Religious Experience During
Twelve Step Drug Detox
Saul Selby
From: "Saul Selby"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: WebMaster: Positive Atheism Index
Date: Saturday, December 05, 1998 7:02 PM
Dr Mr. Walker
I read one of your e-mail exchanges with much interest. I agree with many of your conclusions about AA, and disagree with a few. AA's program of recovery is clearly "Religious" in nature and heavily relies on a relationship with God for the success of it's members.
I, like you, was an atheist when I first stepped into a 12 step based treatment center in 1979. I didn't believe in God, and didn't want to. But my addiction had totally destroyed my life and I was desperate. So desperate in fact that I was willing to challenge my atheistic beliefs. While in treatment I asked myself the question "What if I'm wrong? What if there really is a God, and I've just never experienced Him?". As I contemplated those thoughts it occurred to me that I would have nothing to lose by praying as an experiment. I reasoned that if God existed, and had an interest in my life, He would be able to make himself real to me. I asked him to do that, and moments later I had an indescribable experience in which I sensed the Power, Love and availability of God. I have never relapsed since that day and continue to see God as Powerful partner helping me in my life.
Though I have a strong bias toward God centered recovery I don't dispute that people can abstain from chemicals in other ways. Out of curiosity is there any research demonstrating the effectiveness RR?
Saul
Cliff Responde:
At least you are more honest than AA co-founder Bill W., in that he had his conversion experience while enduring the combined experience of the most vicious form of alcohol detox and the effects of the powerful hallucinogen belladonna. I've tried that stuff, and I know why he converted to theism!
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