and then take what they like from each concept or recovery system and leave the rest, the stuff that doesn’t resonate with them.
Thanks again for commenting, Bill, and I’m grateful that you’re able to understand clearly the point that I was trying to portray in this article.
That there are many paths to recovery, and a one-sized fits all approach is a bit outdated by getting close to a hundred years now.
My name is Robert, last day of use was/is January 22 Alcohol,Cocaine and marijuana. Done the inpatient program and an IOP. Never graduated cuz of an illness my father was suffering from. My father is home now and doing well. IOP had to release because of to many absentees during hospital visits and home health care for my Dad. Family first I’ve never lost focus on my sobriety. Anyways i was going to 3-4 meetings a week. To me the 12 steps are guide lines to follow. When u/I joined AA, your thinking is not right. U need something to get u on the right track and give u a push in the right direction. The first step is my favorite, knowing I am powerless over drugs and alcohol. I remind myself of that daily. The 12 step program isn’t for me, day for day. For me I rounded up a great support group and had to change my surroundings. Yes that includes friends, ur true down to earth friends know what’s best for you. The true ones will support and stand by your side. Only thing that any one can do is to stay true to yourself. I really enjoy waking up sober, it is a great feeling. Every one has stuggles it’s not easy, stay strong and trust the process. Dont know what else to say, however we all get one chance at life and try to enjoy it.
Shoot, well I’m sure glad “my thinking was not right” as you stated. Because if I stayed in AA I’d at most be sponsoring what a dozen men? Maybe more? But luckily I listened to my own heart and intuition and not what others like you are saying because now this website has helped millions of people with opioid addiction.
Thanks for your assessment of me, but leaving the program and choosing this path was the best thing that ever happened to me. But like I stated clearly in the article, I’m really glad so many people love AA. It’s too bad lots of people in the program are not open-minded like the program teaches, and can’t see that others (like me and countless others) could be suited better for a different approach.
I think he meant that no addict/alcoholics thinking is right. I do have to say until I detoxed (and several months after) my brain and thought processes were in recovery not only psychologically, but physiologically too.
I hear ya. And I totally agree 100%. It is far from right, for sure.
How much will this cost me ?
“Wasted, my life, always wasted” Jawbreaker. That & ‘ live fast, die young’ were false anthems to my 20s that i thought would never end, b/c I would never see my 30s. Now @ 41 years old & 14 months clean/sober, i see how i squandered my life in a haze or on a nod. I like your steps. I’ve seen similar agnostic or atheist steps that also help me. Heading an hour to Cleveland today for a Refuge Recovery mtng; b/c i need to keep my program fresh. I went to the spots w the best dope, I’m going to seek out the best version of recovery i can as well.
Hi Heather,
Thanks for commenting. One quick point though: They are not “agnostic steps.” I’ll describe these steps for you:
Step 8. We intentionally sought out resources such as Personal Development, Exercise, Spirituality, and Support Systems that could help us complete our Hero’s Journey.
Step 9. We realized and admitted that every person has a unique model of the world, and thus it was our duty to find resources that resonated with us personally, and not what resources others told us we should use.
In Step 8 it says we sought our resources, one of them is Spirituality as it reads.
In Step 9, it says each person is different so different resources will resonate with different people. It gives the option of choosing any type of Religion or Spirituality.
So it’s not an agnostic program. It’s a Choice Program. And I myself believe that God guided me on this path and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and the world is exactly where it’s supposed to be at all times. But that’s just my belief, based on my model of the world, and I don’t ever try to convince people to believe what I believe. Because it’s none of my business what other people believe, and it’s also not my place to judge what others think about AA, other programs, or the world or anything in it.
I’m so glad you’re seeking out the best version of recovery. My belief is that “there is not a “best version of recovery.”
I think that since we are all unique in how we view life, different approaches to recovery will suit different people.
It’s like religion or politics.
Based on people’s upbringings, culture, experiences, beliefs, and much more, they view life and the world in a unique way that no one else views it like.
