“...we now have medications that help withdrawal from alcohol that are not addictive and antidepressants that treat the very common underlying depression that leads to relapse.”
When I learned AA, the steps were the treatment for underlying depression and avoiding relapse.
These days everybody wants/needs to be a victim of something; depression, adhd, etc. Therefore entitled to special treatment, excuses, etc.
But then I’m not a product of the “recovery industry,” so I’m biased against all the psychobabble and money involved.
Relapse is no problem if the next time and the next time you can plan of drugs to withdraw, as you note.
Shakin and bakin leaves a greater impression.
Your mileage may differ.
I love your post and agree with you 100%. My BB and 12&12 is all I need.
The AA recovery program is the best “therapy” program for long term sobriety and continued personal and spiritual growth.
Having said that, there frequently are psychiatric medical conditions that underly addiction that warrant appropriate treatment by a professional who understands addiction also.
In the history of AA’s founding it can be noted that repeatedly the founders, the physcian and Bill Wilson were strong advocates of working closely with the medical community. Bill Wilson had a serious clinical depression and at the time we did not have the medications to treat that which we have today.
There is a vast difference between accepting the reality of medical conditions and seeking treatment or being a life=long “victim”. Both the Aa program and the medical interventions require responsibility for self-care.
Congratulations that you were one of those whom the AA program alone was sufficient. There are those who need additional treatment, not in lieu of, a strong recovery program, The founders of AA would be the first to embrace additional help.