- 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)".
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 sponsor, their twelve-step group, God, science, Buddha Nature, gravity – it is simply should be something "greater" than themselves. 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.[1]
- 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.[2]
- Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances![3]
See also
- Addiction recovery groups
- List of twelve-step groups
- Self-help groups for mental health
- Twelve-step program
References
- ^ Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). "Chapter 5: How It Works", Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF), 4th edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. ISBN 1893007162. OCLC 32014950.
- ^ Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). "Chapter 3: More About Alcoholism", Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF), 4th edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. ISBN 1893007162. OCLC 32014950.
- ^ Alcoholics Anonymous (June 2001). "Chapter 7: Working With Others", Alcoholics Anonymous (PDF), 4th edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. ISBN 1893007162. OCLC 32014950.
