Can you recover from alcoholism or drug addiction without a divine Higher Power (for example, God)?
Can we ever prove the Higher power isn’t helping us without our being aware of it? This, folks, is the enigma, or variation of it.
Hi! IMO your Higher Power can be anything you choose. There are plenty of atheists in recovery out here. I knew a biker whose higher power was his motorcycle. Your higher power should be something that you really identify with. Big hugs, Irish
I wonder if there are any “happy” atheists in recovery.
Oh, rest assured dear heart, in great numbers.
… let things be.
I’m an EXTREMELY happy agnostic. 6 weeks alcohol free and haven’t felt this good in YEARS. No meetings, no HP, just me choosing to get myself out of a mess that I chose to get into.
I’m happy for you my friend. Love conquers all and from my perspective happiness is synonymous with love. Big hugs, Irish
Good for you, man. Glad to hear from other agnostics or atheists.
The higher power is just supposed to be something beyond yourself @Kimnovakkk. It can be the universe, your home group, anything that you feel is powerful beyond your addiction.
I hear you. Great post. I sometimes think that relying on a divine higher power is just pure desperation. I believe in a do-it-yourself recovery program, though you should still seek professional help.
Well spoken.
I made a topic on this a month ago, here’s my repost from it:
My higher power is a more virtuous version of myself, a more patient, humble, honest, accountable, giving, and honourable version of the person I currently am, and that helps me to constantly try and improve and be better, because whatever I am, I can always be more of
Thanks for reposting. Lovely words and wisdom.
I am an atheist and kicking ass with my sobriety. I don’t need a higher power; I have my own inner strength.
This “higher power” stuff is a bit unnecessary.
I never did AA so never had to think like that.
You can motivate yourself in what ever way works for you.
I’m not religious but do have beliefs.
Thank God for atheists.
I need a higher power in my recovery it is an absolute must for me!
Is there such thing as a “Lower Power”? There should be. AA is full of magical mumbo-jumbo.
My Higher Power has always been Edgar Allan Poe, the 19th century American author. He was also a chronic alcoholic.