OCD Anonymous

[PhilM]

I posted this elsewhere but thought I would share it on the main part of the forum. I personally find it very insulting.

http://www.obsessivecompulsiveanonymous.org.uk/resources/the_twelve_steps.html

There seems to be a 12-step fellowship these days for everything (just a few include Neurotics Anonymous, Liars Anonymous and believe me - even Nicotine Anonymous) all based with slight modification on the 12 steps of AA.

Tell me please if it is fair to compare the behaviour of someone suffering from OCD to the behaviour of an alcoholic, drug addict or gambling addict and think some of these "steps" are appropriate?

Edited September 18, 2017 by PhilM

[PhilM]

From the website:

"Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.

Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it - then you are ready to take certain steps.

At some of these we balked. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not. With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.

Remember that we deal with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power that one is God. May you find him now!

Half measure availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked his protection and care with complete abandon.

(Based on Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book", page 58)"

[OceanDweller]

Hi Phil. Having experienced both, I believe that OCD and addiction have much in common, primarily that they both revolve around choices. That's why I don't classify myself as an alcoholic. Because I don't consider addiction a disease. For me, it's a choice. If I don't choose to pick up that first drink, I'll remain sober. It's the same with OCD. If I don't choose to react to my intrusive thoughts, OCD cannot impact upon my life. As regards Fellowships like AA, I reject most of what they preach, and don't consider their principles pertinent to OCD.

[PhilM]

Hi OD. Thanks for your response.

I have nothing against fellowships per se and if a spiritual approach helps someone that's great.

However as someone with OCD and a recovering compulsive gambler I get quite frustrated on another forum I use where people refer to gambling addiction as an illness or a disease.

There's no doubt in my mind that addiction can make you feel ill but I do not believe a 12-step program for OCD would help me as I do not believe in God or "higher powers".

Best wishes, Phil.

[PolarBear]

I'll start to believe in religion's power to heal when those who only pray regenerate missing arms and legs. Until then, we have to go with what we know works.

[PhilM]

I like Smart Recovery for my issues to do with gambling as it is based on CBT.

Ultimately I've realised in the last couple of years that after two decades plus of having OCD - my inappropriate use of substances etc. was an "addiction" to distraction from what was going on in mind.