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Believe in G.O.D. (Group Of Drunks)

answered 10:21 AM EST, Sun December 23, 2012

anonymous

I am not a Christian. I am an alcoholic and I am looking for extended rehabilitation treatment. I do not have any money to speak of and I do not need or expect anything fancy. I would be attracted to the Salvation Army programs but for a devout atheist like me they are not really an option. Do you know of any free long term rehabs for people in my situation that are not religious in nature?

Jim LaPierre Says...

J. LaPierre

LCSW, CCS

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AA has long had an adage that those who struggle to conceptualize a Higher Power/God/Flying Spaghetti Monster are free to believe in a "Group Of Drunks" G.O.D. To believe in anything other than that the program can benefit you is unnecessary. You're hoping to come to believe that you can stay sober and ultimately I'm sure you'd like to believe in yourself. Here's another important adage from AA, "Religion is for people who are afraid to go to hell and spirituality is for those of us who have already been there."

Now, the Salvation Army is willing to help. I understand you're turned off by the god stuff but consider this - what motivation does a person or organization have to donate professional time and services and money OTHER than that it is congruent with their belief system?

Use the "buffet approach." When you go to a buffet you take what you like and you leave the rest. Do the same with what the Salvation Army has to offer and consider just respecting what they believe even though you don't buy into it. Good luck. I don't believe in religion but I like to think there is something and so I'll ask whatever it is to throw you some grace.

Believe in G.O.D. (Group Of Drunks)

Jim LaPierre Says...

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