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Anonymous Groups (AA, NA, OA, etc.)
No overall ranking is given for these groups. They are definitely spiritual. I consider them essential for most severely addicted addicts. Such groups provide a proven framework for many addicts to "get off the sauce." For addicts who need these groups to stay sober, then my ranking for these groups would be **** - for those less severely addicted, there are other useful options.
Anonymous groups do not cure and most participants are usefully confronted with that fact most every session when decades-long-abstaining addicts announce, "I am an addict." Because there are no methods that I am aware of that are able to reliably and consistently cure most severe addicts, I see no benefit in one of the most common criticisms of the anonymous groups: that they fail to cure.
Evaluating Other Paths
Perhaps I have not mentioned your favorite paths. I have not mentioned many New Age paths because:
1. They do not resonate at all with me,
2. They seem to be spinning-your-wheels detours for most participants, or 3. I may have overlooked or never read about those paths.
Whatever - each of us must ultimately be the final evaluator of our chosen paths. There are always "new" New Age paths/teachers/ideas that appeal to those who want the latest, the newest and the most exciting. I suggest you evaluate the new offerings with your skeptic's mind. Throughout this book is a wealth of ideas to help you more effectively evaluate the spiritual paths you encounter.
© 2008 by Thayer White
Finding Your Soul in the Spirituality Maze
| Excerpt from Be Your Own Therapist: " If your paid therapist has objections to a joint discussion of growth and healing goals, perhaps it is time to examine and discuss your relationship with that therapist." |
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