TLDR;
This workshop focuses on Step One of the 12-step program, particularly the concept of powerlessness over addiction. It broadens the definition of addiction to include both substance and process addictions. The discussion emphasizes understanding addiction through the lens of the body (allergy and craving) and sets the stage for exploring the mind and will in subsequent sessions. Participants are encouraged to examine their personal experiences with addiction using specific questions and autobiographical reflections.
- Powerlessness over addiction is the key concept.
- Addiction includes substance and process addictions.
- Understanding addiction involves examining the body, mind, and will.
Introduction and Prayer [0:00]
Herb K. welcomes participants to a workshop on the 12-step application, emphasizing the importance of an open mind. He leads the group in a prayer to set aside preconceived notions about themselves, their brokenness, the 12 steps, and a higher power, followed by the Serenity Prayer, asking for serenity, courage, and wisdom.
Focus on Step One: Powerlessness [1:04]
The workshop begins with Step One, specifically the admission of powerlessness over alcohol and other addictions. Herb clarifies that addiction encompasses substance addictions (alcohol, drugs, food) and process addictions (behaviors without substances). He shares his sobriety date (February 1984) and his 32-year pursuit of spiritual awakening, aiming to guide others toward their own awakening through the 12 steps.
Understanding Addiction: Body, Mind, and Spirit [4:30]
Herb explains that the first half of Step One relates to the doctor's opinion about a problem with the body, while later steps address the spiritual malady. He emphasizes that Step One is the foundation for building a spiritual arch, with Step Two as the cornerstone and Step Three as the keystone. He aims to help participants deeply understand and unpack their experiences with Step One, moving beyond a superficial understanding of powerlessness.
The Doctor's Opinion: Allergy and Craving [8:34]
Herb discusses the doctor's opinion in the Big Book, focusing on the terms "allergy" and "craving." He clarifies that "allergy" is used as a metaphor for a physical reaction to the addictive substance or process. "Craving" is defined medically as a biological, chemical reaction that leads to loss of control after the initial engagement, rather than a mere desire. He uses the concept of a "biological mandate" or "biological imperative" to describe this reaction.
Personal Experiences and the 20 Questions [13:53]
Herb introduces a questionnaire based on the 20 questions, tailored to include both substance and process addictions. He emphasizes that this is not a test but a tool for self-reflection. He encourages participants to create an autobiography of their relationship with their addiction, detailing specific episodes and their experiences.
Example of Loss of Control [17:05]
Herb shares a personal story from 1968 when he was arrested for drunk driving after a celebratory luncheon. Despite having important commitments, he lost control once he started drinking, highlighting the hijacking effect of alcohol. He emphasizes that the consequences are less important than the initial loss of control.
Assignment for the Next Session [19:39]
For the next session, participants are assigned to read pages 23-35 of the Big Book and examine the mind worksheet. The key question for the mind is: What are you thinking, feeling, or aware of within two minutes before engaging in the addiction? Herb notes that the challenge is the "no choice" concept after the addiction begins.
Open Sharing and Discussion: Body Problem [21:43]
Herb opens the floor for participants to share their experiences, focusing on the body problem. He clarifies the page numbers for the spiritual arch references: Step 2 (page 47), Step 3 (page 62 or 63), and Step 5 (page 75).
Discussion: Allergy and Craving [23:48]
A participant shares their experience of starting to drink at age 14, enjoying it without feeling a compulsion or craving. Herb clarifies that craving is not about feelings or thoughts but about losing control. He asks if the participant ever intended to lose control, emphasizing the concept of powerlessness.
Codependency and Addiction [28:38]
A participant in OA (Overeaters Anonymous) discusses their addiction to food and the deeper issue of codependency. They share an example of gossiping with a nurse at work to feel superior, recognizing the "juice" they get from this behavior. Herb connects this to a biochemical reaction.
Food Addiction and Loss of Control [31:54]
A participant describes their food addiction, particularly to flour and sugar, and how one bite triggers obsessive thinking and loss of control. They share an example of verbally abusing a store clerk while high on sugar. Herb reiterates that the story is predictable once the bite is taken, and the doctor's opinion explains why they can't stop due to an allergy and craving.
Workaholism and Al-Anon [35:36]
A participant asks about dealing with a workaholic spouse who doesn't recognize the problem. Herb advises talking to a sponsor and exploring Al-Anon.
