Although NA and AA, at first glance, may seem like very
different programs, and appear to be filled with more diversities than
similarities, they are actually analogous in methodology, and produce the same
results in the attendees. AA was the first of many twelve step programs, which
include: Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth
Anonymous, Pills Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous. Behavioral issues such as
compulsion for, and/or addiction to, gambling, crime, food, sex, hoarding,
debting and work are addressed in fellowships such as Gamblers Anonymous,
Overeaters Anonymous, Sexual Compulsives Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous,
Sexaholics Anonymous. Its effectiveness
in treating alcoholism was so profoundly positive in the producing wellbeing in
the suffering alcoholics, its principles were applied to the treatment of drug
addicts, and miraculously, similar results were observed. The twelve step model
for treating addiction and compulsion, are: Admitting one cannot control their
addiction or compulsion, acknowledging the existence of a higher power that
will give strength, examining past errors (with the help of a sponsor, or
experienced member of the twelve step progam, making amends for these past
errors or shortcomings, learning to apply a new code of morality to one’s
behavior, helping others who suffer from same addictions, and lastly, spreading
the message that has been learned through experience in the program. Alcohol is a drug, in fact, it is one of the
most nefarious substances known to man, and most people who experience the
wrath of addiction, also had difficulties with alcohol. And, there are rarely
any ‘pure’ alcoholics, or people who abuse solely alcohol. Most people who
drink, also dabbled in other various powders and false elixirs. The same goes
for drug addicts, in that the majority of the drug addicts have also drank
alcohol to an excess. In my experience, alcohol was my “gateway” drug, which
decreased my inhibitions and left me susceptible to trying other substances.
And, like many alcoholics, for me, it started with alcohol, and ended with
alcohol. All twelve step programs stress the application of altruistic
behavior, or complete “selflessness,” which not only helps others, but also the
sufferer of the compulsion or addiction remove them of their former selves, and
give them new perspective, and awareness of their own higher purpose. If you
are having difficulties finding parallels between your addiction problems, and
the ideology expressed in the rooms of AA, simply, it is best to understand
that both programs are essentially the same, although AA tends to stress the
importance of God, which has been modified to best suit today’s audience who
may have a difficult time grasping that there may in fact be, a superior force
beyond them, that if completely surrendered to, offers salvation, and strength
unimaginable during the days of smoking pot and shooting poison into their
veins.
