Subj : What can I do?
To   : Evan Thacker
From : Mitch W
Date : Mon Jan 01 2001 11:42 am

 ET> Okay, here is the deal...I am about 99.9% sure that I am  an
 ET> alchoholic, and I
 ET> want to get help.  The problem is that I am an Atheist, and
 ET> AA, as I understand it, requires belief in God, which I
 ET> couldn't see myself ever doing.

As per the 12 AA traditions, specifically tradition 3:

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

And I've been told that originally read "honest desire" and the word honest was 
removed in the fifties. I've taken that to imply that even a dishonest desire 
to stop drinking will suffice. In other words, AA only required that alcohol be 
a problem in my life when I joined. Later, I had to get with the honest part in 
order for the "fix" to work.

ET>  I'm not slamming those that do, it's just not for me.  So,
 ET> my question is,

Although the word "God" is used, it's suggested for anyone that has a problem 
with GOD that "Group Of Drunks" or possibly "Good Orderly Direction" could be 
used. Even some who believe in God, like myself, prefer "Higher Power", HP for 
short, which refers to some power more powerful than myself alone, and outside 
me.

Together, myself and this higher power (often it's others on the phone or 
computer) can help me stay sober.

And if AA had required my belief in God I might not be sober today myself.

Day 5660 of my trip into the uncharted waters known as sobriety.

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