Pagans in recovery

Last updated

Pagans in recovery is a phrase, which is frequently used within the recovery community, to describe the collective efforts of Neopagans as well as Indigenous, Hindu, Buddhist, and other like-minded groups, to achieve abstinence or the remission of compulsive/addictive behaviors through twelve-step programs and other programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Al-Anon/Alateen, etc. These efforts generally focus on modifying or adapting the twelve steps to accommodate the Pagan world-view as well as creating Pagan-friendly twelve step meetings either as part of a preexisting twelve-step program or as independent entities.

Contents

History and development

The term 'Pagans in recovery' appears to have first been used in a Neopagan newsletter from Ohio prior to 1989. [1] Isaac Bonewits also used the term in an essay he wrote in 1996. [2] In 2011, The Pagan In Recovery: The Twelve Steps From A Pagan Perspective by Deirdre A. Hebert [3] was published.

Various forms of Pagan-oriented Recovery groups have existed over the course of the last 50 years. In late April of 2014, a Pagans in Recovery [4] meeting was started on Wednesday evening in Atlanta, GA, before moving to an online Zoom meeting format during 2020–2021 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, a community of pagans from across the globe came together to create online Zoom meetings, sometimes having up to 3 meetings available per day. The Wednesday Atlanta meeting resumed meeting in person in 2021, and there are currently two in-person Pagans in Recovery [4] meetings in Atlanta, GA (with plans for more in development), one in-person meeting in Nashville, TN, and numerous starting across the United States in addition to the daily online meetings. [4]

The meetings vary in format. Some are oriented towards specific Fellowships and have a focus on AA/Al-anon/SLAA/NA/etc. literature from a pagan perspective (Disclaimer: Pagans in Recovery is not affiliated with any other 12-Step Fellowships) and some allow for the Chairperson to choose from any inspirational text that is applicable in a 12-step Recovery context. The majority are open to people from all 12-step fellowships (both chemical and process addictions) to attend.

There is no singular text that is used by people attending Pagans in Recovery meetings, but The Pagan In Recovery: The Twelve Steps From A Pagan Perspective by Deirdre A. Hebert [3] is a recommended text sometimes used in conjunction with more targeted 12-Step Fellowship Literature and Meetings (AA/NA/Al-anon/ACA/SLAA/OA/etc.). [5]

Differentiation from other 12-step programs

Some traditional twelve-step meetings include Christian prayers and the assumption of a masculine higher power, leading to difficulty in finding supportive sponsors by pagans who do not share those beliefs. [6] Some Pagans find the 12 steps themselves too reminiscent of Christian theology to be applicable to their belief systems. [7] A.A. itself states that any person who "has a desire to stop drinking" may declare themselves a member of A.A. [8]

The focus in alternative groups tends to be on tolerance, balance, building better boundaries, healing old wounds, making amends, taking our power back and right action. As a result, these groups tend to be more in tune with Pagan, New Age, Native American, humanistic, feminist, and Buddhist and Hindu teachings, as well as with the more progressive versions of the mainstream faiths.

Another issue among Pagans in recovery is the one-sided image of addicts, alcoholics, codependents, and survivors of dysfunctional families portrayed in 12-step literature and in the many books published on recovery and dysfunctional family systems since the 1980s. For example, Kasl and others in the field of addiction have long noted that characteristics of adult children of alcoholics [9] and the list known as "The Problem" in ACA, [10] read at every ACA meeting, focus strongly on "character defects" and do not adequately support the creation or celebration of character strengths, strengths which are often the result of surviving these very systems.

