Finding God Through the 12-Steps

If you have ever dealt with addiction then you know how devastating it can be. It has the ability to strip a person of any sense of decency, reducing one to an animalistic level. When I look back on all of the despicable things I did to fuel my addiction it filled me (initially) with a sense of guilt, shame, and self-loathing. It got me to a place where I did not know where to turn or what to do. But….I did pray.

I grew up in the church, which gave me somewhat of a basic foundation in spirituality. When I started drinking and drugging my church attendance virtually stopped. But I would still pray in times of need - usually the proverbial foxhole prayer, “God, if you get me out of this jam, I promise….”

The Turning Point

Finally, after many years of self-destruction I was guided to the rooms of a 12-Step fellowship. This is where I discovered the true meaning of developing a relationship with a Higher Power. The 12-Steps are a roadmap of the journey to self-discovery and a connection with God. A journey to find out who we really are.

Spiritual Principles

In the Narcotics Anonymous preamble, How it Works, it states, “There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery. This is an attitude of indifference or intolerance towards spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. With these we are well on our way.”

In recovery I have learned to be honest – not simply cash register honesty, but true self-honesty. When I am not being honest my conscience has a way of letting me know. Self-honesty contributes to improved relationships and a sense of inner freedom. I no longer have to be wracked with guilt over my misdeeds. And when I am wrong I can promptly admit it (usually).

The open-mindedness mentioned has to do with the ability to consider a different way of doing things – a better way. By becoming willing to take suggestions I become teachable. I also realize that I do not have all the answers after all. By becoming open-minded, I no longer have to worry about being right all the time.

Willingness involves change, something that many people struggle with. By being willing to change, we demonstrate that we don’t have to continue down that path of destruction we have been on for so long. This decision often comes as a last resort however it may very well be the best decision we have ever made.

All12-Step programs have the same spiritual base. Since 1935, many people (perhaps millions) have found a way out of the depths of despair through following the spiritual principles. These principles do not promise anything but freedom from active addiction. But isn’t that what it’s all about? Have you been able to discover this in your life?