Andy F
AUTHOR

Andy F

Health & Wellness
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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 of 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 did not require 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 who come to AA with a desire to stop drinking Best wishes Andy F ===//=== Testimony of an alcoholic/addict who read "The twelve steps for agnostics" whilst in Rehab “I decided I wanted to quit drinking and taking drugs and that Rehab would improve my chances. So, not knowing anything else, I found one in Thailand, and off I went. When I arrived, I joined the daily program and learned theory which gave me insights into many things. For example: Why I used. How addiction was visible in other parts of my life, and how mindfulness could be an option. But what I felt was hard to grasp were the twelve steps. How useful would it be for me? What did it practically mean? And could I walk the path as someone who does not believe in a Christian God? I have always learned well through books. By chance, I saw a copy of ‘Twelve Steps for Agnostics.’ It was in the common room of the Rehab, next to some other books people had left. I picked it up and had difficulty putting it down until I finished it a few days later. Afterward, I felt I had an idea of what the steps practically looked like, some of the challenges that could arise, and some of the changes I could expect in myself going through them. After reading the book, I saw the twelve steps as a mix of psychological and philosophical practices I had read about earlier in life, resonating with me. I became thoroughly convinced that I wanted to embark on this journey. I felt I would become a better person if I walked this path in addition to helping me stay sober. While the title initially caught my attention due to the theological implications, I appreciated Andy’s practical retelling of his path, full of examples, full of mistakes, and full of excerpts from the Big Book. It is easy to read and gave me confidence in the Twelve Steps. It would have taken me a long time to acquire otherwise. After reading the Twelve Steps for Agnostics, I joined several online NA meetings in Rehab. I bought the Basic Text from NA and the Big Book from AA and feel comfortable on my path toward hopefully long-lasting sobriety. Suffice it to say; I am happy I found this book. I could not have wished for a better introduction to the Twelve Steps. I have recommended it to several of my peers in Rehab." Signed C. A 34-year-old Swedish alcoholic and addict. Hope House 12 Step Rehab Bang Saray, Thailand
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