The Higher Power of AA

25:00  CLAIRE KHAW joins to discuss old  man coffee shops and old man pubs.

27:00  Bottomless cup cafes

28:00  Whether God is benevolent

29:00  Punishment

30:00  Ten Commandments

Spinoza

32:00  Higher Power

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) uses the concept of a "higher power" because members realize they are powerless over alcohol and need something beyond themselves to restore sanity and find strength for recovery, a principle outlined in Step 2; this power is intentionally left vague to be inclusive, allowing atheists, agnostics, or people of any faith to find meaning in a group, nature, or personal principles, rather than forcing a specific religious deity. 

Core Reasons for the Higher Power Concept

Admitting Powerlessness: The core idea is that the alcoholic's will alone isn't enough to overcome addiction, requiring a power greater than themselves for help.

Hope and Sanity: It provides hope and a foundation for recovery, helping members believe they aren't alone and can regain mental clarity.

Inclusivity: The term "Higher Power" (or "God as we understood Him") allows people from diverse backgrounds—religious, spiritual, or non-believers—to participate without adhering to a specific dogma. 

How Members Define Their Higher Power

Traditional God: Many find support in their existing religious beliefs (Christian, Jewish, Islamic, etc.).

The Fellowship: Some see the collective wisdom, support, and strength of the AA group itself as their higher power.

Nature/Universe: Others turn to universal energy, nature, or the principles of the program (humility, acceptance).

Personal Choice: The beauty of the concept is its flexibility, enabling recovery without religious conversion, focusing on personal spiritual growth. 

37:00  Invisible friend

38:00  Dialogue

40:00  CBT

41:00  Maps of Meaning

42:00  This life is examination hall. 

Transactional

43:00  Mark Power

44:00  Behavioural addictions