And thus people choose different religions and different politic affiliations.
The same with diets.
There is no one perfect diet for all 7 billion of us due to our Biochemical Individuality. We are all human, but we are all biochemically unique and no one shares the exact same biochemistry.
And the same with exercise regimens.
We are biochemically different and some of us are much different in the types of exercise that get us the best results.
Some people respond best to swimming, while others respond best to yoga, or weight-lifting, etc.
And just like you “went to the spots with the best dope,” I can tell you’re going to follow through and really choose the version of recovery that feels the best and resonates the most with you and the way you think and feel.
Very happy for you, and you sound like such a wonderful person. I wish you all the best, and thanks for commenting on this topic, which can tend to get lots of Ego-driven, closeminded, outraged, petty, and victim-mindset responses from people that are supposed to be so spiritual and open-minded.
I’m really grateful that your particular comment was totally open-minded and positive, and thus I can tell you’re more mature than many of the others commenting on this article. Have a wonderful day, and thanks again.
Congratulations on your recovery. Where is it in your path of steps that you make amnends to those we have harmed? I know this is your personal journey but though we have suffered so did many others because of it.
As for myself personally it was my sincere appology to those I have affected that gave me the inner peace of knowing I am accountable for my actions. Thank you for letting me share.
Hey! I actually did make amends and lots of them were living amends. That’s important for sure. And since these steps elevate a person’s character, with their new character and integrity and such, it’s a natural positive consequence that people will start to do the right things, all of the right things, including making amends and much much more.
Great point, and I thank you for sharing this. Clearing up the past and being able to forgive yourself and others and have others forgive is so important.
I do highly recommend it for sure. Thanks again for commenting about this.
It seems to me that the biggest difference in your approach to recovery is that there is no “God” involved. Does this seem accurate? I think there are many great philosophical approaches to self help and addiction recovery, but the core of our addiction problem is selfishness. People are too self focused, either positive or negative. We either want to feel good or mask the pain. There is not a cure for this, other than a focus on a selfless God who wants to help.
Hey Eric,
Thanks so much for your positive comment on a great topic. In this method of recovery, which I stated was not for everyone, in Step and Step 9 here’s what they say:
Step 8. We intentionally sought out resources such as Personal Development, Exercise, Spirituality, and Support Systems that could help us complete our Hero’s Journey.
Step 9. We realized and admitted that every person has a unique model of the world, and thus it was our duty to find resources that resonated with us personally, and not what resources others told us we should use.
In Step 8 it mentions Spirituality, and in Step 9 it states that since everyone sees the world differently, they can choose the resources they believe will be the best for them, personally. Resources like Religion (any kind), Spirituality, and literally anything else. It’s really a Choice Program. I believe that everyone should be able to choose what they like.
I myself do believe in God, and I believe that I’m meant to be where I’m in life and that God guided me here. But if other people don’t believe in God or then in this type of program they certainly aren’t required to.
However, my belief is also that if someone were to intentionally work these steps, I bet many agnostics or atheists would become believers of some type. Some would believe in Christ, some would believe there is some type of “force of the universe” orchestrating things, etc.
I thank you for sharing your belief that “the core of our addiction problem is selfishness. People are too self focused, either positive or negative. We either want to feel good or mask the pain. There is not a cure for this, other than a focus on a selfless God who wants to help.”
I respect and honor your belief about this, and again, thanks for commenting on this topic and providing me with a unique view into your individual model of addiction.
It works if you work it
I hear ya! And I’m also so glad that I didn’t “work it” as much as some people do because it led to my best life ever where I’m helping millions of people with over 300 free articles, over 60 free videos, and a few free online courses all on helping people learn how to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and learn about AA and all of the other recovery programs plus much more. On all sorts of topics that people will either love, be neutral towards or hate depending on their unique model of the world.
Thanks so much for posting your comment, and I’m glad I got a little insight into how you think and what you believe regarding AA and addiction.
