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The Twelve Steps For Agnostics: How to get happily sober without a belief in God
Second edition release!
Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce that the second edition of "The twelve steps for agnostics" is now available. I have re-edited the content of the book to make it more reader-friendly.
I hope you enjoy the new edition
Andy F
Description
How to get happily sober without a belief in God - A supportive resource for agnostics, atheists and freethinkers in 12 Step recovery: - This interpretation of the 12 steps, offers a simple, practical and highly effective method of working through the steps. I invite you to take this transcendent journey towards contented sobriety. There is no need to become concerned about using God as a higher power.
All that is required is an agnostic-friendly sponsor. I offer a whole chapter about healthy sponsorship boundaries in AA. Despite being an agnostic, the twelve steps enabled me to begin having healthier relationships as a recovering alcoholic. I share helpful ideas that I have learned in my journey towards sobriety. I am excited to share them with you in this book.
***
Review for aaforagnostics
"The Twelve Steps for Agnostics is a totally honest, transparent account of Andy's journey from darkness to light, brokenness to wholeness. He recounts how he overcame the many childhood traumas that had led to his illness of addiction and chemical dependency.
Andy's book is an account of his fight back to the health of body, mind and spirit. He found a non-God-centered approach to 12 step recovery in AA. In time, he met an agnostic-friendly sponsor gifted in transmitting the life-changing power of the steps in a way that Andy could fully embrace. It is a truly inspirational read.
I met Andy some 30 years ago. We were both employed at a newly opened 12 step Rehab for drug and alcohol dependency. Andy was a trainee counselor and I worked in reception and admin. The sudden closure of the centre after just 2 years was a blow to both its employees and clients. Many staff members who had relocated were forced to move back to their original homes. As a result, Andy and I lost touch.
I reconnected with Andy three years ago quite by chance. Was it just a coincidence? I don't think so. It has allowed me the privilege of reading "The Twelve Steps for Agnostics" pre-publication. Only then did I become aware of the traumas he had experienced during his dysfunctional upbringing, and his subsequent battle with alcohol and drugs. I now have a far deeper insight into the disease of alcoholism and addiction.
As a daughter of an alcoholic father who succumbed to an early death, I retrained as a counselor. Perhaps with knowledge, I would be able to help another family deal with, or even avoid, the same fate.
Even with academic insight, nothing could have prepared me for witnessing my then-teenage son drifting into addiction. My counseling qualifications did little to enhance my understanding of his behavior or successfully manage it.
The Twelve Steps for Agnostics has given me a rare, and raw, insight into the illness from the sufferer's perspective. This has been of invaluable benefit to my understanding of alcoholism.
This is a 'must read', not only for those desperately seeking a solution to their substance abuse, but for parents, children and relatives faced with understanding the complexities of chemical dependency.
Counselors, psychotherapists and doctors would also benefit from a glimpse into Andy's world of emotional trauma and the multifaceted, most misunderstood disease of alcoholism.
The non-God-centered 12 Step approach that made Andy's recovery possible has been the catalyst driving him to write this inspirational autobiographical account. I know how deeply he wishes that all who read it will find hope, encouragement and healing within its pages."
Sue Price
Acc. Dip. Counseling. UK
Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce that the second edition of "The twelve steps for agnostics" is now available. I have re-edited the content of the book to make it more reader-friendly.
I hope you enjoy the new edition
Andy F
Description
How to get happily sober without a belief in God - A supportive resource for agnostics, atheists and freethinkers in 12 Step recovery: - This interpretation of the 12 steps, offers a simple, practical and highly effective method of working through the steps. I invite you to take this transcendent journey towards contented sobriety. There is no need to become concerned about using God as a higher power.
All that is required is an agnostic-friendly sponsor. I offer a whole chapter about healthy sponsorship boundaries in AA. Despite being an agnostic, the twelve steps enabled me to begin having healthier relationships as a recovering alcoholic. I share helpful ideas that I have learned in my journey towards sobriety. I am excited to share them with you in this book.
***
Review for aaforagnostics
"The Twelve Steps for Agnostics is a totally honest, transparent account of Andy's journey from darkness to light, brokenness to wholeness. He recounts how he overcame the many childhood traumas that had led to his illness of addiction and chemical dependency.
