The Weekly Package

Web Exclusive: Surgery in Sobriety

An AA member uses the Twelve Steps to help her with surgery and recovery

I had been experiencing physical pain for about a year before I was officially diagnosed with degenerative disk problems and made an appointment with the neurosurgeon. I had met him before: An amazing surgeon who had operated on a loved one. He is a man I trust and like.

I had gone in for alternative treatments on my back thinking I could delay the inevitable or perhaps all those doctors were wrong and I would not need surgery after all. Nothing particularly "alcoholic" about that line of thinking ... I can control the situation and change it to benefit me, right?

I was... Login to read more
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