Many twelve-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, have special interest groups, typically meetings specifically geared towards young people, men, women, gays and lesbians, etc. [11] Alcoholics Anonymous has also started meetings specifically for Native Americans which accommodate those views of spirituality. [12] Pagans who are recovering alcoholics have started A.A. meetings specifically for Pagans [13]

Many Pagans seem to prefer a mutually supportive, spiritually based twelve step approach to recovery [14] over non-spiritually based programs such as Secular Organizations for Sobriety, where one is expected to keep his or her spiritual beliefs separate from recovery, [15] or Rational Recovery, which is not spiritually based and does not encourage members to seek support from others in recovery. [16] Generally speaking, Pagan twelve step meetings follow the same format as other twelve step meetings except that they use Pagan friendly readings (which have not been approved by the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous or other twelve step organizations), and substitute Pagan friendly prayers for the Lord's Prayer (which is not AA Conference approved, but widely used) and the Serenity Prayer. [17] For example, the Recovery Spiral: A Pagan Path to Healing by Cynthia Jane Collins is sometimes used instead of or along with the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Native American Great Spirit prayer may be substituted for the Lord's Prayer. [18]

Some Pagan twelve-step groups have reworked or reworded the twelve steps so as to make them more applicable to Pagans, especially in allowing for a Polytheistic and non-gendered view of divinity. [19] The members of Pagan twelve step groups are still expected to work the twelve steps as a means of spiritual growth, obtain a sponsor, make amends for harm they have caused, and to help others. [20] [21]

Some twelve-step meetings for Pagans are eclectic, meaning that anyone from a twelve-step recovery program, regardless of the nature of their addiction, may participate in the meeting. This is in sharp contrast to Alcoholics Anonymous' concept of "Singleness of Purpose" which holds that alcoholics should only work with other alcoholics. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alcoholics Anonymous</span> Sobriety-focused mutual help fellowship

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global, peer-led mutual-aid fellowship dedicated to abstinence-based recovery from alcoholism through its spiritually inclined twelve-step program. AA’s Twelve Traditions, besides stressing anonymity and the lack of a governing hierarchy, establish AA as free to all, non-professional, unaffiliated, and non-denominational, as well as apolitical. In 2021 AA reported a presence in approximately 180 countries with nearly two million members—73% in the United States and Canada.

Twelve-step programs are international mutual aid programs supporting recovery from substance addictions, behavioral addictions and compulsions. Developed in the 1930s, the first twelve-step program, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), founded by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, aided its membership to overcome alcoholism. Since that time dozens of other organizations have been derived from AA's approach to address problems as varied as drug addiction, compulsive gambling, sex, and overeating. All twelve-step programs utilize a version of AA's suggested twelve steps first published in the 1939 book Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Narcotics Anonymous</span> Mutual help 12-Step organization

Narcotics Anonymous (NA), founded in 1953, describes itself as a "nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem." Narcotics Anonymous uses a 12-step model developed for people with varied substance use disorders and is the second-largest 12-step organization, after 12-step pioneer Alcoholics Anonymous.

The Twelve Traditions of twelve-step programs provide guidelines for relationships between the twelve-step groups, members, other groups, the global fellowship, and society at large. Questions of finance, public relations, donations, and purpose are addressed in the traditions. They were originally written by Bill Wilson after the founding of the first twelve-step group, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexaholics Anonymous</span> Twelve-step program

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), founded in 1979, is one of several twelve-step programs for compulsive sexual behavior, based on the original twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. SA is part of a group of twelve-step organization addressing sexual addiction: Sex Addicts Anonymous(SAA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous(SLAA), Sexual Compulsives Anonymous(SCA) and Sexual Recovery Anonymous(SRA). Collectively, these groups are known as "S" groups due to their acronyms Starting with "S": SA, SAA, SLAA, SCA, and SRA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cocaine Anonymous</span> Twelve-step program

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is a twelve-step program formed in 1982 for people who seek recovery from drug addiction. It is patterned very closely after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), although the two groups are unaffiliated. While many CA members have been addicted to cocaine, crack, speed or similar substances, CA accepts all who desire freedom from "cocaine and all other mind-altering substances" as members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emotions Anonymous</span> Twelve-step program

Emotions Anonymous (EA) is a twelve-step program for recovery from mental and emotional illness. As of 2017 there were approximately 300 Emotions Anonymous groups active in the United States and another 300 around the world.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a twelve-step program founded by Rozanne S. Its first meeting was held in Hollywood, California, USA on January 19, 1960, after Rozanne attended a Gamblers Anonymous meeting and realized that the Twelve Steps could potentially help her with her own addictive behaviors relating to food. OA has since grown, with groups in over 75 countries meeting in person, over the phone, and through the internet. OA is for people with problems related to food including, but not limited to, compulsive overeaters, those with binge eating disorder, bulimics and anorexics. Anyone with a problematic relationship with food is welcomed; OA's Third Tradition states that the only requirement for memberships is a desire to stop eating compulsively.

