Their personal experiences of religion have understandably shaped what this word means to them and these beliefs can be very hard to shake. For that reason, AA is often confused with being religious. It is a spiritual program, not a religious one, and these are two very different things spiritual malady . I liken self-obsession to being in a prison of your own mind. It feels like being consumed with what you want and don’t want, what others think of you, whether they like you, what you can do about that, and wishing things worked out the way you want them to all the time.

In trying to make these arrange­ments our actor may sometimes be quite virtuous. He may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest. But, as with most humans, he is more likely to have varied traits. The Big Book answers this question by proposing that we “lack the power” in ourselves to make any substantial, tangible, long-lasting changes and recover from alcoholism on our own. It has certainly been proven to me by my experience.

Big Book ASL – Appendix II – Spiritual Experience

I cannot help sometimes feeling slightly aghast when people come to AA get sober and then leave. One of the ways to address and change these abusive practices means that some people must stay and be the change they want to see. It is my opinion that if AA is the method you used to get sober, then you are in its debt.

When I was doing my step four inventory as part of my 12 step programme of recovery I did it pretty much as suggested in the Big Book. Also we need to be aware what we project on to other alcoholics is the same thing as they project on to use and sometimes we project if back. If we practice virtues instead of defects then the brain changes for the better and we recover quicker. Our positive loving, healthy behaviours change us and our brains via neuroplasticity for the better.

Bob D. – AA Speaker – “Relationships and Fear Workshop”

One of the things that I had to finally discover was I do not have the power to be what it is I’d like to be. No matter how much I might wish to be that way, I don’t have the power. And the conflict that arises as a result of having the grandest intentions but not having the power to live up to those intentions creates more discomfort than I can bear.

What if there was no one there when you needed help? Being part of the solution and creating safe spaces for other women within Alcoholics Anonymous is “service beyond self” and in my mind the very definition of feminism and spirituality. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Bob D. and Sandy B. – AA Speakers – “Spiritually Awakening in Recovery”

I can manage my spiritual malady or emotional dysfunction, I have the tools to do so. This allows me to do a quick inventory of my negative emotions and a prayer to God to have them removed.