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The Buddhist in Alcoholics Anonymous: A contrast and comparison

Kathleen Shaw

Union Institute & University

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Introduction

When I started studying Buddhism this semester, I began to experience a feeling of déjà vu.

Having been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 30 years I was amazed at the

similarities in the tenets between A.A. and Buddhism. As I became excited, I began to research

this idea that Buddhism and A.A. might be very connected. I was amazed at how many books,

papers, and even meetings on just this topic I found. How did I miss this hidden treasury of genre

which could enrich my personal life? In this paper I will attempt to discuss The Four Noble

Truths, The Eightfold Path, and the 12 Steps and principles of A.A. The ways in which they are

similar and even complement each other. And ultimately how the combination may help the field

of psychology in the treatment and long-term recovery of addiction.

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The Buddhist in Alcoholics Anonymous: A contrast and comparison

The Buddha believed that the problem in life is human suffering( dukkha), and according

to Mark Epstein (2013), it can also be translated as “hard to face”. Upon hearing this many in

A.A. would wholeheartedly agree as their lives have been a testimony to this Noble Truth.

The Four Noble Truths/ The Eightfold Path

After years of studying many paths for spiritual enlightenment the Buddha, desperate and

alone sat beneath a bodhi tree struggling for an answer to suffering. This is when his answer

came, and The Four Noble Truths were revealed. Never give up before the miracle happens. The

First Noble Truth is that there is suffering, or dukkha and we cannot escape or deny it. To exist is

to experience suffering. We must accept this as part of life. The Second Noble Truth is the cause

or origin of suffering (samudaya) which is attachment to craving. Buddha teaches it is how we

respond to suffering by our craving/thirst for sense pleasures, being and non-being. These are

ways to get rid of or avoid the dukkha. We need to understand the truth of what causes our

suffering. The Third Noble Truth is cessation(end) of suffering (nirodha) which is where the way

to contain or harness desire/thirst is to let go of or liberate yourself from attachment. And The

Fourth Noble Truth is the path(marga) to the end of suffering. It is the Eightfold path of living,

which is the right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right

effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. These are ways of daily practice to ultimately

achieve spiritual perfection(enlightenment).

The 12 Steps of AA

The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are a means of change for body, mind, and spirit.

The first step is the admission of complete defeat to alcohol the spiritual principle being honesty.

Step 2 is believing that something (a power greater than yourself) could relieve our alcoholism,
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the spiritual principle being hope. The 3rd step is deciding to believe in that power and continue

on with the steps the spiritual principle being faith. Steps 4 and 5 are taking an inventory of

yourself and sharing it with another and the principles are courage and integrity. Steps 6 and 7

are looking at personal defects and becoming willing to change them. The spiritual principles are

willingness and humility. Steps 8 and 9 are action steps where we write a list of those we have

harmed and make amends. The spiritual principles are forgiveness and justice. Step 10 is about a

daily inventory and righting wrongs immediately with the spiritual principle being perseverance.

In step 11 we continue to deepen our relationship with our higher power through prayer and

meditation with the spiritual principle of spiritual awareness. And step 12 after having a spiritual

awakening we carry the message of A.A. and practice these principles daily with service as the

spiritual principle.

Where Buddhism and A.A. Come Together

Both A.A. and Buddhism are devoid of dogma instead they both suggest trying these

things for yourself. Although AA does involve finding and seeking God, they leave it up to the

individual what that means. In Buddhism there is no belief in a personal god. The premise of

both are that cravings and addiction are the cause of suffering. In AA’s first step and Buddha’s

First Noble Truth acceptance of this fact of suffering and the inability to control it are

foundational. In the Second Noble Truth Buddha teaches that ignorance, delusion, and cravings

are the cause of suffering . In AA we see denial of our addiction/alcoholism even though our

lives are in complete shambles as a direct result of our inability to stop using/drinking. And the

cycle of addictive suffering continues until we can acknowledge this truth. The hope which AA

talks about in the 2nd step is also eluded to in the Third Noble Truth , that there is an end to

suffering ,cessation of attachment can be contained/overcome. In AA’s third step where faith in a
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higher power is called upon , the idea of the Three Jewels, “The Buddha” ( a mindfulness

practice) The Dharma( teachings of Buddha), and the Sangha ( the community) come to mind.

