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As she shares with Host John Sheldon on this episode of Beyond Belief, entering recovery as a non-believer at the height of pandemic presented Katy Jacopi with special challenges. Where to find community and support when the Alcoholics Anonymous concept of a \u201chigher power\u201d isn\u2019t the right fit? \u201cThe reason I couldn\u2019t deny that I had an alcohol problem was my skepticism, my ability to ask questions and not just take something at face value,\u201d she explains. \u201cIt\u2019s who I am and I wouldn\u2019t be where I am today without this thought process.\u201d Like John, Katie is speaking out where she can to ensure that the most inclusive possible message reaches the greatest number of people \u2013 without shame or the need to subscribe to any one set of beliefs.
\nKaty, who is a poet and writer, shares the story of her journey to recovery, which she ultimately cobbled together with a mix of intuitive, personal choices. You\u2019ll learn on this episode about the many alternative groups and formats that have sprung up to serve a broad spectrum of people \u2013 resources that can still be hard to locate today, let alone 25 years ago when John first got sober in a more narrowly AA-centric world. \u201cWe\u2019re so conditioned to be afraid of doubt,\u201d says Katy, who is starting a podcast on exactly that topic. \u201cIf we give voice to that fear, but also acknowledge how doubt has a positive impact on who we are as people, I think it can help facilitate a bigger conversation.\u201d Get out your notepad. This conversation highlights lots of great recovery groups!
\nTo view this and other episodes of Beyond Belief Sobriety on YouTube, visit this link.
\nKey Takeaways
\n\xa0After she was diagnosed with bipolarism, Katy uncovered the existence of a problem with alcoholism and went in search of secular support.
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\n* Reframing \u201chigher power\u201d as something other than God still wasn\u2019t a comfortable fit for Katy, who found the entire concept problematic, regardless the language or imagery in which it was couched.
\n* Can \u2013 or should \u2013 the 12 steps written nearly 100 years ago be reconceived in ways that make them more inclusive?
\n* Katy got clarity about her alcoholism through conversation with a knowledgeable, empathetic friend and writing poems about her experience getting sober.
\n* What defines sobriety? It\u2019s a process of change as understood by each of us individually in our own way and time. Even if there\u2019s a relapse, you are still going through a process of change!
\n* The most important thing when it comes to supporting recovery? Meet people where they are and with the intention of helping them reach their goals!
\n* John shares two resources he has explored:
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\n* LifeRing Secular Recovery
\n* Smart Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction
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\n* Reflections on the unfortunate tensions that can shroud AA meetings when people are unaccepting of those with a secular orientation.
\n* Often the most dogmatic people are the most vocal \u2013 and create the most tension in rooms \u2013 with regard to the necessity of a \u201chigher power\u201d in the context of AA.
\n* Dealing with a potential mental health issue? Removing alcohol is a great first step towards clarity, diagnosis and treatment.
\n* Openness is key to removing stigma and reaching people in search of recovery.
\n* The reasons Katy reached out to John:
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\n* She\u2019s starting her own podcast and wanted to experience being a guest.
\n* She sought an opportunity to share her story and ask her questions.
\n* She wanted to discuss hurdles she encountered as a non-believer seeking help.
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\n* Katy shares plans for her upcoming podcast, which will feature stories about how doubt has factored into the lives of people in transition.
\n* Closing thoughts on the power of doubt,