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=====TABLE OF CONTENTS=====
=====EDITOR'S COMMENTS
=====READERS' COMMENTS
=====TIGHT BRIEFS
=====ADDICTION & RECOVERY
=====SPONSOR'S CORNER
=====FRIENDLY LINKS
=====PURE BOLOGNA
=====SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE
=====WITHDRAWAL
=====EDITOR'S COMMENTS=====
PLEASE NOTE: Principles looks at recovery through somewhat of an
"eastern" spiritual perspective.
PRIVACY: I will never publish, give, loan, or sell your email address to anyone. Never - Ever - No way - No how.
DISTRIBUTION: God willing, Principles hits cyberspace once a week - sometime between Thursday evening and Friday
morning. Find Subscribe & Unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of this page.
Thanks...Charles Roper
=====TIGHT BRIEFS=====
There are two theories about how to argue with an addict. Neither one works.
=====READERS' RAMBLINGS=====
From Debra:
Thanks so much for this week's newsletter. The list about deep spiritual recovery is printed and taped to my mirror as a
reminder of where progress can be made.
Here's a quote for you from 365 ZEN:
"Watermelons and Zen students grow pretty much the same way. Long periods of sitting 'till they ripen and grow all juicy inside,
but when you knock them on the head to see if they are ready - it sounds like nothing's going on."
--Peter Levitt, "One Hundred Butterflies"
Please email your comments & questions to:
Mailto:Principles-Newsletter-owner@egroups.com
=====ADDICTION & RECOVERY=====
I've never quite understood the "division" between spiritual and secular recovery groups. I believe that the members of both seek
the exact same thing - to feel good themselves and their place in the world.
In that vein, I would like to share an interesting exchange between a stranger and myself:
From Steve:
A friend of mine in an online recovery group posted the link to your website, specifically about the book, and stress in
recovery. You mention spirituality a lot. I was curious about your take on secular recovery groups (depending on how much you
know about them), self-esteem, and the spirituality of authors such as Nathaniel Branden and Albert Ellis.
My reply:
Steve, I believe that spirituality is just a concept - a word without firm meaning. My experience with secular groups has been
that I see my understanding of spirituality at work there the same as I do at AA. Some members seem genuine, compassionate, and
forgiving, and others don't.
My oldest son, who is 29, says that he's an atheist. He has a heart the size of Missouri. He's kind and loving and generous. He
tells the truth and seldom judges others. I admire his spiritual nature.
I don't know about Branden and Ellis. I saw Ellis give a talk once, and although I perceived him as rather crotchety, I noticed
that the corners of his mouth turned up from time to time. At one point, I thought I saw him wink at a comrade.
Why do you ask?
Steve's reply:
The online group I am in is a secular one. I have a foot in AA as well, though. The same is true of the person who posted the link
to your website. Some people in the online group so perceive AA's definition of "spirituality" as "religion" that they don't use
that word. Can't say that I blame them.
Without referring to his "spirituality," a lot of people are fond of Ellis. I like Branden. He has some very good sentence
completion exercise workbooks. He was a student of Ayn Rand's.
I am a peacemaker and people-pleaser at times. That includes trying to promote more dialogue and understanding on this issue.
Many people in AA don't seem to even have the
"open-mindedness" to understand or work to understand how AA is perceived as religious
by recovering alcoholics taking other paths. At the same time,
some alcoholics on those other paths let their perception of AA hinder them from adapting what may be useful in AA, even if it
takes re-labeling.
Editor's reply:
I don't know, Steve, it seems to me that the more we squabble over the meaning of words, the less we focus on feeling good
inside. I feel the same way about "thinking." I have post-it notes around my office that remind me to "Don't Think."
Keep up the good work...
=====SPONSOR'S CORNER=====
From J:
"I have read your book and think it's phenomenal. I do not have a drug or alcohol problem, but I grew up with alcoholism running
rampant in my family. Now my 29-year-old daughter has a problem with an addiction to pain medications and has been sober for
about 6 months. I'm not sure it will last because she hasn't done any work on herself. Regardless, though, your book has helped me
to understand the struggle and has given me hope that all is not lost...."
Order High Bottom Drunk from my website:
http://www.highbottomdrunk.com.
I'll sign and date it, plus send you a couple of free gifts (modest but useful) with each copy.
http://www.highbottomdrunk.com
<a href="http://www.highbottomdrunk.com"> AOL Link Here</a>
High Bottom Drunk: A Novel...and the Truth about Addiction &
Recovery, by Charles N. Roper
=====FRIENDLY LINKS=====
This week's featured link is: Addictions & More
This site provides substantial information about addictions to alcohol, drugs, and gambling, as well as
information on ADD-ADHD and eating disorders.
Visit the site:
http://www.addictions.net
<a href="http://www.addictions.net"> AOL Link</a>
=====PURE BOLOGNA & HOGWASH=====
Harold smoked a little too much dope during college, and it showed in some of his classroom performance.
One time, during his third year as a freshman, Harold sat in his U.S. Government class, barely paying attention. The professor
noticed this and decided to wake him up with a question.
"Mr. Smith, please tell the class what you know about Roe vs. Wade."
Harold thought a moment and then answered, "Wasn't that the decision George Washington had to make when he decided to cross
the Delaware."
=====SUBSCRIBE / UNSUBSCRIBE=====
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=====WITHDRAWAL=====
Keep it simple, dear readers.
Charles Roper, Editor
Principles: The Addiction & Recovery Newsletter
Alcohol & Drug Abuse - The Addiction & Recovery Information &
Resources Website:
http://www.alcoholanddrugabuse.com
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