Episode 1105: When God Is Removed From Recovery

Episode 1105: When God Is Removed From Recovery

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This instalment of *Take 12 Recovery Radio* throws that question straight at the heart of the Twelve Steps by asking what happens when God is taken out of the picture. Host Monty Dale Meyer (the Monty’man) and his co-host Roger McDermott get stuck into a line‑by‑line comparison of the original Alcoholics Anonymous Twelve Steps and a so‑called “proactive” version that removes God and replaces “we” with “I”.

They keep it relaxed and humorous, but the conversation stays razor sharp. Again and again, they question whether self-will and mindfulness are enough for people who describe themselves as genuinely powerless over alcohol and other substances.

You’ll hear them tackle big questions head-on: “Can self-will alone produce lasting recovery?”, “What’s the difference between behaviour change and spiritual transformation?”, and “If self-will is the problem, how can it produce lasting recovery?” For them, the key issue is whether recovery is just about coping strategies or about a deep spiritual overhaul rooted in dependence on a higher power.

Roger points to the AA Big Book and the idea of a “spiritual malady”, arguing that without a relationship with God, people may just end up rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. Monty adds real-world flavour with stories from meetings, sponsors, and his own experience of trying to fix life on self-will alone. The tone is candid, occasionally cheeky, and clearly aimed at people in recovery who are wrestling with God-talk, higher powers, and whether the Steps still matter.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a “God-less” programme can carry you through long-term sobriety, this conversation might get you asking yourself some uncomfortable but vital questions.