Alcohol Addiction and Food/Sugar Addiction [36:49]
A participant with long-term sobriety in AA discusses their current struggle with food and sugar addiction. They share a specific example of losing control and eating multiple bowls of ice cream after dinner. Herb questions their intention and highlights the unhealthy attitude.
Al-Anon Perspective: Control and Anger [40:33]
A participant from an Al-Anon perspective shares how a phone call with their children triggers a spiral of trying to manipulate and control others. Herb emphasizes that everything after the initial spiral is just a story and that the key is the loss of control.
Inner Madness and Codependency [43:32]
The participant elaborates on their "inner madness" and codependency, expressing a desire to cause suffering. Herb suggests that the question itself is a gift and that Step Four will provide answers.
New Awareness and Potential Trouble [45:07]
A participant shares that the workshop has made them aware of a new potential problem, allowing them to intervene before it leads to trouble.
Shifting Perspective to Al-Anon [46:01]
A participant asks for guidance on shifting their perspective to Al-Anon, focusing on relationship symptoms. Herb advises getting specific about the problem and the behavior, thoughts, and feelings associated with it.
Al-Anon Example: Crisis and Under-Earning [49:52]
A participant provides an Al-Anon example of rushing to help someone in crisis, dropping all responsibilities, and experiencing a "high." This leads to under-earning and time-dreading, which they connect to ADHD symptoms. They emphasize the importance of recognizing "no choice" to escape shame and the need for outside help.
Addictive Personality and Multiple Compulsions [54:20]
A participant questions the concept of an "addictive personality" and how to parse multiple compulsions. Herb states he doesn't believe in the addictive personality. He defines the primary addiction as the one causing the most difficulty in terms of quality of life. He suggests that treating the spiritual malady is essential.
Common Threads and Unmanageability [59:57]
Herb suggests that there are common threads in all addictions and that the problem is human nature. He promises to unpack unmanageability in future sessions.
Answering Yes to Every Question [1:00:57]
A participant shares that they answered "yes" to most questions on both the addiction and Al-Anon questionnaires. Herb acknowledges that this is their experience.
Replacing Primary Addiction [1:02:18]
A participant discusses how removing their primary addiction (alcohol and drugs) has led to other areas their body gravitates toward. Herb suggests staying with the workshop and that unmanageability is the root of the problem.
Time Management and Workaholism [1:03:27]
A participant shares their problem with time management and their past as a workaholic. They describe getting a "high" from efficiently scheduling and completing tasks. Herb suggests that it's only a problem if it diminishes the quality of life.
ACA, Food Addiction, and Bulimia [1:06:06]
A participant discusses their history of food addiction, bulimia, and alcoholism. They identify ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) and food addiction as their primary fellowships.
Cheese Pizza and Loss of Control [1:09:15]
The participant shares that they can't manage cheese pizza, and that they lose control and purge. Herb emphasizes that the story and consequences are irrelevant, and the key is the inability to control it.
Autobiographical Reflection and Deepening Awareness [1:11:14]
A participant shares that treating the body worksheet like an autobiography deepened their awareness of their food addiction.
Relapse and Spiritual Fitness [1:12:43]
A participant in FA (Food Addicts Anonymous) shares that they were able to be abstinent since the beginning of the workshop but recently relapsed. They question what they weren't paying attention to and see it as a test.
Long-Term Abstinence and Loss of Control [1:14:42]
A participant with long-term abstinence in AA and Pills Anonymous reviews the questions and sees them differently. They recall losing control early in life and their inability to stop once they started.
Al-Anon, Codependency, and Primary Addiction [1:17:28]
A participant asks about Al-Anon and codependency and whether it matters if they find their primary addiction. Herb advises focusing on alcohol with 90 days of sobriety and talking to a sponsor.
Chronic Relapse and Self-Loathing [1:19:50]
A participant with 17 years in food addiction discusses their chronic relapses and the self-loathing they experience. They question whether their "hit" is the self-loathing and despair.
Anxiety and Process Addiction [1:22:19]
A participant questions whether anxiety is a process addiction or a symptom of untreated dry alcoholism. Herb advises holding those questions and continuing the work in Step One.
Situational Anxiety and Life Changes [1:24:50]
Herb notes that the participant has made a huge life change by moving to Hawaii and suggests that it may be situational anxiety.
Closing Prayer [1:25:07]
Herb leads the group in the Serenity Prayer to conclude the session.
