Sounds like a verse from wisdom literature, doesn’t it? Or the Bible. One thing’s for certain: it’s current!

A few hours ago I caught parts of an NPR discussion about alcoholism, its causes and cures, and how well the “scientific” approach to recovery works. It was informative . . . and disturbing.

I am so over the plethora of drug advertisements on TV these days; it seems like they have replaced the old network alcohol and smoking ads of yesteryear; you know, the ones we decided were harmful for kids. No more Marlboro Man! And no more catchy jingles like “Head for the mountains . . . .”

Today we are inundated with drug cures for diseases and maladies I never even heard of growing up. And the list of possible side effects (in tiny print) is daunting. The actors in the ads seem just fine though.

When Bill W started AA back in the 1930s he did so positing that it was “one drunk helping another drunk to stay sober.” In short, it was dependent on relationships. Yes, God (the “Higher Power”) was part and parcel, but back in those days that was not anathema. For the godless age we drunks decided we needed an alternate savior: let’s hear it for SCIENCE! (Courteous clapping)

In the 1990s a drug to cure alcoholism was developed; it was called naltrexone. There are other drugs used currently, but this one was highlighted on NPR today. All these medicines are intended to curtail the desire for alcohol, much like the numerous weight loss drugs in vogue.

I found it intriguing as I listened to a young author (herself a recovering alcoholic) explaining how AA and it’s “spiritual” component is fine for some but not necessary for others. For she, herself, began drinking at a very young age and became addicted without any deep seated spiritual issues. I wanted to ask, “Says who?”

All 12 Step groups state that if someone can get sober another way apart from 12 Steps . . . “more power to them” (so to speak). But to assert that someone with an addiction has “no spiritual issues” only works if you don’t accept that everyone is a spiritual being. In fact, I’ve never met ANYONE that doesn’t have spiritual issues, addicted or not. The young author on the radio is no exception . . . whether she sees it or not.

The author said that AA is fine for some, but she said asserting the spiritual component as a cause for EVERYONE’s addiction is “pernicious.” Ouch!

Pernicious? Really? Destructive? WHAT?

Our society is overrun with drugs; drugs are the solution to everything. Relationships? Well, they come and go. Higher Power? Well, that’s not real popular right now; in fact, some consider it intrusive. So, we say, “ you do you!”

But drugs? Ah yes. The impersonal, accepting, non-judgmental solution to all our problems. Because with drugs . . . all things are possible. Go ahead and bring on AI for counseling, too.

Arrggggg!