tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post2921928434767953640..comments2023-09-22T08:12:25.535-04:00Comments on THE PRIVILEGED ADDICT : Addiction Is a Spiritual ProblemCharliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04183269305957041463noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-20489705269603026652015-02-26T13:18:38.500-05:002015-02-26T13:18:38.500-05:00Bravo, bravo. Lol, kidding. I guess we can assume ...Bravo, bravo. Lol, kidding. I guess we can assume you've never witnessed a scientific miracle. I think we can also assume you're not an addict. Often people talk like this when they have no direct experience with the subject matter. This sounds much like a removed academic observation.<br /><br />For one, AA as you know it is an entirely different program from the Step process, though for the typical academic, the Steps are just a poster on the wall in the church basement. The problem with doctors & scientists and their followers is that it's difficult to get them to see beyond their narrow and linear frame of mind regarding addiction. More importantly, they talk about addiction with such certainty while having zero personal experience with it in the real world.<br /><br />The presence of the mental obsession proves that doctors and academics are completely wrong about addiction treatment. The body of an addict and the physical symptoms of addiction are irrelevant. The problem of staying sober centers in the mind, and unfortunately, pills and science cannot repair the broken mind. They cannot restore an addict to sanity, nor can they change a person fundamentally, which is quite necessary if we have any chance to really recover.<br /><br />If your unfounded stats are true, which I'll just assume are not because your models appear to be broken, it is simply due to the fact that 92-95% of people in AA don't take Steps. People who complete and continue the work required in the Steps do not fail, and said actions have nothing to do with 'Depression-era, evangelical Christians.' Writing inventory, making amends, being a good person and helping others is a fairly simple, timeless and universal recipe.<br /><br />P.S. Ironic that we are in a Depression now, and have been since 2009... and yes, there is math as well as a plethora of facts to prove that. However, thanks for chiming in. Appreciate the argument, however weak it may be ;-)Charliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04183269305957041463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-58532806529193955352015-02-19T01:59:26.225-05:002015-02-19T01:59:26.225-05:00Addiction is not solely or even chiefly driven by ...Addiction is not solely or even chiefly driven by spirituality or lack thereof. Its causes are far more complex than that, as behavioral medicine is discovering. If it were so strongly related to spirituality, AA and other 12 Step groups would have far greater success rates than saving 5-8% of people who enter either program. The time has come for recognition of other approaches to the illness of addiction, beyond what was written by Depression-era evangelical Christians.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-91862069501103422252014-09-13T07:44:45.141-04:002014-09-13T07:44:45.141-04:00Senta-the worrisome thing about addiction, is that...Senta-the worrisome thing about addiction, is that is is simply that-addiction.I have seen drug addicts turn into alcoholics after giving up drugs, over eaters turn into gamblers after getting their food addiction under control,compulsive shoppers turn into porn addicts, once they have decided to sat home instead of going to stores.The addiction is the core problem, and what needs to be addressed-not necessarily the substance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-68385125857679068262013-02-06T18:53:49.997-05:002013-02-06T18:53:49.997-05:00I read your earlier post. Are you saying that if ...I read your earlier post. Are you saying that if a person is addicted to say Cocaine - he has to stay away from all substances - he cannot even have a beer - even though that person never had a problem with alcohol? Its a tough cross to carry - if even a glass of wine can send you down the slippery slope or a blown relapse?Sentahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05694504227940953703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-81077034351739074332013-02-06T18:30:44.324-05:002013-02-06T18:30:44.324-05:00I just found your blog last week...my daughter is ...I just found your blog last week...my daughter is 21 been an addict since 2008 beautiful smart cheerleader she was suppposed to go to mass pharmacy and health science collegein Boston. ...fast forward to now she has prostituted herself worked in strip clubs, lives in out motels, shelters, stays with any guy she meets...wanders streets of Holyoke ma....I brought her to detox 6 times since september have sectioned 35 sectioned 12 befire that...its heart breaking...I dont know what to do I see her once a week let her know I love her and see what her "plan" is..but anyways I can go on and on but ill spare you...I love reading your blog and love your attitude on your recocery...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-89756254380906729382013-02-06T14:39:57.598-05:002013-02-06T14:39:57.598-05:00Amazing post, Thanks Charlie.Amazing post, Thanks Charlie.Sentahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05694504227940953703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2530451786669304321.post-63546107844988004502013-02-06T09:42:59.019-05:002013-02-06T09:42:59.019-05:00thank you for sharing your experience it gives me ...thank you for sharing your experience it gives me insight to perhaps what my AS son may experience ''mental obsession'' but permanately damaged?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com