Easier, softer ways are abundant these days, especially now that AA has split into two different programs, the softer one being that of unrecovered speakers telling war stories and sob stories while everyone else munches on cookies and sucks down coffee after running up to get awarded with sobriety chips to celebrate 30 days or 90 days or a whole year of sobriety (even though recovery isn’t a function of time spent sober, plus nobody should be rewarded just because they stopped hurting people).

     The original or real AA had nothing to do with meetings and Oreos, but was a rigorous program of spiritual action meant to open us up to God so His power might free us from our mental obsession to drink and use drugs, as well as give us the power to live and do that which we could not do for ourselves. AA was nothing more than the Twelve Steps, once upon a time. And meetings originally sprang up so that recovered individuals could tell those still suffering HOW to get better. Meetings were meant to offer the solution, not to simply discuss the problem.

     Should we really bring our problems to AA meetings where newcomers on the verge of suicide are desperately seeking a real solution?  

     Other easier, softer ways include psychotherapy, group therapy, role play, trigger maintenance, meetings, anti-depressants, Naltrexone, Methadone, Suboxone, and you name it. Or how about moving away, moving back, getting into a relationship, getting out of a relationship, having a baby, or trying to avoid people, places and things that make us want to drink or use? Or how about Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Shamans, herbal extracts, homeopathy, acupuncture, yoga, or a laundry list of self-help books?

     The problem is that if you want to half-ass your recovery, there are thousands of half-ass measures and half-ass treatment centers just waiting to take your money. To any parents or loved ones who can’t fathom spending any more money on cushy treatment centers where they serve tenderloin and massage therapy just so their an addicted child can come home to relapse, wallow, and still remain the selfish idiot they were before: Taking steps is free.

God, give me the strength, power and willingness to walk right into my fear and discomfort, that I may grow spiritually and grow closer to You…