From here begins a pathway to freedom by looking at ones true self and having a profound

spiritual and psychic change. The remaining steps 4-12 of AA and the Eightfold Path can be

summed up as action, courage, atonement, integrity, morality, wisdom, concentration,

transformation, and service. The path is not so different between A.A. and Buddhism. The

result is freedom from attachment specifically craving to rid the self from that which is hard to

face. Both AA and Buddhism are practices that rely on daily prayer and meditation, reflection,

the right action, spiritual connection and awareness of others and the world. An attitude of

humility and the release of pride are both a key to spiritual progress both in Buddhism and A.A.

Through meditation the Buddha said we lose our fears and insecurities and gain compassion and

mindfulness. A.A. teaches a code of love and tolerance. They are both spiritual programs of

attraction rather than promotion. Neither are people intimidated or pressured into seeking these

spiritual transforming ways of life, rather they are curious often because of the gentle and

humble ways of those who practice them.

Buddhism, The 12 Steps, and Mindfulness

So now as we see the use of mindfulness therapies all rooted in the practice of Buddhism

how can we implement them using the 12 steps? More and more studies have shown how

effective the use of Peer counseling can be. That is a basic principle behind A.A. That one drunk

can best understand and help another drunk. The process of accepting and acknowledging that

we all experience suffering this is part of life and if we are willing there is a path toward freedom

from the bondages of craving. This use of Buddhist psychology and the 12 -step approach may
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be well received by those who have a problem with a higher power as Buddhism does not

promote this.

One of the most important changes I see in the future of treatment for substance

abuse/addiction is maybe less cognitive and more mindfulness focused. Yes, as a potential

therapist I obviously believe in talk therapy but maybe if we put the horse before the cart, we can

get there faster. By this I mean what if the focus was mainly one of helping the client to learn and

maintain a mindfulness practice through meditation. Once this practice was ingrained and they

began to feel compassion for themselves and others then and only then can we begin to heal the

past. I realize they are using mindfulness in treatment centers but from what I’ve seen it is a very

small part of the treatment and not a daily practice. That’s like running short distances 1 or 2

times a week to train for a marathon. I know that SA treatment is now a money game but are we

not spending millions of dollars with ultimately little long -term success?

I also see this being used in police and fire departments, hospital staff, and schools. This

practice of mindfulness and compassion if brought into all aspects where people are under

extreme daily pressure could change so many current problems and give individuals another tool

for a better life.

Conclusion

The roots of AA through it’s history directly point to Christianity and the majority of

AA’s believe this to be so. As I have studied the path of Buddha and his teachings it was amazing

to think that over the past 33 years I have often engaged and found great healing in this spiritual

practice which has many undertones of Buddha. I am eager to continue my exploration of this

great religion and incorporate it with my beliefs and the 12 steps. I have been and am a life -long

Christian with deep convictions, yet I feel the two can coexist. Each providing me with lessons
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and a spiritual path to the same destination. This combination and especially the use of

mindfulness could transform our planet and our hearts.

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References

Epstein, M. (2013). Thoughts without a thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist perspective.

Basic Books a Member of Perseus Books Group.
Griffin, K.(2004). One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the twelve steps. Rodale

Littlejohn, D.(2009). The 12 step Buddhist: Enhance recovery from any addiction. Simon and
Schuster.
Prothero, S.(2011). God is not one: The eight rival religions that run the world, and why their
differences matter. Black Inc.
Roger, C.(2012). Buddhism and the 12-steps. AA Agnostica

Wilson, B. (1976). Alcoholics Anonymous : the story of how many thousands of men and women
have recovered from alcoholism. New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services