I love these 12 steps. Very positive and achievable. I’m currently in NA. About to turn 8. I’m still committed to my program and will probably always attend meetings. I love the fellowship and helping newcomers. I think I’m going to print out your 12 steps though and hang them up somewhere. I think they’ll provide inspiration. Thank you.
Most people who come to NA/AA never complete the steps. So they consider themselves “Cronic relapses” but they confuse “the program” with the “FELLOWSHIT” going to meeting and not using does not can not and will not treat the “OBSESSION” your first step will probably KILL may who don’t want to go through the leveling of there PRIDE. Addiction is NOT ABOUT CHOICE. It’s about a physical craving beyond my mental control. Once I start to use. I went upstairs n and out for 23 years. Until I worked “The Program” if GOD chased people away the dope will chase them back.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing your beliefs about people and addiction and NA/AA. I’m so glad that I got a nice insight into how you think. So stoked that the program you worked led you down the right path for you, personally. That’s a true blessing.
Hi Bindi,
Thank you so much for the feedback. I think they’re positive and achievable as well, and I’m glad you commented here. And thanks for helping newcomers who are so raw and afraid at the beginning. You’re doing God’s work, and service is such a powerful force.
Without God’s grace I cannot stay sober. For me it’s not about how I “feel”. It’s about rewiring the brain by right thinking.
I hear ya. And I also believe that it’s about making choices based on “what’s in our best interest” and not based on “how we feel.” Probably the best habit to master for anyone to improve their life. Great stuff CL, rewiring the brain with the right thinking is very, very important.
Thanks so much for your comment.
I take norcos for bone on bone knee pain according to my doctors im taking the max dose allowed.I used to get 120 a month and now im down to 80, according to my doctor i should not consider knee replacement for 5 more years. At this rate i do run out early abt 1 week.Im not sure what i should do at this rate with the opioids addiction running ramped im afraid thethe government will try stopping me or worse yet force knee replacement early. What do you recomend ?
If I were in that much pain and not getting enough Norco, I would use Kratom if it were legal in that state. Helps a lot with pain as it’s a natural opioid that binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain as Norco.
That is really dangerous advice. Everyone I now who has used kratom has led them just further and deeper into addiction. You should be honest with your doctor and come to a solution that way. Maybe it’s time to consider that knee replacement if the pain is so unbearable it’s causing a drug dependence?
I respect your belief and concern. My own unique belief is that there are millions of people that have used kratom that you don’t know personally. My website see millions of visitors and my YouTube channel plenty as well. And by getting comments and emails, I do know personally that not everyone that used kratom gets addicted.
And I’ve also seen that many people are able to use medicinally as needed without negative consequences such as addiction.
Additionally, I’ve been studying kratom for almost 4 years and I’ve researched it extensively and even wrote a book on it. Based on all my research, it is my belief that kratom is a natural plant that has helped millions of people end things like chronic pain, opioid addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more.
I also totally see what you’re talking about, as many people do get quite addicted. However, if I was given a choice to be addicted to chemical pain medicines or a natural plant in the coffee family that is scientifically proven to be a weaker opioid (it’s a partial opioid agonist instead of a full agonist like pills), then I would choose the natural plant which is less powerful and RX opioids and heroin kill over 60,000 people a year.
But each person views the world, addiction, and every other topic based on their own unique lens of reality, and I appreciate you giving me an insight into what you believe strongly in. Thanks, and I wish you the best on your journey.
Just quit taking pain meds at all. If your at the point of physical exercise, then all,you’re actually feeling is natural pain.
The only reason the 12 steps don’t work for people is because they do them half assed and cannot dislodge themselves from self-importance. Their ego tells them–you are unique and just a tad bit better then others. Period
That’s really open-minded and spiritual of you to say. No ego in your comment either. Thanks for such a heartfelt comment.
Matt’s a doctor too ,
That’s so wonderful. Bless him for the work that he does.
