Susan Cheever and Kevin Griffin: Spiritual Paths in Addiction Recovery
There's something mysterious at the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous and whether you call it God or not, there's something mysterious there that makes people whole again, and to my mind that's a pretty good argument for faith.
What if addiction recovery is more than just breaking free from substance use? Susan Cheever and Kevin Griffin dive into this question in their candid chat with Krista Tippett. They explore how the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) resonate deeply within Buddhist and Christian teachings, offering a fresh take on the spirituality of recovery. Cheever and Griffin reveal how sharing personal stories in AA meetings fosters a sense of community and empathy, which are crucial for healing.
Cheever emphasizes that storytelling is a fundamental way we connect with others, making it a powerful tool in the recovery journey. Another intriguing aspect they discuss is the role of anonymity in AA. While it protects members' privacy, Cheever and Griffin suggest it also has a spiritual dimension. Anonymity helps members shed their egos and connect with a higher power or universal consciousness. This deeper connection, they argue, is vital for true recovery.
The conversation also touches on the paradoxical nature of the Twelve Steps—simple yet profound, practical yet mystical. Embracing these contradictions can lead to a sense of wholeness and healing that often feels out of reach in everyday life. Griffin points out that there's a mysterious element at the heart of AA that brings people back to wholeness, which he sees as a strong argument for faith.
Whether you're battling addiction, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the spiritual side of recovery, this episode offers a compassionate and enlightening perspective. Cheever and Griffin's reflections are sure to inspire and inform anyone interested in the deeper dimensions of healing.