Andy's book is an account of his fight back to the health of body, mind and spirit. He found a non-God-centered approach to 12 step recovery in AA. In time, he met an agnostic-friendly sponsor gifted in transmitting the life-changing power of the steps in a way that Andy could fully embrace. It is a truly inspirational read.
I met Andy some 30 years ago. We were both employed at a newly opened 12 step Rehab for drug and alcohol dependency. Andy was a trainee counselor and I worked in reception and admin. The sudden closure of the centre after just 2 years was a blow to both its employees and clients. Many staff members who had relocated were forced to move back to their original homes. As a result, Andy and I lost touch.
I reconnected with Andy three years ago quite by chance. Was it just a coincidence? I don't think so. It has allowed me the privilege of reading "The Twelve Steps for Agnostics" pre-publication. Only then did I become aware of the traumas he had experienced during his dysfunctional upbringing, and his subsequent battle with alcohol and drugs. I now have a far deeper insight into the disease of alcoholism and addiction.
As a daughter of an alcoholic father who succumbed to an early death, I retrained as a counselor. Perhaps with knowledge, I would be able to help another family deal with, or even avoid, the same fate.
Even with academic insight, nothing could have prepared me for witnessing my then-teenage son drifting into addiction. My counseling qualifications did little to enhance my understanding of his behavior or successfully manage it.
The Twelve Steps for Agnostics has given me a rare, and raw, insight into the illness from the sufferer's perspective. This has been of invaluable benefit to my understanding of alcoholism.
This is a 'must read', not only for those desperately seeking a solution to their substance abuse, but for parents, children and relatives faced with understanding the complexities of chemical dependency.
Counselors, psychotherapists and doctors would also benefit from a glimpse into Andy's world of emotional trauma and the multifaceted, most misunderstood disease of alcoholism.
The non-God-centered 12 Step approach that made Andy's recovery possible has been the catalyst driving him to write this inspirational autobiographical account. I know how deeply he wishes that all who read it will find hope, encouragement and healing within its pages."
Sue Price
Acc. Dip. Counseling. UK
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2021
54 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Andy F
8 books1 followerSECOND EDITION RELEASE!
Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce that the second edition of “The twelve steps for agnostics” has just gone live on Amazon as of 14th February 2022
I have re-edited the content of the book to make it more reader-friendly and have also added some interesting new content.
I hope you enjoy the new edition
Andy F
MY BIO
My name is Andy and I'm a grateful recovering alcoholic and addict
I have been clean and sober in AA for 24 years. What is interesting about my story is that I actually went to my first meeting 37 years ago. Sadly, I relapsed regularly during my first 13 years going to meetings. I almost lost my life on several occasions.
I wasn't interested in the program because I thought you had to believe in God to do the 12 steps. This is not surprising as God, and a higher power is mentioned in 6 of them. Thankfully, I found agnostic-friendly sponsors that guided me through the twelve steps without having to believe in God.
I am now happy and enjoying my sobriety. Before I agreed to take the AA suggestions, I was a dry drunk. This is a name used to describe untreated alcoholism. It is a very uncomfortable way to stay sober. As a result of going through the first nine steps, I believe that I have had a non-God centred spiritual awakening.
God or no God, I have discovered that applying AA principles in my life is turning out to be a beautiful and satisfying way to live.
I have written a book which I have called "The twelve steps for agnostics"
It offers a way towards a peaceful and happy recovery. This had not required a belief in the traditional idea of a monotheistic God.
I do hope that it will be a helpful resource for agnostics, atheists and freethinkers that come to AA with a desire to stop drinking
Best wishes
Andy F
Dear Friends,
I am excited to announce that the second edition of “The twelve steps for agnostics” has just gone live on Amazon as of 14th February 2022
I have re-edited the content of the book to make it more reader-friendly and have also added some interesting new content.
I hope you enjoy the new edition
Andy F
MY BIO
My name is Andy and I'm a grateful recovering alcoholic and addict
I have been clean and sober in AA for 24 years. What is interesting about my story is that I actually went to my first meeting 37 years ago. Sadly, I relapsed regularly during my first 13 years going to meetings. I almost lost my life on several occasions.
I wasn't interested in the program because I thought you had to believe in God to do the 12 steps. This is not surprising as God, and a higher power is mentioned in 6 of them. Thankfully, I found agnostic-friendly sponsors that guided me through the twelve steps without having to believe in God.
