Recovery

[sagedil]

One other book I recommend is Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott. Christian yes, but not your typical Christian. She is very left wing. She <used?> to write for Slate as well. This was a book that got me talking with God after almost 20 years of silence.

[snusfather]

Personally, I find great comfort in aspects of Hinduism, Taoism & other Eastern philosophies. These guys have been talking and writing about Spirit for around 6,000 years! I'm definitely more open-minded toward Christianity than I used to be (the books of Emmett Fox were a huge help in early recovery) but I'm nowhere near to being a believer. I know a lot of people who get into recovery and either combine it with their existing faith or rediscover a faith that they had lost. One of my counselors in treatment recommended a book to me called "A Course in Miracles". I've checked it out - it uses a lot of Christian terminology but it's nothing like what you'd think of as Christian.

Noah Levine wrote a book called Dharma Punx, it talks a lot about how getting sober and working the steps caused him to study Buddhism and start a meditation practice. It was also helpful to me in early recovery.

I love that book. It helped me alot in my early recovery as well. Some other Buddhist/recovery books I have found useful are: "One breath at a time" by Kevin Griffin, "12 steps on the Buddha's path" by Laura S. and "The Zen of recovery" by Mel Ash. (I'm a Soto Zen Buddhist, who also goes to a United Methodist Church with my Wife.)

Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous have the same policy on being a spiritual not religious program. As a side note, NA regards alcohol as being the same as any other drug (legal or otherwise).

"The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop useing"- Basic Text pg.57, third tradition.

"There are no strings atached to NA. We are not affiliated with any other organisations, we have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, no promises to make to anyone. We are not connected with any political, religious or law enforcement groups, and are under no survalience at any time. Anyone may join us, regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion or lack of religion." -Basic Text pg.9

I know a few Athiests with quality,long term recovery.