One common concern raised by newcomers in 12-Steps programs is, "How can I work the Steps if I'm an atheist / agnostic?
As an atheist myself, this was a big concern when I joined program. Many texts have triggering words for me, mentions of "God" and biblical-like language
Fortunately, both SAA and SPAA have secular meetings where atheists and agnostics work on recovery. I attend, and I highly recommend them!
- SAA Secular Sobriety meetings are:
- Monday at 6pm PT
- Wednesday at 6pm PT
See SAA Meetings for meeting join info on Wednesday. Use same login for Monday - SPAA Atheist and Agnostics meetings are:
- Contact SPAA via their form on the main website for meeting join info.
- Beyond Belief
- Staying Sober Without God by Jeffrey Munn In SPAA we have varying sources, including adaptations from the Big Book and elsewhere.
- Step 2 Reading from the "12 and 12"
- AA Atheist Agnostica
A cool resource for 12 Step atheist and agnostic support. Quotes from AA founders to support secular recovery, as well as many different secular versions of the 12 Steps.
Stay tuned- I'll be adding more here later :)
- Saturdays at 9am PT
- Sundays at 10am PT
- Wednesday at 1:30pm PT Wednesday (special 1.5 hour meeting)
I have found the Step 2 reading form the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions also helpful in working the program as an atheist:
- All 12 Step Prayers
- Big Book Prayers
- Unity Prayer
Note: by definition of "Secular" I mean nonreligious or not of a religious order, religious body, or religious commandments.
Secular to me is not anti-spiritual, though for some people it (understandably) can be.
These prayers are provided in the same way that "I hope you feel better soon" is a prayer, or "Get well soon" or "Wishing you all the best" or "You'll be in my thoughts and my heart" are prayers.
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