I am now happy and enjoying my sobriety. Before I agreed to take the AA suggestions, I was a dry drunk. This is a name used to describe untreated alcoholism. It is a very uncomfortable way to stay sober. As a result of going through the first nine steps, I believe that I have had a non-God centred spiritual awakening.
God or no God, I have discovered that applying AA principles in my life is turning out to be a beautiful and satisfying way to live.
I have written a book which I have called "The twelve steps for agnostics"
It offers a way towards a peaceful and happy recovery. This had not required a belief in the traditional idea of a monotheistic God.
I do hope that it will be a helpful resource for agnostics, atheists and freethinkers that come to AA with a desire to stop drinking
Best wishes
Andy F
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 30, 2021
The 12 Steps have been shown to be one of the most effective treatments of addiction in the last 100 years. In this book alcohol is the focus but any compulsive repetitive behaviour will benefit from the 12 Step programme. From overeating to gambling, even internet addiction, can be tackled.
Central to the 12 Steps has historically been a belief in a higher power which has been a stumbling block for non believers. In this book Andy F tries to interpret from the agnostic point of view.
This is a well written intense and comprehensive book which goes into meticulous and practical detail. I would recommend it to psychiatrists, psychologists and addiction centre specialists in particular but anyone with a keen interest in addiction and the 12 Steps will appreciate it.
Full disclosure. I've tried my best to write an impartial review but I must disclose I know and am friends with the author.
Central to the 12 Steps has historically been a belief in a higher power which has been a stumbling block for non believers. In this book Andy F tries to interpret from the agnostic point of view.
This is a well written intense and comprehensive book which goes into meticulous and practical detail. I would recommend it to psychiatrists, psychologists and addiction centre specialists in particular but anyone with a keen interest in addiction and the 12 Steps will appreciate it.
Full disclosure. I've tried my best to write an impartial review but I must disclose I know and am friends with the author.
January 29, 2022
Exciting Find for Practice
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I often refer clients to AA and Alanon. Many already are participating. The complaint (resistance) heard most often is about having to believe in God. Even though the program welcomes all, and in recent years even has meetings specifically for agnostics and atheists, the 12 steps are the 12 steps. Meaning the client HAS to accept something in the spiritual nature. This book takes the time to peel back ALL the layers of what makes this program work. For everyone. The research involved is impressive. Thorough. A treasure is found in chapter 18: letter from Carl Jung to Bill Wilson. I will be recommending this book to peers and to clients. With the advice that it is meant to be consumed in small doses. Like a nourishing meal. Digest sections in multiple sittings. Really the book goes beyond helping the addict find spiritual strength from within, it’s discoveries can open sober eyes. It will certainly give me additional tools to help my clients.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I often refer clients to AA and Alanon. Many already are participating. The complaint (resistance) heard most often is about having to believe in God. Even though the program welcomes all, and in recent years even has meetings specifically for agnostics and atheists, the 12 steps are the 12 steps. Meaning the client HAS to accept something in the spiritual nature. This book takes the time to peel back ALL the layers of what makes this program work. For everyone. The research involved is impressive. Thorough. A treasure is found in chapter 18: letter from Carl Jung to Bill Wilson. I will be recommending this book to peers and to clients. With the advice that it is meant to be consumed in small doses. Like a nourishing meal. Digest sections in multiple sittings. Really the book goes beyond helping the addict find spiritual strength from within, it’s discoveries can open sober eyes. It will certainly give me additional tools to help my clients.
May 3, 2022
Good, not great … worth my time
The author’s 12 Step journey is long lived and real. Best was he remained agnostic throughout his journey … but it seemed he stretched to disconnect “God” (as an intervening deity) in his recovery and, at least in the book, didn’t have a good discription of “spiritual / spirituality (and as used in context of his views). Getting ostracized in meetings (AA, NA, OA) for not marching to the “God” drum beat is real and he didn’t off much help to us.
The variation in his sponsors approach to the Steps was a valuable part of the book.
The author’s 12 Step journey is long lived and real. Best was he remained agnostic throughout his journey … but it seemed he stretched to disconnect “God” (as an intervening deity) in his recovery and, at least in the book, didn’t have a good discription of “spiritual / spirituality (and as used in context of his views). Getting ostracized in meetings (AA, NA, OA) for not marching to the “God” drum beat is real and he didn’t off much help to us.
The variation in his sponsors approach to the Steps was a valuable part of the book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews