Quote:
Originally Posted by canacrip
I'm familiar with the 12 Steps. I never thought of it as implying that anything is my "fault". They treat addictions as an illness, not a character defect. What it allows me to do is take charge of my sickness, that's all. Many chronic illnesses can go into remission if treated properly. Another way to look at it is that addiction is recognized as a mental illness, so what's the difference?
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I see a huge difference. If someone detoxes, then goes back to the bottle (aka relapse), that is a sober, conscious choice. Mental illness or not, they have to take responsibility for that choice. AA teaches people to take responsibility for their actions, even if it is a disease. If I have a manic episode, (aka relapse), I do not have the same culpability as an alcoholic. I do not choose mania or depression of my own free will.
The 12 steps are designed to help people stop their self destructive behavior, not alter brain chemistry or cure any disease. In fact, they readily admit that they can't cure the "disease" of alcoholism, they just help people stop drinking. Carry this over to bipolar now. They can't cure it, but they can change my behavior? How can they change my brain's regulation of dopamine? What if there is nothing wrong with my behavior? My problem is with my moods and how I feel inside.
I just feel that putting a bipolar person in a 12 step program just adds to the stigma that we have done something wrong to deserve our mental illness.
On a personal note, several years ago, I was addicted to crystal meth. I woke up one day and realized that how bad it was for me and that God wanted better things for my life. I quit that day, cold turkey, and have never gone back. With God, I beat addiction with no problem. That's why 12 step programs are so great for addictions. I have prayed to the same God with the same faith that he cure my bipolar, yet he hasn't. They aren't the same thing! In AA circles, when people do not recover, it is because they are not "working the program" or because of some other personal failure. If a bipolar person does not get better, it should in no way be taken personally. The problem with applying a 12 step philosophy is that forcing you to take responsibility for your setbacks is central to the program. I have a disorder that is 0% my fault, so what good does a program like this do except make me feel guilty about it?