I have been sober 29 years and AA gave me a great foundation. I like that it focuses only on sobriety so it can do that well (for those that want it). But as you say, we need to fully recover which means physically and emotionally too. While that isn’t a knock on AA per se, merely recovering from the addition is not enough for a fully recovered lifestyle, at least for me. Thank you for your thoughts and perspective.
Hi Kim,
I totally agree 100%. AA is wonderful and has helped more people than any other program to date. It really helps people with the social and spiritual elements of addiction and recovery, but the psychological domain could be further deepened, and the physical aspect is largely missing, which is the main commonality with traditional treatment methods. So it’s up to the person in AA to search for that info on their own, which is totally fine. People can use all the knowledge they want to improve their recovery and life.
But these are just my beliefs, which are based on my own unique model of the world, so I don’t expect all others to agree with me, and that’s totally fine, because it’s not about me trying to get people to believe what I do.
It’s about informing people on all of the different things that may work for them, and then each individual can choose the path to recovery that fits with them and their unique model of the world.
Thanks again for commenting, Kim. I really loved it. Take care.
Arthrosoothe by designs for health. Your doctors are idiots. They are treating symptoms. Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.
I like it. I have been sober for 30 years, and my foundation for recovery was in AA. I did not get it when people said the 12 Steps bothered them. Powerlessness? Well, yes! I wasn’t expected to win against alcohol, so I gave up the fight. The religious stuff? Nope. That is not how I read it. I was a regular for five years, and it was time to move on. I quit smoking. Now i face the challenge of an eating disorder, & i HATE what i find in the relevant 12-step programs. I need a new approach.
I think based on people’s unique model of the world, different methods of recovery feel “right” or “not right” for them. I think it also depends on the meetings they go to and the people they meet, as those can vary a lot within AA. I’ve also met many others like you, who used AA for a while and then didn’t need it anymore to stay off substances. I don’t know the first thing about eating disorders, but I’m sure there are some great recovery methods that you’ll find or create.
I want to say thank you for this. I am 3 years sober and have been through the steps a couple times in AA, and it saved me, I do believe. I see things differently and I don’t want to live in that fear of “if I don’t go to a meeting, I will drink”, so I’m on my own personal growth journey myself. I love your 12 steps, thank you for sharing this.
Hi Joy,
This is great stuff. I do want to strongly state that I’m not recommending people to stop doing what is working for them. That sounds like it could be really dangerous. However, personal growth can help tremendously. I do admit that my steps outlined are not for everyone, but they seem to resonate with you and if you feel intuitively it’s right, it probably is.
The cool part is that these steps can be used with AA steps as well, in a sort of fusion program. That’s what a lot of people do without even knowing it.
Nicely put, I appreciate you sharing it for the addiction community. My path was a bit different but I totally feel this. I think this would help in a big way though as depression support.
Hi Nick,
Thanks for the feedback, and I totally agree. This really could help for depression as well. Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
Hi Matt, first I would just like to say Thanku I am a addict on Suboxone and u have helped me come to the decision “ I can do this “ I’m currently on the lowest low amount n am ready to come off. I did get addicted because exactly what u said I felt like me again there was no depression n anxiety I felt good. I’ve gotten off before but being a single mum I needed my energy n spirit back. But I’m so sick of waking up n having to take a drug to feel like myself. The reason I got back on was cos of the energy n the bad depression n anxiety I was going thru, I was locking myself away from everyone n everything that even my kids were paying the price cos all I wanted to do was lay in the lounge. My house n yard was a mess n so was I. That’s what worries me the most about getting off, my poor lil family. Thanku tho for giving me the courage to do this. Have a lovely day 🙂
Hi Brigette,
It’s truly my pleasure, and I’m so glad I helped you come to that important decision. And the lack of energy and inability to feel happy while coming off Suboxone are the two symptoms that I believe lead to so many people getting back on it.
You’re going to do this, and that courage will see you through to the achievement of your goal. Have a lovely day as well. 🙂