MALADY in Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions

(Its actually turned out to be awesome!)  I suffered a good amount of physical cravings the first two weeks. Then one day at work I was walking past a bunch donuts some evil salesman had left in the break room when I realized that I no longer physically craved sugar. But I realized I wanted the emotional payoff more than I physically craved the sugar and lard. Those of you who have been in Celebrate Recovery (CR) for a while know that our 12-steps are exactly modeled on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a proven process has helped literally millions of people all over the world recover from addictions and compulsive behaviors.

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For a while, that seemed to work for us but once we stopped using substances the discontentedness came back to the surface in sobriety. The thoughts we have as alcoholics are often insidious in such a way that we can’t tell what is true or false.The AA Big Booktalks about this delusion we develop in active addiction. Thoughts like we can eventually manage our lives while in active addiction. Unlike normal people (whatever that means) alcoholics are unsettled to the core. After reading ‘The Doctor’s Opinion,’ ‘Bill’s Story,’ and ‘There is a Solution,’ in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous,we came to an understanding that we have no control whatsoever over alcohol or drugs.

Conclusion: The Power of Spirituality in Overcoming Addiction

A higher power Alcoholics Anonymous provides guidance, peace, and purpose, which are essential for overcoming addiction. Identifying the right support system is crucial for sustainable recovery. A supportive environment that understands the spiritual aspects of recovery can provide more meaningful assistance. I really like the analogy that the physical part of our disease is an “allergy of the body”. Because its exactly like allergies; For example, some people can rub their face in a cat’s fur and it doesn’t bother them a bit.

• These feelings often drive us to seek relief through alcohol, creating a vicious cycle of dependence and escapism.
• True healing and self-development emerge when we embrace our strength, acknowledge our agency, and chart a path forward with hope and determination.
• And once we take action and put that substance in our system – whether its alcohol, drugs, sugar, or whatever—it sets off a physical craving for more of that substance or activity and we’re caught in a cycle.

The Threefold Nature of AUD (According to AA)

By recognizing the role of meaning, purpose, and connection in human life, it provides a holistic approach to recovery that can lead to profound and lasting transformation. One of the key advantages of the spiritual model is its holistic nature. By addressing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – it provides a comprehensive approach to healing that can lead to profound and lasting changes. Many individuals report not just overcoming their addiction, but experiencing a complete transformation in their outlook on life and their sense of self. Unlike traditional biomedical or psychological models, the spiritual approach to addiction recovery acknowledges the role of transcendent experiences and personal growth in overcoming substance abuse.

Living a double life, with one side consumed by alcohol, only deepens this malady. When spiritual malady is overcome, a sense of wholeness and well-being can be restored. In essence, individuals must realize that overcoming spiritual malady leads to a fulfilling life, full of love, happiness, and contentment.

• The sense of loneliness and isolation that comes with spiritual disconnection can exacerbate these challenges, making it even harder for us to maintain healthy relationships and find true solace.
• Whatever your definition of addiction is, it must recognize that it is a challenge that needs to be overcome.
• In the face of such adversity, it is imperative that we rebuild our moral foundation.
• They may start to skip meetings, distance themselves from their support system, and eventually relapse.
• Apart from dissecting the Big Book so as to have a firmer grasp on the 12 Steps and program and in general, it also is designed to help us decipher the intricate language and wording used from a different time period.

As we can see, there are primary sources and documented accounts that early A.A. Spiritual roots for recovery, the Pioneer A.A.’s fully recovered, finally being cured of alcoholism. Principles” seem to have forgotten the important Christian principles that produced early A.A.’s high success rates. From the documented facts herein, you can now see how and why the Biblical roots positively impacted the high success rates.

• Narcissism’s corrosive effects extend beyond the individual, wreaking havoc on relationships.
• Research shows that those brain changes that make it so difficult to put down that drink can be reversed thanks to the power of neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself.
• In short, AA’s genius is in its radical de-mystification and democratization.
• If he did not work, he would surely  drink again, and if he drank, he would surely die.
• The concept of spiritual disease is deeply embedded in the philosophy of AA.
• Quotations from Alcoholics Anonymous are from the first edition (1939) which is now in the public domain.

To grasp the existential need for Appendix II, you have to rewind to the late 1930s—a time when AA was a fledgling fellowship and spiritual expectations were set… ambitiously high. One-hundred-percent effectiveness with non-psychotic drinkers who sincerely want to quit is claimed by the workers of Alcoholics Anonymous. The program will not work, they add, with those who only “want to want to quit,” or who want to quit because they are afraid of losing their families or their jobs.

Understanding spiritual malady is pivotal for anyone on the path to recovery. It is a call to address not just the physical and mental aspects of addiction but the spiritual disconnection that lies at its core. By recognizing and confronting this spiritual disease, we can begin to heal and reclaim our lives from the grip of addiction.

It is essential to address this insidious malady by acknowledging its presence, understanding its consequences, and taking steps to break free from its grasp. By embracing forgiveness, empathy, and a willingness to let go, we can heal the wounds of resentment and open ourselves up to a life of peace, joy, and inner freedom. If drug addiction treatment left unchecked, the spiritual malady can poison our hearts and minds, corrupting our relationships and obscuring our paths. It is a cancerous growth that spreads its tendrils into every aspect of our being, leaving us feeling hollow and unfulfilled.

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Furthermore, it is significant to note that spiritual maladies don’t limit themselves to personal turmoil. When the spiritual malady is overcome, a person experiences inner peace, freedom from resentment, and a restored connection with others and a higher power. This transformation allows for lasting sobriety, emotional stability, and the ability to live a meaningful, service-driven life in recovery.