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by A. Bill Friend (Author)
The roles of faith, belief and spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous are covered, but mostly this book is about behavior motivating beliefs, like those of the Cognitive Model. The beliefs of drinking alcoholics about their alcoholism, their life and alcohol are what keeps them drinking. These beliefs are shaped by the alcoholic's mental obsession which excuses and justifies drinking at every turn. Obsessions of every kind function by excusing and justifying aberrant behavior. Loss of faith in these excuses and justifications coupled with a crisis situation and the availability sobriety knowledge enables the alcoholic to see clearly and get sober. The alcoholic gets sober by believing in abstinence as the solution and active participation in the Alcoholics Anonymous as the method. Created and driven by the alcoholics will to live, sober beliefs get and keep the alcoholic sober. The personality and character shaping role of a Higher Power in 12 Step Recovery is explained. The adaptability of non-theistic faiths, such as Buddhist Meditation, is discussed. Freedom of belief is explained, including the freedom to be an atheist and participate in AA. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and SMARTrecovery, based in science, focus on the cultivation of rational beliefs. This books explanation of how beliefs are formed, within the human personality, adds much to the understanding of Cognitive Science. Faith and belief are defined and expanded on and the traditional religious connotations that monopolize these powerful psychological words are challenged. Use of faith and belief as terms of cognitive science is encouraged. The concept of Faiths Plural is introduced. Faiths Plural is the idea that several forms of faith acting in synergy get and keep alcoholics sober. For example faith in the AA program and faith in ones decision to stay sober together with other forms of faith create the belief structure within the personality of the alcoholic that motivates lasting sobriety. Faiths Plural is the primary challenge to the traditionally magical meanings of the words faith and belief. Cultivation of faith in sober realities and beliefs that motivate success in achieving goals are powerful tools useful to Cognitive Science.
