Just need to reach out for some sanity today. My stepson went to Treatment for alcoholism yesterday. If one more person says "turn it over to god or I'll pray him " I just might punch them in them in the face! Short herstory I am a retired substance abuse counselor, my late husband [Andrew's Dad] was clean & sober for 30 yrs.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Several years ago, I saw a fascinating TV interview with Dr Olivier Ameisen.
A life long alcoholic whose condition remained impervious to various treatments, he suddenly had an epiphany - that his alcoholism was driven by anxiety.
At that moment he changed his treatment to focus on anxiety. He prescribed himself the drug baclofen and was cured instantly.
It's possible this treatment is not being offered because the drug is quite old and thus doesn't produce enough profits for big pharma.
Ellatynemouth
Level 8
June 5, 2018
0
Glad your stepson is getting treatment! It can make a trip lead to a fall (no pun). As far as AA goes, yes it is faith-based. A friend of mine (who died five years ago a couple days ago) was an athiest. He claimed that it wasn't. I got a DUI a little over 10 years ago. When on probation, you are forced to see a probation officer, and go to meetings. One was a a church. We were given the option to watch another boring movie or go to AA. The overwhelming majority wanted to go to the meeting. So I just went with. Look at the 10 steps. Faith-based. It directly says "God". Penn and Teller did a "BULLSHIT!" episode on it. They went to their headquarters, and they claimed "God" could be a rock or a tree, or a higher power. They didn't see any of that at their headquarters. Also, at the end of the meeting, they wanted us all to hold hands, and say the "Lords Prayer". A handfull of us refused. And believe it or not, AA has about the same quitting rate as people that go cold turkey. Guess what a lot of us did after the AA meeting?
TheGreatShadow
Level 9
June 5, 2018
1
Were you an atheist all that time? If so, I am sure you helped some folks who had no other sane voice in their recovery. I really could use support for some things in life, not alcohol or drugs, but cannot stomach the bs in 12 step culture. I resent 12 step culture because it is so prevalent, it attracts everyone seeking transformation or healing, leaving nobody to form some alternatives. Sorry you are dealing with this, and glad you can come here and vent.
IrishGypsy
Level 5
June 5, 2018
0
The religious nutters we shall always have with us.
You might try to find a Smart Recovery program if there's one in your area rather than AA.
mordant
Level 8
June 5, 2018
1
Smile gently and say something meaningless "Thanks for your support," etc. Then, leave. They DO mean well, after all, even if they're presumptuous and probably don't realize you're a professional. ((((HUGSOFPATIENCE)))) 
LucyLoohoo
Level 9
June 5, 2018
4
I feel this is the best response to those who offer prayers. It's the ONLY thing they can do to feel helpful. When a more practical need arises those prayer-offerers may be able to help you with that need.
when my daughter became an addict i was so pissed. more than 30 years her dad and 8 were in recovery. we practised the steps, we helped others. i didnt want to believe it. i felt with all we had done my kids should not be touched by this disease.
Sherri-VT
Level 4
June 5, 2018
1
Addiction is often partly a genetic tendency so this is really no surprise. Sometimes we can do all the "right" things and still have poor outcomes. But think how much poorer it would be if you didn't recognize the signs and know what to do about it.
Although most rehabilitation centers help with substance abuse issues; I also see a lot of religious messages come out of those places. I’m not sure what your son believes in or doesn’t believe in, but as long as he focus’s on getting better he should be alright. A little self reflection on his own will do a world of good.
Now as far as the thumpers go, it’s kind of a catch 22. Because you can tell them that you aren’t handing anything over because you don’t believe in all of that. But regardless they will take credit for his betterment with their self righteous egos all because they prayed. It’s upsetting because if their prayers really worked you would have to send your son off in the first place.
Just stay strong and stay invested in your son. At the end of the day he’s the well being to be worried about, as well as your own.
Freethinkerr
Level 6
June 5, 2018
4
Enjoy being online again!
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