The most important innovation in western spirituality from the 20th Century comes from the group known as AA. The twelve step traditions and the fellowship that grew around these principles helped literally millions of people to overcome diseases such as alcoholism and drug addiction through the program.

I would like to suggest that applying the principles - be it modified - to illness as a whole can be of enormous benefit to our patients.

An addiction is a physiological, psychological dependence on some agent such as alcohol, drugs or even carbohydrates! Addiction according to some, is the acting out of an extreme form of needs, and involves a belief that some agent outside of us will provide relief. This can only lead to profound disappointment. Our belief is based on feelings of being inadequate and unloved. We believe that whatever we use and are addicted to will provide the missing part, the completion of self. Addiction comes from an INNER Narrative or Story, a script or TEXT that speaks of "never getting enough nurturing" that we now use as an excuse to take.

Addiction is ultimately used to deny our purpose, because the feelings of not accomplishing something are so big. Addiction, besides lost bonding and unmet needs, reflects an unresolved heartbreak, shattered dreams and a turning away from life. The common underlying dynamics for addictions, in general, are great need; lost bonding and a belief that something outside of us can save us.

There is also the dynamics of indulgence, dissociation, sacrifice, self-attack, the vicious cycles of manipulation/unworthiness, progressing into taking/getting and finally to emptiness/greater hunger, before this cycle begins all over again.

In illness whatever the cause, we might be able to see similar effects though the whole foundation for the program rests on step 1 the realization of powerlessness. This, I believe, is the key to recovery in addiction as well as in recovering the lost message of the illness.

When we get sick the current model of medicine is to seek advice with a white-coated physician who has the knowledge and power, which only serves to make the patient feel even more powerless. Our model therefore seeks to empower our patients by providing them the medical knowledge necessary so that they can make intelligent decisions about their illnesses. This then empowers our patients to take back their power. The illness is sufficient a cause for making people feel powerless we have no desire to add to that. The program we recommend for the participation of patients in the spiritual dimension of pain and suffering involves the steps outlined above i.e. the 12-step program for recovery. For instance the first step acknowledges the sense of powerlessness over the disease, which is a vital step in the healing process. The next step requires a realization that a higher power could restore one to a healing.

When we discuss disease we do not mean curing. Curing implies a complete eradication of the disease process through some medical intervention. We have no illusions about the nature and power of the diseases we treat. We hope for a healing which includes making space sufficient to hold one’s suffering, giving our patients the tools by which to manage their pain and anguish. Healing then is the ability to make space in the soul to carry the weight of one’s suffering.

By meeting us half way our patients do the inner work necessary on their part, for our part we provide the necessary information to make intelligent decisions about their illnesses as well as a holistic approach to their healthcare. This includes conventional and complimentary medicine, healing touch, reflexology, Ayurvedic Medicine and acupuncture techniques.

It is only by tapping into our own suffering can we access those places our patients are trapped and relieving their pain in a community of fellowship. This is the spiritual dimension of human suffering whereby we are equals and both physician and patient participate in this sacred relationship.