ES&H

I mentioned once that “secular groups don’t really use the ES&H concept,” and someone asked me to explain that. So I thought I’d talk about it a little here. My intent isn’t to start an argument. But I’ve come to realize that this approach is often in conflict with, or reflects a different thought process than, most secular approaches. It has certainly been a problem at times when discussions are perceived as criticisms. The idea of criticizing, analyzing, or debating the principles and practices of various programs seems antithetical to the spirit of ES&H.

ES&H stands for Experience, Strength, and Hope: the book Experience, Strength and Hope: Stories from the First Three Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous is an approved World Conference publication. A Google search of the phrase turns up dozens of web sites devoted to sharing personal experiences overcoming addictions, all of them 12-step.

(A couple of examples:

http://www.anonymousone.com/stories.htm

http://www.recoveryuniverse.com/)

 

One 12-step adherent probably summed the concept up best in the midst of a forum discussion by asking (I’m paraphrasing) “why can’t we just share what worked for us and not criticize other programs?” It’s probably important for folks in AA to realize that ES&H is strictly a 12-step idea, and that to suggest that others use that model for sharing may seem alien because we don’t think that way.

I find this idea similar to the testimonial process common in organized religions. Christian Scientists, for example, meet every Wednesday evening for group discussions which include individuals sharing how their prayers healed or helped them during the preceding week. It’s a process of psychic reinforcement, provides peer support, and creates group identity. As such, it can be very useful. Unfortunately, I believe the testimonial approach can, if over-emphasized, stifle inquiry. And it’s not uncommon for skepticism to be met with hostility or condescension.

Coming from a strongly scientific background, I have an innate skepticism about personal testimony. “I did this and it worked” doesn’t really tell me anything. After all, placebos “work.” Moreover, I tend to want to know if a practice or principle is broadly applicable, so it’s important to know how it works. So when I look at Women For Sobriety, for example, I see a program which emphasizes strong affirmation and self-esteem.

Since we don’t take things on faith, folks from secular programs tend to look at the underlying principles in more detail, to discuss and analyze what others may simply accept. Telling us this is inappropriate, or that it might be confusing to newcomers, is like telling us not to think. In fact, when I was a newcomer to recovery it was exactly what I wanted. Some people want to explore the causes of substance abuse, look at efficacy rates, explore what has been shown to work and what hasn’t. That’s part of the process by which we make our own path. And since non-faith-based programs emphasize changing from within, that makes sense to us.