K

Please state your name and age.

K, 62

What 12-Step Program(s) were you formerly, or currently, a part of—such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, etc.?

NA

At what age did you join and when did you leave the 12-Step Program(s)?

30-35, 40-50.

What prompted you to start considering leaving the 12-Step Program(s), and what ultimately led to your decision to leave?

The Christian undertones and overtones, the learned helplessness, really bad suggestions from folks who in no way should be telling anyone anything, hanging out with sick people.

Have you found anything to partially or fully replace 12-Step Recovery, such as spirituality, community, service, hobbies, or a wonderful therapist?

All of the above, though I currently am not receiving therapy at this time.

Do you consider yourself in recovery today? How do you define recovery? Do you use alternative terms or concepts instead of sobriety or recovery?

I consider myself recovered as far as my drug and alcohol abuse is concerned, and on a path of continued growth.

What advice would you give to someone who is contemplating leaving a 12-Step Program(s)?

Do it if you truly feel that you’ve outgrown it, stay if it still works for you.
Understand that your “friends” in AA/NA are mostly of the conditional variety, and many won’t be all that eager to stay connected with you (and it’s OK, you’ll be fine).