by Rev. Leo Booth

It is not unusual, when we are discussing recovery, to suggest or recommend Twelve Step support groups. But is this the only “show” in town?

I think it is legitimate to ask this question, especially when you remember that I have been an active member of Twelve Step groups for close to thirty years. Also, rarely do I give a lecture concerning recovery without mentioning self-help support groups…both for addicts and family members. But it seems obvious to me that not all “recovering” people attend Twelve Step support groups.

What are the alternatives?

The first alternative that comes to mind is church; or some religious organization.

Occasionally I meet people when I’m doing church services who tell me that they have found sobriety “in Jesus”. That since they came “to the Lord” their lives have changed and they no longer feel the desire to drink or use drugs.

Now anybody who knows my views on the difference between spirituality and religion would understand that this is not my language. I believe and interpret the teachings of Jesus as a Unity Minister but it is not me to suggest that I got sober “in Jesus”. However, it is the language of many people and the proof is in the pudding; they are undeniably sober.

The power of God in our lives is truly mysterious and no human being has been able to fathom it. Miracles happen. If Jesus was able to heal lepers then a relationship with Jesus could surely bring recovery from addiction. And many attest to the truth of this statement.

Now I think it might be important to point out the distinction between “miracle and “magic.”

Magic is what we experience in Las Vegas. When I used to go watch Siegfried and Roy I saw elephants disappear; before my very eyes a woman was sawed in two…one half went to one side of the stage and the other half went to the other side. Magic. But the next night it was the same woman in the show! It was a trick. Done with lights and mirrors. I don’t know how it is done, that’s why we call it magic, but I know it wasn’t real.

Miracle by contrast, is real. The power of God working in our lives brings about transformation and “mind boggling” events occur. However, usually the receiver of the miracle must also do something. The lepers walked. The blind people shout- out to be recognized. Miracles happen… but we need must also do something in order to receive something.

The people who find sobriety “in Jesus” also do something. They don’t hang out with drunks. They read and study the bible and attend church regularly. They involve themselves in prayer meetings. To say I got sober “in Jesus” is never the complete story.

Support of family and friends

It is undeniably true that alcoholism and addiction affects the family; and so does sobriety. When a person stops drinking, their family relationships almost immediately improve. As do friendships. And for not a few people their family and friends become the foundation for their recovery. They might occasionally go to AA or NA but their real support is their loving family. Eventually the family and close friendships becomes the only support, perhaps (but not always) combined with church or synagogue attendance. Let me not forget the mosque or temple!

And these people stay sober. They don’t go back to drinking or using. When I mention this to my AA friends they say, sarcastically, “Oh, really?” And I reply: “Really.”

Why would I be surprised? Once alcohol is removed then real love can move into the house. A secular miracle.

Other support groups

Then there are a myriad of support groups that have therapeutic connections. Not Twelve Step. Not even anonymous. Some of them are “reality based”, others are spiritual, some are not structured in any way, and others are based upon an individual’s teachings’ – ie Ron Hubbard.

Do they work? Yes. They may not be for everyone but they do work for some. And people are staying sober. I’ve even known some of my friends who use Transcendental Meditation as the sole source of their recovery.

Simply not drinking

Then there is a group that does “nothing.” They are single, they go to work, maybe church, catch a movie…and that’s it.

How did you stay sober?

“I quit and I stopped smoking the same year.”
“Nothing else? No meetings? No church?”
“Nothing. And I feel great!”

Recovery truly is a mystery. As the song says:

“Who can explain it? Who can tell you why? Fools give their reasons. Wise men never try.”

And there are probably other ways, other than The Twelve Steps, that I have not discussed. Truly, there is no “one way” to do anything in life!

But you notice that I titled this article “The Best Bet.” Now, this is only my opinion but I would suggest to the reader that the Twelve Steps (AA, NA, OA) are the most used, most effective, in helping addicts and their families heal; in this sense they are “The Best Bet”. Why?

It clearly states that addiction is a treatable disease.

It is spiritual rather that religious.

Now, because it is home grown in America most of the stories and concepts have a lingering Christian base…but it affirms inclusiveness.

Everybody is welcome in Twelve Step…as long as you have a desire to stop using. It is not a bar!
The Steps and Traditions are “suggested only.” No dogma here.

For the above and other reasons, Twelve Step has been the home to more addicts than any other single group; and it works one-day-at-a-time.

For me, The Best Bet.

Reverend Leo Booth is a Unity minister, a published author and conference speaker. He is the Spiritual Advisor to Sante Center for Healing in Argyle, TX. For more information, please visit his website: www.fatherleo.com. Email him at fatherleo@fatherleo.com.