Higher Power

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This article is about an element of Alcoholics Anonymous. For the album by Big Audio Dynamite see Higher Power. For the seaQuest DSV episode, see "Higher Power (seaQuest DSV episode)".
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Higher Power is a term coined in Alcoholics Anonymous, and used in other twelve-step programs, also sometimes referred to as a power greater than ourselves. It is suggested that members in such programs identify a power greater than themselves for spiritual strength, courage, confidence, and support. A Higher Power can be anything or anyone, dead or alive, that the member feels is adequate – the sky, the Sun, the ocean, Nature, consciousness, existential freedom, their twelve-step group, God, science, Buddha Nature, gravity – it simply should be something "greater" than themselves, which is loving and caring.[1]

These phrases are used in Alcoholics Anonymous, the "Big Book", used in Alcoholics Anonymous groups, in the following ways.

  • Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.[2]
  • The alcoholic at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink. Except in a few cases, neither he nor any other human being can provide such a defense. His defense must come from a Higher Power.[3]
  • Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances![4]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Baker, Michael P.; Sellman, J. Douglas; Horn, Jacqueline (2001). "Developing a God/higher power scale for use with twelve step treatment programs". Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 19 (2): 45-61. doi:10.1300/J020v19n02_03. ISSN 0734-7324. 
  2. ^ Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). "Chapter 5: How It Works", Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF), 4th edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. ISBN 1893007162. OCLC 32014950. 
  3. ^ Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). "Chapter 3: More About Alcoholism", Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF), 4th edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. ISBN 1893007162. OCLC 32014950. 
  4. ^ Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). "Chapter 7: Working With Others", Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF), 4th edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. ISBN 1893007162. OCLC 32014950.