Al-Anon Family Groups, founded in 1951, is an international mutual aid organization for people who have been impacted by another person's alcoholism. In the organization's own words, Al-Anon is a "worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of an alcohol-related problem or seeks help." Alateen "is part of the Al-Anon fellowship designed for the younger relatives and friends of alcoholics through the teen years".

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an international fellowship of people who have a compulsive gambling problem. They meet regularly to share their "experiences, strength and hope", so they can help each other solve the problems compulsive gambling has created in their lives, and to help others recover from the addiction of compulsive gambling. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling, as stated in the GA Combo book page 2.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) is a twelve-step program for people recovering from sex addiction and love addiction. SLAA was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1976, by a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Though he had been a member of AA for many years, he repeatedly acted out and was serially unfaithful to his wife. He founded SLAA as an attempt to stop his compulsive sexual and "romantic" behavior. SLAA is also sometimes known as the Augustine Fellowship, because early members saw many of their shared symptoms described by St. Augustine of Hippo in his work Confessions. COSLAA is another twelve-step fellowship created to support the family members and friends of sex and love addicts.

Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) is a twelve-step program founded in 1982 for people desiring to quit smoking and live free of nicotine. As of July 2017, there are over 700 face-to-face meetings in 32 countries worldwide with the majority of these meetings occurring in the United States, Iran, India, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and in various online community and social media platforms.. NicA maintains that total abstinence from nicotine is necessary for recovery. NicA defines abstinence as “a state that begins when all use of nicotine ceases.

Drug addiction recovery groups are voluntary associations of people who share a common desire to overcome their drug addiction. Different groups use different methods, ranging from completely secular to explicitly spiritual. Some programs may advocate a reduction in the use of drugs rather than outright abstention. One survey of members found active involvement in any addiction recovery group correlates with higher chances of maintaining sobriety. Although there is not a difference in whether group or individual therapy is better for the patient, studies show that any therapy increases positive outcomes for patients with substance use disorders. The survey found group participation increased when the individual members' beliefs matched those of their primary support group. Analysis of the survey results found a significant positive correlation between the religiosity of members and their participation in twelve-step programs and to a lesser level in non-religious SMART Recovery groups, the correlation factor being three times smaller for SMART Recovery than for twelve-step addiction recovery groups. Religiosity was inversely related to participation in Secular Organizations for Sobriety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Alcoholics Anonymous</span>

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Robert Smith, and has since grown to be worldwide.

Workaholics Anonymous (WA) is a twelve-step program founded circa 1983 for people identifying themselves as "powerless over compulsive work, worry, or activity" including, but not limited to, workaholics–including overworkers and those who suffer from unmanageable procrastination or work aversion. Anybody with a desire to stop working compulsively is welcome at a WA meeting. Unmanageability can include compulsive work in housework, hobbies, fitness, or volunteering as well as in paid work. Anyone with a problematic relationship with work is welcomed. Workaholics Anonymous is considered an effective program for those who need its help.

Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA) is a twelve-step fellowship for recovery from the consequences of childhood sexual abuse. SIA was founded in 1982 in Baltimore, Maryland by women who believed their experience in other twelve-step fellowships could assist in recovery from sexual trauma. In SIA incest is defined broadly as any sexual behavior imposed on one person by a member of his or her immediate or extended family. The extended family, in this definition, includes but is not limited to: grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, clergy, teachers, cousins, family friends, and stepparents. The abuse may include verbal abuse, emotional abuse and physical behaviors; penetration is not necessary for meeting SIA's definition on incest. Covert incest within the family is also a theme many survivors explore in SIA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous)</span> Bestselling book on how to recover from addictions

Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism is a 1939 basic text, describing how to seek recovery from alcoholism. The Big Book was written by William G. "Bill W." Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, with the help of various editors. The composition process was not collaborative other than editing. Bill wrote all of the chapters except for "To Employers" which was written by Bill's right-hand man, Hank Parkhurst. Parkhurst influenced the more liberal notions of "God as we understand him" and "your own conception of God." Drafts of sections were sent back and forth between Bill W.'s group in New York and Robert Holbrook Smith, the other AA founder, in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Bob made no major changes. It is the predecessor of the seminal "twelve-step method" widely used to treat many addictions, from alcoholism, heroin addiction and marijuana addiction to overeating, sex addiction and gambling addiction, with a strong spiritual and social emphasis. It is one of the best-selling books of all time, having sold 30 million copies. In 2011, Time magazine placed the book on its list of the 100 best and most influential books written in English since 1923, the year in which the magazine was first published. In 2012, the Library of Congress designated it as one of 88 "Books that Shaped America."

Adult Children of Alcoholics founded circa 1978 is a fellowship of people who desire to recover from the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family. ACA membership has few formal requirements. ACA does not accept any outside contributions and is supported entirely by donations from its members. The organization is not related to any particular religion and has no political affiliation. Tony A. was among its co-founders and is the author of The Laundry List, 12 steps for adult children of alcoholics, The Problem, which are all published in his book, The Laundry List: The ACOA Experience

References

  1. ↑ "Internet Book of Shadows: Healing (One method)".
  2. ↑ "Pagans in Recovery".
  3. 1 2 Hebert, Deirdre A. (2011). The Pagan in recovery: twelve steps from a Pagan perspective. ISBN   978-0-9825798-6-2. OCLC   941744967.
  4. 1 2 3 "Pagans in Recovery". pagansinrecovery.org. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  5. ↑ Up to date in person and online meeting schedules can be found at pagansinrecovery.org.
  6. ↑ "Witchvox Article". Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2006-02-03.
  7. ↑ "Holy Qurbana (The Liturgy of St James)".
  8. ↑ "DISKUS: Tanice G. FOLTZ". Archived from the original on 2006-06-18. Retrieved 2006-02-05.
  9. ↑ "The 13 Characteristics of Adult Children by Dr. Janet G. Woititz". Archived from the original on 2007-01-03. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
  10. ↑ "The Problem - Adult Children of Alcoholics - World Service Organization, Inc". Archived from the original on 2007-01-10. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
  11. ↑ "NA Special interest meetings". www.na.org. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  12. ↑ "NAIGSO AA". naigso-aa.org.
  13. ↑ "Minnesota PAAGANS - Pagan AA :: Earth House Project of Minnesota :: Pagan News Gateway". Archived from the original on 2007-07-20. Retrieved 2006-02-27.
  14. ↑ "Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) & Other 12-Step Programs". Archived from the original on 2005-11-02. Retrieved 2006-02-27.
  15. ↑ "Find an SOS Meeting". Archived from the original on 2006-03-01. Retrieved 2006-02-27.
  16. ↑ Rational Recovery (Rr) Summary.
  17. ↑ "Eleventh Step Sobriety Circle" (PDF). jelder.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-03-24. Retrieved 2006-02-05.
  18. ↑ "Recovery Prayers".
  19. ↑ "A Pagan/Polytheistic Understanding of the Twelve Steps". Archived from the original on 2006-02-21. Retrieved 2006-02-04.
  20. ↑ "Sacred Centers: Articles: Stepping Through to Recovery". Archived from the original on 2006-05-19. Retrieved 2006-02-05.
  21. ↑ "Staying Sober and Pagan". Widdershins. 2000-04-09. Archived from the original on 2001-03-02. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  22. ↑ "AA's Singleness of Purpose". Archived from the original on 2006-09-25. Retrieved 2006-08-13.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.