Secular Sobriety and 12
Step Programs
An Alternative Path to
Freedom from Drugs and Alcohol.
SOS is an alternative recovery method for those alcoholics or drug
addicts who are uncomfortable with the spiritual content of widely
available 12-Step programs. SOS takes the approach that sobriety is a
separate issue from religion or spirituality. SOS credits the individual
for achieving and maintaining his or her own sobriety, without reliance
on any "Higher Power "
SOS supports healthy skepticism and encourages the use of the
scientific method to understand alcoholism. SOS is not a spin-off of any
religious group. There is no hidden agenda, as SOS is concerned with
sobriety, not religiosity. SOS seeks only to promote sobriety amongst
those who suffer from alcoholism or other drug addictions.
SOS is not against 12 Step Programs. SOS respects recovery in
any form regardless of the path by which it is achieved. It is not in
competition with any other recovery programs but exists as an
alternative for those who find themselves uncomfortable with 12 Step
approaches. As a group, SOS has no opinion on outside matters and does
not wish to become entangled in outside controversy.
Although sobriety is an individual responsibility, life does not have
to be faced alone. The support of other alcoholics and addicts is a
vital adjunct to recovery. In SOS, members share experiences, insights,
information, strength, and encouragement in friendly, honest, anonymous,
and supportive group meetings.
Of course SOS is not an easy choice - you have
to be prepared to take responsibility for your actions. For the person
who may see this as a conflict with their Christian religion, isn't that just what the bible
tells us? God gave us free will, the ability to know right from wrong,
and the choice of which path to follow.
I recently received an email from Jeff L, a 12 Stepper, who had read
some information about SOS. It was short and to the point:
Subject: SOS, are you serious???
Date sent: Mon, 24 Jan 2000 23:37:20 -0500
I don't understand how anyone can save themselves without a higher
power. Most people are their own worst enemies. Please tell me how
anyone can actually save themselves? Doesn't this type of thinking
promote being in CONTROL , when in fact we were totally out of
control? How can anyone save themselves when they can't even stop
drinking on their own?
Please help me better understand this type of belief system. I am
always open to new ideas.
- Peace and Love,
JL
What would your answer be?
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