I have been clean for three years and stopped AA three years ago. Addiction to me is a thinking disease. A mental health issue and so I sought mental health therapy not faith based shaming.

Yes, me. [aabeyondbelief.org] and [aaagnostica.org] and a meeting list for those who don't believe. [secularaa.org] I know that I have posted these sites before, but I want to make sure people know about them. Also there is a secular AA convention coming up this summer in Toronto. Should be great!

I'm curious as to what your work around is. If it helps you, roll with it though.

I found out about 20 minutes ago that a man I've known my whole life died of liver disease today. He was 53. I can't say he was a friend because I haven't seen him sober in 25 years, and we rarely spoke. Nevertheless he had two teenage boys whose mother abandoned them when they were toddlers.

Ronald has had a couple of DUIs, numerous close calls, and lost jobs, but could never control his addiction. Thinking about this now, I wonder what would have happened if one person had reached out, offered help, or cared just a little. I also think, what if Ronald had asked for help.

Okay, I guess I got sidetracked there. My point is, don't give up, don't turn away any help, and do whatever it takes to beat your addiction. Good luck.

I just take what works for me and leave the rest. When someone starts getting preachy while sharing, I close my eyes and meditate.

I tried AA but found it lacking and I really didn't like the drunkalogs at meetings. My problem was more with Major Depression, psych worked for me.

I have known many recovering AA members -- "higher power" can be substituted with "deeper power" -- deeply immanent rather than totally transcendent potential.

What's your workaround? My ex had a tough time with AA.

I attended a couple of AS meetings. Much prefer SMART.

I am almost 13 years clean and sober. Didn't do the 12 step thing but had a boyfriend who did so he helped my thru the first few months. Back then I was still trying to believe in God? Believe in Anything really. It gets easier. I have hard Day's but they all beat the hell I was living in. My life is actually pretty terrific! I have choices!

Look, if a program helps you, let it help you. Just discard what doesn’t work for you. That’s with anything. Lessons learned from religious upbringing included.

Personally I don’t fit well with these programs but I know they have helped a lot of people.

When I was in al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics, my higher power was simply "The Universe". I am a part of it, sharing the same atoms as the stars, I can't think of a better higher power.

Hi, me.