I'm not familiar with the AA program, except in a very general sense, but it's my understanding that the real help there comes from interacting with others like yourself. Basically using psychological/sociological tools (which I would classify as soft sciences) to treat what is basically an emotional/psychological problem. (The physical addiction can only be treated through abstinence, which the program helps you maintain.) I'm sure the same results could be (probably have been) achieved without the religious/spiritual overlay. So really, no miracle. Just science.


actually no, it has been tried without a spiritual component and its not been successful for most. many many many of us just die without it or get shut up somewhere. The symptoms of addiction are really beyond the physical craving for alcohol, largely symptoms of spiritual unrest. If it was only that i had to avoid alcohol or drugs to keep the allergic reaction from happening, then I wouldn't have needed anyones help at all. if just understanding the disease and therapy or a support group would have helped then that too would have helped me. the only piece missing for 25 years of relapse was God and once I accepted i needed Gods help I got and stayed sober.

I have two kids, and now two brand new grandkids. I see the same awesome, wonderful beauty that you do. But I see it as all natural, nothing spiritual about it. That doesn't make it any less beautiful, or any less wonderful. But it's not miraculous.


but the feeling you have for them can be described in spiritual terms unless you prefer to think of it as a hormone laden desire to pass on your genes. what is love but a deep and profound spiritual experience?