It's Not About the Alcohol

Busting Addiction and Its Myths

In this podcast, we discuss why the recovery program begins after the alcoholic has put the drink down or the addict has stopped using.

We learn that:

1. Alcoholics who have not yet recovered do not understand that they only need to avoid one drink, and that is the first one, in order to stay sober.
2. After they put down the alcohol, they realise that they no longer have a drinking problem, but they do have a thinking problem arising from the fact that their brain is immature and not yet capable of thinking clearly.
3. The alcoholic or addict, even after he or she gets clean, remains an extremely self-centred individual, and it takes time and work for the user to fully acknowledge and make amends for the harm done to others.
4. As such, the AA* or NA/CA* program is not about not drinking; rather it is all about the development of a spiritual life guided by honesty, kindness, and courage that equips the recovering person to live a new, inspired life.
5. Those who love an addict or alcoholic and wish to recover from the family disease of alcoholism or addiction should consider joining Al-Anon, a 12-step program for families and friends of alcoholics and addicts.

*AA = Alcoholics Anonymous
NA = Narcotics Anonymous
CA = Cocaine Anonymous

www.aa.org www.na.org www.ca.org www.al-anon.org