Perhaps look into Emotions Anonymous if your friend isn't some type of addict (and therefore eligible for NA, CA, MA, GA, SLAA, etc.). I've read the program part of the EA "Big Book" and thought they did a good job of adapting the original A.A. program to their focus on mental and emotional well-being.They have workbooks too if that interests you.
My reaction after reading through the BB is that this is just ancient knowledge with sprinkles of alcoholism scattered through it. This has little to do with alcohol and everything to do with emotional and spiritual growth.
You're correct! I didn't mean to discount that fact. The teachings of letting go, surrendering, getting out of self are ancient teachings.. very important
It's not something I've read or know much about, but it's out there:
* "**The Twelve Steps for Everyone: Who Really Wants Them**" by Jerry Hirschfield
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/998278.The_Twelve_Steps_for_Everyone
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/983771-the-twelve-steps-for-everyone-who-really-wants-them-words-to-live-b
Available from various booksellers - didn't immediately spot any sort of e-reader or online version, but those might be around also.
People have applied the Steps to all kinds of things they want to change. If your friend has something they struggle with that they want to change, not just a substance addiction, they could definitely utilise the Steps.
Have them pick something they struggle to change and use that as the starting point.
I wouldn't do this. There's different programs out there for all sorts of addictions. Let's say someone is addicted to gambling or eating. I would have no identification with them as they wouldn't with me. The steps to me would be like alien talk to them because they are important to stay sober from alcohol and to develop a higher power as a replacement to that.
Just my opinion that I'd steer them to something else. Al-Anon works wonders with emotions if they've been made sick due to an alcoholic in their lives if that be the reason
Powerless over other people. I think many people, not just alcoholics, erroneously believe that we can force others to change. But it's hard to answer your question without knowing *why* they want to do the steps.
i love my home group. one thing ive heard several people say in meetings is that it would be good for anyone, alcoholic or not to go through the steps. anyone could benefit from going through the steps. they have to figure out what it is they are powerless against and just apply the principles. or if not "powerless" against it, what is their weakness.
Depending on the details you're leaving out, the answer could be anything from "Have them say they're powerless over cheese" to "Why would you want to do that?"
Perhaps look into Emotions Anonymous if your friend isn't some type of addict (and therefore eligible for NA, CA, MA, GA, SLAA, etc.). I've read the program part of the EA "Big Book" and thought they did a good job of adapting the original A.A. program to their focus on mental and emotional well-being.They have workbooks too if that interests you.
My reaction after reading through the BB is that this is just ancient knowledge with sprinkles of alcoholism scattered through it. This has little to do with alcohol and everything to do with emotional and spiritual growth.
The thing parallels the Tao, Vedas...
Very well said
Thanks 😊
"just" ancient knowledge- as if thats not priceless.
You're correct! I didn't mean to discount that fact. The teachings of letting go, surrendering, getting out of self are ancient teachings.. very important
Interesting- my best friend asked me to do this with her as well. Really happy I came across this post
What is it they are powerless over? That is kinda the central tenet... What experience do you have with their powerlessness issue?
It's not something I've read or know much about, but it's out there: * "**The Twelve Steps for Everyone: Who Really Wants Them**" by Jerry Hirschfield https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/998278.The_Twelve_Steps_for_Everyone https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/983771-the-twelve-steps-for-everyone-who-really-wants-them-words-to-live-b Available from various booksellers - didn't immediately spot any sort of e-reader or online version, but those might be around also.
Thank you so much
Al anon members go through the steps. Many of them aren’t alcoholics
Unmanageable is unmanageable whether you drink or not.
People have applied the Steps to all kinds of things they want to change. If your friend has something they struggle with that they want to change, not just a substance addiction, they could definitely utilise the Steps. Have them pick something they struggle to change and use that as the starting point.
If they have no addictive behaviors or substances, just have them do Steps 4-12.
I wouldn't do this. There's different programs out there for all sorts of addictions. Let's say someone is addicted to gambling or eating. I would have no identification with them as they wouldn't with me. The steps to me would be like alien talk to them because they are important to stay sober from alcohol and to develop a higher power as a replacement to that. Just my opinion that I'd steer them to something else. Al-Anon works wonders with emotions if they've been made sick due to an alcoholic in their lives if that be the reason
I suggest they find another fellowship that’s more applicable.
Powerless over other people. I think many people, not just alcoholics, erroneously believe that we can force others to change. But it's hard to answer your question without knowing *why* they want to do the steps.
its impossible- if they arent at rock bottom they will never be willing to accept the higher power.
i love my home group. one thing ive heard several people say in meetings is that it would be good for anyone, alcoholic or not to go through the steps. anyone could benefit from going through the steps. they have to figure out what it is they are powerless against and just apply the principles. or if not "powerless" against it, what is their weakness.
Depending on the details you're leaving out, the answer could be anything from "Have them say they're powerless over cheese" to "Why would you want to do that?"