One of the Keys to opening the door to 12 Step Programs.. What is a Higher Power.?

[TommyCelt]

11. I've said it elsewhere...

I'm very pragmatic when in comes to reocvery from addiction. Whatever keeps you from a drink or a drug on an ongoing basis. Do it. Period.

I agree, AA is far more inclined to God as a personal deity rather than Good Orderly Direction or Group of Drunks (both of which are pretty much touted as temporary contructs 'round these parts, to be honest). I personally find it easy and natural to accept a personal God because I've always been religious. I follow the program and it has worked for me, one day at a time for going on 12 years. However, I can see where this might prove problematic for atheists in reocverty trying to follow the 12 steps, and certainly the Big Book. Even as a believer, I've found the We Agnostics chapter a bit condescending.

Bottom line, do what you gotta do. Follow whatever program (or none) you have to follow, in order to keep on keeping on. All the best wishes to your continued recovery.